One skill. One price. No surprises.
VerbatimPrep trains you from zero to CVR-ready for a fraction of what traditional schools charge. Phase 1 is free, forever.
Compare the cost to get certified: Traditional steno school costs $15,000 to $55,000 over 2 to 4 years with an 85 to 90% dropout rate. The nearest online voice writing school charges $5,750 for 9 months. VerbatimPrep gets you there for under $3,000 total, equipment included.
Free
Phase 1: Listen + Type. Build your foundation.
- Practice at 120 and 140 WPM
- Literary, jury charge, and Q&A passages
- Full scoring on all NVRA CVR grading categories
- Progress dashboard, streaks, speed clubs
- Phase 1 certificate at 140 WPM
Equipment: Keyboard + headphones. That's it.
Start freePro
Phases 2 through 6. From voice writing to certification.
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 160, 180, 200, and 225 WPM passages
- Voice writing practice with stenomask
- Exam simulation (timed, auto-submit)
- Full serialized content library
- Deposition case file practice
- All three CVR exam legs at full speed
Equipment (one-time): Stenomask (~$290) + Dragon Professional ($699). Total: ~$1,000. You keep it for your career.
Start free, upgrade when readyThe full cost to become a Certified Verbatim Reporter
Everything you need, signup to certification. No hidden fees.
| Phase | What you need | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Listen + Type | Keyboard + headphones | $0 |
| Phase 2: Voice Writing | Stenomask (~$290) + Dragon Pro 16 ($699) | ~$1,000 equipment + $99/mo platform |
| Phase 3: Exam Prep | Eclipse Vox Student (~$399) | ~$399 one-time (separate purchase) |
| CVR Exam | Same equipment you already own | $185 skills + $160 written + ~$225 NVRA membership |
| Total: signup to certified | ~$2,700 total (equipment + subscription + exam fees) | |
For comparison: traditional steno school is $15,000 to $55,000 over 2 to 4 years. The nearest online voice writing program is $5,750 for 9 months. BLS median salary for court reporters: $72,420 (May 2025, bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm).
Questions
Do I need to buy equipment before I start?
No. Phase 1 needs only a keyboard and headphones. You will not need a stenomask or software until Phase 2, which most students reach in 2 to 6 weeks. We send you the exact shopping list when you get there.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Monthly subscriptions cancel immediately. Annual passes are non-refundable after 30 days. Your free-tier access and Phase 1 progress are always available, even after canceling. Manage your subscription from the billing page.
How long does it take to get certified?
Most students reach the Literary exam leg (180 WPM) in 6 to 9 months of daily practice. You can sit one leg at a time. Each passed leg banks permanently.
Can I practice on my phone?
You can listen to dictation on your phone and type on your computer. The platform supports multiple devices logged in at the same time. Typing on a phone screen is too slow for 120+ WPM practice, so you will want a physical keyboard.
Is this only for people in the United States?
VerbatimPrep works from any country with an internet connection. The content is in English. The NVRA CVR exam is currently offered at US test sites, but the accuracy and speed skills transfer to Canadian provincial certifications and Commonwealth court systems.
What is voice writing?
Voice writing (also called stenomask reporting) is a method of court reporting where you repeat everything said in a proceeding into a handheld sound-dampening mask connected to speech recognition software. It produces a real-time transcript. It is faster to learn than traditional stenography and is accepted in 46+ US states, federal courts, and military courts.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your account and all progress data stay intact. You keep full access to free-tier content (120 and 140 WPM). Pro content (160+ WPM) locks until you resubscribe. Nothing is deleted.
All you need is a keyboard and headphones.