You see, the first time I heard the word “scopist,” I thought it had something to do with microscopes or telescopes. I laughed at myself later, but that moment stuck with me.
So, if you’re here wondering what scoping is and whether it’s for you, pull up a chair.
Let’s talk about the 5 things I wish I knew before getting into this field.
On This Page
1. Scoping is Not the Same as Proofreading
Let’s clear this up first, because I’ve seen people mix the two up a lot.
The difference?
Proofreading focuses on grammar, punctuation, and typos. You’re polishing the final draft.
Scoping? It’s deeper.
You’re working with raw transcripts from court reporters. The kind that still has the speaker IDs, stutters, and maybe even some misheard words. You’ll be using a CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software like Case CATalyst or Eclipse to edit those transcripts against the audio.
Court reporters write in stenography, a shorthand where one keystroke can represent an entire phrase. For example:
- “TPH-GS” might mean “the witness”
- “KPA*D” could stand for “cross-examination”
Scopists take these rough drafts and translate them in
Real-life example:
Imagine a court reporter transcribed this:
“I—I mean, the car, it, it hit the pole on the left, I think?”
A scopist’s job? Clean that up without changing the meaning, all while following the reporter’s preferences.
“I mean, the car hit the pole on the left, I think.”
See the difference?
Bottom line:
Scoping is like being a transcript surgeon. Proofreaders come in at the healing stage. Scopists handle the mess.
Why It’s Cool
- Linguistic detective work: Scopists often decipher mumbled words or overlapping speech.
- Legal precision: A misplaced comma can change a deposition’s meaning.
- Tech-savvy required: Most use CAT software (Computer-Aided Transcription) to streamline editing.
Pro Tip: Want to see steno in action? Check out this..
2. You Don’t Need a Degree. But You DO Need Training
I know you’ve seen those “start scoping today and make $80/hr” posts online.
Eish. I have suffered from those shiny promises.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need a university degree, but you do need proper training if you want to actually land clients and do the job well.
How Much Do Scopists Make?
- Beginners: $25–$40/hour
- Experienced: $50–$100/hour (especially in niche fields like medical or technical depositions)
Since court reporters are chronically overworked, many gladly outsource scoping, meaning steady work for freelancers.
How to Make $3,000/month as a scopist.
What kind of training?
Look for programs that teach:
- Court transcript formatting rules
- How to use CAT software (this is not like MS Word!)
- Legal terminology and punctuation
- How to follow a reporter’s preference sheet
One solid program you might want to check out is Internet Scoping School. It’s beginner-friendly and even includes practice files with audio.
Freelancers say:
“I had no idea what a scopist even did before I started the course. Now I’ve got 3 regular court reporters who send me weekly files.” — Amanda, former VA turned scopist
Bottom line:
Skip the YouTube rabbit hole. Get structured training and real practice.
3. CAT Software is Your New Best Friend (and It’s Not Free)
Let me warn you early: CAT software isn’t optional. And no, Google Docs won’t cut it.
The two main programs used by court reporters and scopists are:
- Case CATalyst (Stenograph)
- Eclipse (Advantage Software)
Both are powerful, both take time to learn, and both cost money.
What it does:
- Imports transcripts directly from the reporter
- Lets you listen to the audio alongside the text
- Tracks changes
- Lets you customize dictionary entries and preferences
Think of it like this:
CAT software is to a scopist what a sewing machine is to a tailor. No shortcuts.
Real talk:
Expect to spend about $500–$1,000 to get started with software and training. But once you land just one client, that can be recovered quickly.
Bottom line:
Don’t let the tech scare you. YouTube and training courses have got your back, and once you learn it, you’re golden.
4. There’s a Real Demand, If You’re Reliable
You’re probably wondering, “Are there even clients for this?”
Let me whisper a secret: Court reporters are always looking for good scopists. Especially those who:
- Meet deadlines
- Communicate well
- Know their stuff
A little backstory:
Court reporters are swamped. They attend long depositions, come home exhausted, and still have to produce clean transcripts.
That’s where you come in; saving them HOURS of editing time.
One scopist I spoke to said:
“Once I proved I could return clean transcripts on time, my reporter started referring me to her friends. I didn’t even have to pitch anymore.”
Where to find clients:
- Scopist-specific Facebook groups
- Court reporter forums
- Referrals from training programs
Bottom line:
Yes, there’s work. But the gold is in showing up consistently and doing your job well.
5. It’s a Flexible Career, But It’s Still Work
Let’s not sugarcoat this.
Yes, you can work from home. Yes, you can choose your hours.
But no, it’s not easy money while sipping coffee and watching Netflix.
A day in the life of a scopist:
- You wake up to an email from a reporter: “Here’s a 70-page file. I need it back in 3 days.”
- You open Case CATalyst, import the file, and start editing while listening to audio.
- You check for stutters, correct misheard terms, follow a preference sheet, and fix formatting issues.
- You triple-check the final file before sending it back.
What people love:
- No meetings
- No phone calls
- Deep work, solo-style
- High earning potential as you grow
But it is intense work, especially if you’re editing legal or medical cases with tricky terminology.
Bottom line:
Scoping gives freedom. But you’ve got to earn it with focus and skill.
FAQs About Scoping
1. What is a scopist?
A scopist is someone who edits transcripts for court reporters. They use special software to correct and format transcripts by comparing the written text to the audio recording.
2. Is scoping the same as transcription?
No. Transcription involves typing everything from scratch by listening to audio. Scoping involves editing a transcript that’s already written by a court reporter, usually from a stenograph machine.
3. Do I need a license to become a scopist?
No license is required. But proper training is strongly recommended, especially to learn CAT software and legal formatting rules.
4. How much can I earn as a scopist?
Rates vary depending on experience and speed. New scopists might earn $1.00–$1.25 per transcript page. Experienced ones can make $1.50–$2.00 or more per page.
5. What tools do I need to get started?
- A reliable computer (Windows-based)
- CAT software (like Case CATalyst or Eclipse)
- Headphones
- Training program
- Optional: External keyboard and foot pedal for audio
6. Can I become a scopist if I used to be a transcriber or VA?
Yes! Many former transcribers, VAs, and proofreaders switch to scoping. You already have skills like attention to detail, working with audio, and meeting deadlines.
7. Is there a demand for scopists?
Yes, especially for trained and reliable scopists. Court reporters are always looking for someone to take editing work off their plate.
8. Where can I find scoping jobs?
- Scoping job boards
- Facebook groups (like “Scopists for Hire”)
- Court reporter forums
- Through referrals and networking
A Quick Recap (In Bullet Form Because We Know You’re Skimming)
- Scoping ≠ Proofreading. It’s more detailed, involves audio, and uses CAT software.
- Training is essential. Don’t DIY it, get real instruction.
- CAT software is key. Learn it, invest in it, and get good at it.
- There’s demand. Court reporters are begging for good, dependable scopists.
- It’s real work. But it pays well and gives freedom once you’re in.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve worked as a transcriber, VA, or proofreader, you already have a head start.
You know deadlines. You know focus. You know how to work solo.
Scoping is just a new way to use those skills—at a higher rate, with more stability.
Maybe this is the next chapter for you?
Or maybe it’s not your vibe, and that’s okay too.
But now you know. And sometimes, that’s all we need to take the first step.
Got questions about scoping?
Let me know in the comments. Or tell me:
Have you ever heard of scoping before this post?
Let’s chat below.
