Compile, maintain, and update information and files pertaining to each court reporter client.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Individual user setup, preferences, formats, parentheticals, and include files

K-2 Personal reporter information, samples

Uses computerized equipment to convert untranslated machine shorthand into English and edit English text to a near-final draft to be proofread.

Knowledge of:

K-1 English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary

K-2 Medical, legal, and technical terminology

K-3 General knowledge of the fundamentals of one or more stenotype theories

K-4 Word-by-word read-through implementing appropriate globaling of untranslates, mistranslates; flagging problem areas

K-5 Transcript formats, including reporter's preference

Skills (ability to):

S-1 Correct translation of steno notes into English

S-2 Make appropriate globaling/dictionary entries

S-3 Read for continuity, sense, and detail of the proceeding

S-4 Recognize and flag suspect portions of transcript

S-5 Use correct grammar, word usage, spelling, and punctuation

Verifies elements of transcript to ensure accuracy.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Content and location of reference material, such as exhibits, dictionaries, directories, atlases, newspapers, magazines, books, and case reports in law libraries

K-2 Library reference services and index systems

K-3 Organizations and associations representing various occupations, trades, and professions

K-4 Use and custom of word lists and exhibits

Scopist uses computer technology to edit rough transcript for court reporter.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Keyboarding

K-2 Computer hardware

K-3 Computer software

K-4 Archiving methods

K-5 Virus protection

Skills (ability to):

S-1 Use transcript production software (CAT)

S-2 Use general office equipment

S-3 Create a useable backup

S-4 Type on computer keyboard at 45 wpm

Uses scopist CAT (computer-aided transcription) software to produce a near final transcript for court reporter.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Equipment requirements for selected software

K-2 Editing functions and commands

K-3 Differences in global commands and how they affect reporter's text and dictionaries

K-4 Compatibility of CAT systems

Skills (ability to):

S-1 Use and apply CAT manual instructions, installations, and updates

S-2 Set up clearly defined client directories

To scope a new job, the scopist exchanges files with the court reporter in whatever method of file transfer is most convenient for both parties.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Electronic file transfer via email

K-2 Electronic file transfer via direct modem

K-3 How to verify successful transfer

K-4 Regular mail methods

K-5 Express mail methods

K-6 Transfer of data via diskette

Skill (ability to):

S-1 Communicate to reporters the necessary steps to exchange files

The scopist identifies problems, determines whether they are hardware or software related, and recommends potential solutions for the scopist and court reporter.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Troubleshooting resources

K-2 Hardware

K-3 Software

Skill (ability to):

S-1 Communicate the nature of the problem

S-2 Elicit the nature of the problem

The scopist prioritizes work in order to meet deadlines.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Deadlines

K-2 Job size

The scopist must market his or her services to create a sustained work flow.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Marketing techniques for business start-up

K-2 Marketing techniques for maintaining business

K-3 Methods of establishing rates and terms

The scopist keeps business records of work in progress, billing and tax information to ensure timely delivery of transcript, receipt of payment, and compliance with governmental tax codes.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Recordkeeping methods

The scopist speaks and writes accurately and effectively in professional communications.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Basic grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling

Skills (ability to):

S-1 Proofread

Conducts oneself professionally to serve the best interests of the reporter client and provides the highest standard of practice by keeping abreast of customs, procedures and developments in the reporting profession by reading professional journals, supporting professional reporting associations.

Knowledge of:

K-1 The confidentiality requirements of the reported proceedings and associated documents

K-2 Laws, rules, policies, custom and practices relative to professional conduct and ethics

K-3 Scopist Code of Ethics

K-4 One's own professional strengths and weaknesses

K-5 The responsibilities of the scopist to the reporter, including punctuality, timely delivery of transcripts, courtesy, dependability, impartiality and timely response to oral and written communications

K-6 Court Reporting terms of art

Develops editing knowledge and skill by participating in continuing education programs and by keeping abreast of new techniques that affect the profession.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Continuing education programs

K-2 Technical developments in the reporting/scoping field, such as computer transcription and computer technology

K-3 One's own professional strengths and weaknesses