Higher Certificate in Court Reporting at Sol Plaatje University

This certificate is designed to provide relevant skills to individuals pursuing careers in court reporting in both courtroom and deposition settings, capturing and certifying the verbatim record of legal proceedings.

The Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting exits at HEQSF level 5 and the minimum duration is one (1) year.

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting is to provide an opportunity for court interpreters who are already in the profession as well as newcomers to the field of court interpreting to obtain a recognized formal and professional qualification.

The qualification vertically articulates to further studies in language and communication-related programmes at SPU and other Universities.

Admission requirements

The qualification is directed at enabling individuals to apply relevant skills, knowledge, and principles to execute management functions.

To gain access to the Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting program a student has  to have the following:

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Grade 12) pass with Higher Certificate requirement or National Certificate Vocational (NCV);

English Home Language: NSC level 4 OR English 1st Additional Language: NSC level 5;

Students should have at least one other African language to enrol for the Higher Certificate In Court Interpreting, taken as a home language (NCS level 4) OR 1st Additional Language (NCS level 5);

Mathematics: 30% (NSC Level 2) OR Mathematical Literacy: 40% (NSC Level 3)

APS Minimum points: 25

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) access: Up to 10% of the intake in any year may be approved through the RPL, whether as the result of formal or non-formal learning (incorporating experiential learning) at Level 4 or a demonstrated functional equivalent.

Mature age applicants with relevant industry experience and applicants with level 4 qualifications may be approved for entry by the University Registrar.

Period of study: 1 Year

Can I learn court reporting online?

Online court reporting schools offer a great way for students to earn a degree or certification on their terms.

Many programs offer day and evening classes, and others are completely on-demand, so students can learn at their own pace.

Is court reporting a stressful job?

Court reporting is thus a huge responsibility.

It is considered to be one of the most stressful professions in the world.

Court reporters’ mistakes or misinterpretations could compromise an entire case.

That’s why they must write down accurately and quickly every word and action that happens during a proceeding.

Can court reporters work from home?

Court Reporting as a Remote, Work-From-Home Job

Voice writing can be a work-from-home job, or you can find regular employment.

However, as more areas in the country open more fully, court reporters may have to return to attending the proceedings in person to take down their verbatim recordings.

Court Reporter Salary South Africa

The average court reporter salary in South Africa is R240,642 or an equivalent hourly rate of R116.