Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:59 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:59 PM 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 complex court proceedings
Record complex court proceedings
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPCRT507B
PSPCRT507B
State Code
D3689
D3689
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
091103 - Legal Studies
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers the ability to produce verbatim reporting and transcription of complex court proceedings using high-speed shorthand or machine shorthand at speeds required by the jurisdiction (typically in excess of 170-200 words per minute [wpm], with 99% accuracy). It includes preparing for complex hearings, setting up court arrangements, recording complex proceedings in shorthand, and producing transcripts.In practice, recording complex court proceedings may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities, such as acting ethically, working with diversity, complying with legislation and undertaking research and analysis. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for complex hearings.
- 1.1. Court rosters are checked and cause list is examined to identify jurisdiction, number of presiding officials and status of case.
- 1.2. Existing glossaries, running sheet and previous transcript 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. Case information is obtained and checked for relevantinformation.
- 2.5. Preparations are made to include any special requirements for recording proceedings in a team, as opposed to individually.
3. Capture complex 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 on proceedings is obtained from participants where necessary according to practice and procedures.
- 3.4. Transcript is read back as requested in accordance with 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, in particular:
Full Court
Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court
Presiding officials may include:
full bench
single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner
tribunal member
Status of case may include:
appeal
new case
part-heard
Case may be:
appeal
civil
criminal
trial
Terms may include:
business
financial
forensic
legal
medical
police
technical, including building, mechanical, aviation and nautical
Equipment may include:
audio/visual
digital or analogue recording equipment
headphones
leads
microphones, including monitoring microphones
shorthand machine
Liaison may be with:
court security officer
interpreter
judge's tipstaff or associate
judicial support officer
lawyer
prosecutor
sheriff's officer
Relevant information may include whether case is:
civil
criminal
federal
Commencement procedures may include:
inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings
taking previous reporter off using established procedures (e.g. end of sentence)
Creating accurate transcripts:
includes:
required 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
shorthand 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, in particular:
Full Court
Court of Criminal Appeal - Supreme Court
Presiding officials may include:
full bench
single judge, master, magistrate, registrar or commissioner
tribunal member
Status of case may include:
appeal
new case
part-heard
Case may be:
appeal
civil
criminal
trial
Terms may include:
business
financial
forensic
legal
medical
police
technical, including building, mechanical, aviation and nautical
Equipment may include:
audio/visual
digital or analogue recording equipment
headphones
leads
microphones, including monitoring microphones
shorthand machine
Liaison may be with:
court security officer
interpreter
judge's tipstaff or associate
judicial support officer
lawyer
prosecutor
sheriff's officer
Relevant information may include whether case is:
civil
criminal
federal
Commencement procedures may include:
inputting start message to identify commencement of proceedings
taking previous reporter off using established procedures (e.g. end of sentence)
Creating accurate transcripts:
includes:
required 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
shorthand 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, presiding officials and case
operate equipment and resources necessary for effective recording
record information to produce accurate transcript of complex 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 complex court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time and according to organisational policy and procedure.
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 complex court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the recording of complex court proceedings
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when recording complex 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, presiding officials and case
operate equipment and resources necessary for effective recording
record information to produce accurate transcript of complex 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 complex court proceedings on a range of occasions, over time and according to organisational policy and procedure.
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 complex court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the recording of complex court proceedings
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when recording complex 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW20 | PSPCRT024 | Record complex court proceedings | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J303 | PSP50312 | Diploma of Government (Court Services) | Qualification |