Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:09 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:09 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Record court proceedings
Record court proceedings
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPCRT412B
PSPCRT412B
State Code
D3678
D3678
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
091103 - Legal Studies
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the ability to report verbatim and transcribe court proceedings of a straightforward nature using high-speed shorthand or machine shorthand with speed and accuracy set at jurisdictional level (130-160 words per minute depending on work level, with 99% accuracy). The unit includes preparing for hearings, setting up court arrangements, recording proceedings in shorthand and producing transcripts.In practice, recording court proceedings may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities, such as acting ethically, working with diversity, complying with legislation, applying government processes, and gathering and analysing information. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for hearings.
- 1.1. Court rosters are checked and cause list is examined to identify jurisdiction, number of judiciary and status of case.
- 1.2. Existing glossaries are located.
- 1.3. For new cases, dictionaries and glossaries of names and terms from court (case) file are created in accordance with court standards, and dictionaries are loaded.
- 1.4. Resources and materials to be taken to court are organised and sufficient time is allowed to get to court and set up before proceedings begin.
2. Set up court arrangements.
- 2.1. Court arrangements are set up, equipment is tested, and problems are remedied where possible, or reported according to practice and procedures.
- 2.2. Equipment is placed and cables are secured in compliance with workplace safety requirements.
- 2.3. Liaison with court, judicial staff and legal profession is undertaken on proceedings and references.
- 2.4. Files are collected and sorted, and case information is obtained and examined for relevant information.
3. Capture proceedings.
- 3.1. Commencement procedures are undertaken according to practice and procedures.
- 3.2. Shorthand or notes are taken of proceedings, or machine is operated, to create accurate transcript.
- 3.3. Clarification of proceedings is obtained from participants where necessary according to practice and procedures.
- 3.4. Transcript is read back as requested according to court procedures and protocol.
- 3.5. Correct procedure is followed when working with or taking over from audio reporters.
- 3.6. Court protocol is maintained throughout proceedings.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Jurisdiction includes:
all types of proceedings, except:
Full Court
Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court
Number of judiciary may include:
single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner
full bench
Status of case may include:
new case
part-heard
appeal
Cases may include:
trial
appeal
Terms may include:
legal
police
medical
financial
forensic
business
Court arrangements may include:
more than one court reporter
audio reporter
in general court:
shorthand or written notes using abbreviations
in trial court:
audio plus shorthand or shorthand machines
Equipment may include:
headphones
laptop
leads
microphones
shorthand machine
Liaison may be with:
sheriff's officer
prosecutor
lawyer
judicial support officer
judge's tipstaff or associate
court orderly
court security officer
interpreter
Relevant information may depend on:
whether defendant is present
whether bail applies
whether summons applies
people involved:
prosecutor
defendant
defendant's representative
Commencement procedures may include:
inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings
taking previous reporter off using established procedures
Creating accurate transcripts:
includes issues that affect:
accuracy
correct outlines
required speed
may be affected by:
management style of presiding officer
noise and movement in courtroom
demeanour of participants, such as witnesses and counsel
speed of speakers
language issues, such as:
complexity of language used
use of interpreter
accents
grammar and syntax
clarity of speaker
shorthand method:
Pitmans
machine (e.g. Stentura)
online transcription
individual transcription
Read back may include:
finding reference by scrolling back on shorthand machine
reviewing paper tape
Jurisdiction includes:
all types of proceedings, except:
Full Court
Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court
Number of judiciary may include:
single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner
full bench
Status of case may include:
new case
part-heard
appeal
Cases may include:
trial
appeal
Terms may include:
legal
police
medical
financial
forensic
business
Court arrangements may include:
more than one court reporter
audio reporter
in general court:
shorthand or written notes using abbreviations
in trial court:
audio plus shorthand or shorthand machines
Equipment may include:
headphones
laptop
leads
microphones
shorthand machine
Liaison may be with:
sheriff's officer
prosecutor
lawyer
judicial support officer
judge's tipstaff or associate
court orderly
court security officer
interpreter
Relevant information may depend on:
whether defendant is present
whether bail applies
whether summons applies
people involved:
prosecutor
defendant
defendant's representative
Commencement procedures may include:
inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings
taking previous reporter off using established procedures
Creating accurate transcripts:
includes issues that affect:
accuracy
correct outlines
required speed
may be affected by:
management style of presiding officer
noise and movement in courtroom
demeanour of participants, such as witnesses and counsel
speed of speakers
language issues, such as:
complexity of language used
use of interpreter
accents
grammar and syntax
clarity of speaker
shorthand method:
Pitmans
machine (e.g. Stentura)
online transcription
individual transcription
Read back may include:
finding reference by scrolling back on shorthand machine
reviewing paper tape
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
locate and interpret appropriate information relevant to jurisdiction, judiciary and case
operate equipment and resources necessary for effective recording
record information to produce accurate transcript of court proceedings
apply appropriate formatting and style to transcript
comply with organisational and legislative procedures and protocols
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by recording court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
applicable regulations and codes
workplace procedures and protocols
Access may be required to:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when recording court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to recording court proceedings
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when recording court proceedings
Guidance information for assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about relevant legislation, acting ethically, and applying processes
observation of the candidate responding to a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures
review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
locate and interpret appropriate information relevant to jurisdiction, judiciary and case
operate equipment and resources necessary for effective recording
record information to produce accurate transcript of court proceedings
apply appropriate formatting and style to transcript
comply with organisational and legislative procedures and protocols
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by recording court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
applicable regulations and codes
workplace procedures and protocols
Access may be required to:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when recording court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to recording court proceedings
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when recording court proceedings
Guidance information for assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about relevant legislation, acting ethically, and applying processes
observation of the candidate responding to a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures
review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW31 | PSPCRT013 | Record court proceedings using shorthand | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J286 | PSP40412 | Certificate IV in Government (Court Services) | Qualification |