How to Become a Captioner (From Murmurs to Manuscripts)

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the art of transcribing spoken dialogue or wondered what it takes to become a professional captioner, you’ve arrived at the right destination.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the EXACT steps you need to embark on your journey to becoming a captioner. We’ll discuss:
- The skills you need.
- The education that can be beneficial.
- How to secure a job as a captioner.
So, whether you’re a beginner in transcription or an individual with a keen ear looking to enhance your skills, stay with us.
We’re about to reveal the roadmap to becoming a captioner.
Let’s get the ball rolling!
Steps to Become a Captioner
Step 1: Research the Profession
Before starting your career as a captioner, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the profession to understand what the job involves.
Captioners provide real-time translation of speech into text for live events, television broadcasts, and online media.
They also play a critical role in making content accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
You should familiarize yourself with the skills required for this job which includes fast typing speed, excellent listening abilities, and precise language skills.
Understanding the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the profession will help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
Also, research the different types of captioning.
Live captioning, offline captioning, and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) all require similar skills but are used in different settings.
Additionally, some captioners specialize in specific fields, like medical or legal, which may require additional knowledge or training.
Lastly, look into the educational requirements, certification processes, and potential employers.
The National Court Reporters Association is a reliable resource for information about the profession and certification.
Understanding the profession thoroughly will help you prepare and plan your next steps towards becoming a captioner.
Step 2: Acquire Necessary Education
Aspiring to become a captioner often requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent education.
However, it is highly beneficial to pursue further studies in the field of English or communications.
Degree programs in these areas can help you understand the intricacies of language, grammar, and punctuation, which are vital for a captioner’s role.
Some colleges and technical schools offer specialized courses or certification programs in court reporting or captioning.
These programs provide in-depth training in the use of captioning software and stenotype machines.
They also train students in real-time captioning and transcription, which are crucial skills in this field.
Higher-level degree programs, such as a bachelor’s or master’s in English or Communication, can further improve your language skills and open up more opportunities.
These degrees often incorporate coursework in creative writing, technical writing, public speaking, and other areas that can be beneficial for a captioner.
Remember, education in this field is not limited to formal degrees and certifications.
Participating in workshops and webinars, reading relevant books, and practicing your skills are also important steps to becoming a proficient captioner.
Step 3: Learn to Type Quickly and Accurately
As a captioner, one of the most crucial skills you must possess is the ability to type both quickly and accurately.
The nature of the job often requires real-time transcription, meaning that you’ll need to type the words as they’re being spoken.
There are several online resources available to help improve your typing speed and accuracy, many of which are free.
These resources often provide exercises that can help you familiarize yourself with keyboard layouts, improve your touch typing skills, and enhance your overall speed and precision.
Additionally, you should also practice spelling and grammar.
Good language skills are crucial in captioning to ensure that the content is understandable and accurate.
Improving your typing speed is important, but it should not come at the expense of accuracy.
Remember, your goal as a captioner is to provide clear, concise, and understandable content to viewers, so your typing skills are crucial to achieving this goal.
Finally, it may be beneficial to learn stenography or use a steno machine, which is a unique keyboard that allows you to press multiple keys at once to type entire words or phrases.
This can significantly increase your speed and efficiency, making you a more effective captioner.
Step 4: Familiarize Yourself with Captioning Software and Equipment
As a captioner, you will be expected to use specialized software and equipment to provide accurate and synchronized captions for video content.
There are a variety of tools available, with some of the more popular ones including EZ Titles, Subtitle Edit, and CaptionMaker.
While some software may be more intuitive than others, it’s crucial to spend time learning the ins and outs of each system.
This will typically involve inputting the text, timing it with the video, and ensuring that it is correctly formatted.
Familiarity with these systems will not only speed up your workflow but also ensure the quality of your captions.
In addition to software, you may also need to become accustomed to using a stenotype machine if you decide to pursue real-time captioning.
This device allows captioners to type at high speeds using a phonetic code, which can be instantly translated into text.
This requires a significant amount of training and practice, but can make real-time captioning a viable career option.
You may also consider investing in good quality headphones for better audio clarity, which is essential for accuracy in captioning.
Taking courses or gaining certification in using these tools could be beneficial in honing your skills and standing out among other potential candidates.
There are various online platforms offering courses tailored to specific captioning software.
Remember that technology is continually evolving, so keep up to date with the latest developments and advancements within the captioning industry.
This will help you stay competitive and ensure you’re providing the best service possible.
Step 5: Understand Legal Requirements and Industry Standards
As a captioner, it is of utmost importance to be familiar with legal requirements and industry standards.
This includes knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires certain businesses and educational institutions to provide closed captioning for their video content.
Familiarize yourself with the standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for captioning pre-recorded, live, and near-live programming on television.
The FCC’s rules require captions to be accurate, synchronous, complete, and properly placed on the screen.
Professional organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) and the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) also provide guidelines for captioning quality and accuracy.
Such standards dictate the use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting in all captioning work.
Moreover, you should understand the principles of confidentiality, especially if you’re working in a setting like a courtroom or a live television broadcast.
Laws related to copyright might also be applicable if you’re creating captions for recorded media.
Knowledge of these legal requirements and industry standards are crucial for maintaining professional ethics and ensuring your captions are accessible and beneficial to all viewers.
Step 6: Get Certified
After gaining ample experience in the field of captioning, it’s time to enhance your professional credibility by obtaining a certification.
Various organizations, such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), offer certification programs for captioners.
The Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) certification from NCRA is one of the most recognized in the industry.
To be eligible for the CRC certification, candidates usually need to have some work experience or education in the field and pass a written knowledge test and a skills test.
The written test covers areas such as realtime writing, language skills, and the mechanics of captioning.
The skills test involves captioning a pre-recorded program at a specific speed with a certain level of accuracy.
Getting certified not only validates your skills but also sets you apart in the job market.
It can increase your earning potential and open up more job opportunities.
You may also need to earn continuing education credits to keep your certification current.
Step 7: Develop Specialized Knowledge
As a captioner, it can be beneficial to develop knowledge in one or more specialized areas.
This could be a specific industry such as medical, legal, or educational captioning.
Each of these fields has its own set of terminologies and jargon that a captioner must understand in order to accurately transcribe the audio.
For example, in medical captioning, you may be required to understand complex medical terms and procedures.
Legal captioning may demand a good understanding of legal terminologies and court procedures, and educational captioning may require you to be familiar with academic terminologies.
Developing specialized knowledge can be achieved through additional courses, workshops, or even self-study.
You may also find it beneficial to work closely with professionals within these industries to deepen your understanding.
The more specialized your knowledge, the more marketable you become as a captioner.
Furthermore, understanding cultural nuances, slang, and accents can also enhance your captioning abilities, especially when working with diverse audiences or in live captioning scenarios.
Being proficient in multiple languages can also open up more opportunities.
In summary, developing specialized knowledge can significantly increase your chances of success as a captioner.
Step 8: Gain Practical Experience
Gaining practical experience is a crucial step in becoming a successful captioner.
To do this, you should try to find internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that involves captioning.
These opportunities might be in various settings, like broadcasting companies, video production agencies, or social media firms, where you can engage in real-time captioning or transcribing pre-recorded media.
While working, you will not only enhance your typing speed and accuracy but also learn how to use professional captioning software and equipment.
Furthermore, you’ll understand the different styles and formats of captioning, such as pop-on, roll-up, and paint-on captions.
Don’t forget to focus on improving your listening skills as well, as understanding different accents, dialects, and speech rates is critical for this role.
All this practical experience will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry, sharpen your skill set, and make your resume more appealing to future employers.
Step 9: Create a Portfolio
Building a portfolio as a captioner is essential to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Your portfolio should include a variety of captioning and transcription work you have completed.
This could range from movie and television clips, online video content, live events, and maybe even excerpts from video games.
Ensure the content in your portfolio is diverse, showcasing your ability to handle different types of content, and various rates of speech.
Your portfolio should also include samples of different types of captioning styles.
You can include verbatim captioning, which includes all the um’s, ah’s, and false starts of the speaker, as well as edited captions, where these distractions are removed for better readability.
Remember to respect copyright laws when creating your portfolio.
If you are unable to use the original video, create a document showcasing your ability to transcribe and caption accurately.
You can use a standard time-stamped format to show your professional approach.
Your portfolio is not only a display of your skills but also a reflection of your professionalism, so ensure it is neatly organized and free of errors.
Keep updating it with your latest work, showing your growth and versatility as a captioner.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs or Freelance Opportunities
Once you’ve acquired the necessary skills and certifications to be a captioner, the next step would be to start applying for jobs.
There are numerous job boards online where you can find captioning jobs.
Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often post captioning jobs from companies around the world.
Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your captioning skills and any experience you may have.
In addition to applying for jobs, you might also consider freelance opportunities.
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr offer freelance captioning gigs.
This could be a good option if you prefer flexible working hours or if you’re looking to gain experience in a variety of industries.
Before applying, make sure to have samples of your work ready to show to potential employers or clients.
They’ll want to see evidence of your captioning skills and your ability to work with different types of content.
Finally, consider joining professional organizations for captioners.
They often have resources for job seekers, including job postings and networking events.
This can be a great way to meet other professionals in the field and learn about new opportunities.
Step 11: Network with Professionals
Networking is a crucial step in establishing yourself as a captioner.
This involves building relationships with other professionals in the industry, including other captioners, audio editors, and video producers.
Joining professional organizations such as the National Captioning Institute or the Captioning Advisory Committee can provide valuable networking opportunities.
You can also connect with professionals in the field through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, and by attending industry conferences and workshops.
These interactions can help you stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technology, and may also lead to job opportunities.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced captioners for advice or mentorship.
Most professionals are happy to share their insights and experiences with newcomers to the field.
Remember, networking is not just about what others can do for you but also about how you can contribute to the community.
Sharing your own knowledge and experiences can make you a valuable member of these professional networks.
Lastly, consider collaborating on projects with your network.
This not only helps to build strong relationships but can also expand your skills and portfolio.
Step 12: Continuously Develop Your Skills
In the field of captioning, the need to continuously improve and develop your skills is paramount.
As language evolves, so must your understanding and usage of it.
This can mean keeping up with slang, technical jargon, or industry-specific lingo.
Invest in ongoing training and self-improvement.
Work on your typing speed and accuracy.
Remember, in live captioning scenarios, speed is of the essence.
Additionally, stay abreast of developments in captioning software and technology.
Familiarize yourself with the latest tools and platforms used in the industry.
Whenever possible, participate in workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance your skills and network with professionals in the field.
Furthermore, consider learning a second language.
Being able to caption in more than one language could make you more marketable and open up additional job opportunities.
Lastly, always be open to feedback.
Constructive criticism can help you identify areas of weakness and focus on improving them.
Remember, the goal is to provide the highest quality captioning possible, and continuous skill development is key to achieving this.
Step 13: Stay Abreast of Accessibility Trends
As a captioner, it is crucial to keep yourself updated about the latest accessibility trends.
Laws and standards are often updated to reflect current technology and to increase accessibility for everyone.
These can range from federal laws to corporate guidelines and may affect the way you work.
Trends could include new captioning software, updates to existing software, changes in language usage, and new best practices.
For example, the advent of AI and machine learning has brought about automatic speech recognition (ASR) tools, which has revolutionized the field of captioning.
Additionally, staying abreast of cultural changes and shifts in language can help you be more effective in your role.
Language is an ever-evolving concept and keeping up with modern usage, slang, or terminologies can help you create more accurate and relatable captions.
Consider subscribing to industry newsletters, joining professional captioning organizations, and regularly participating in relevant training and workshops.
This ongoing education will ensure you remain proficient and competitive in your field, helping you to provide the best possible service to those who depend on your skills for their communication needs.
Step 14: Consider Entrepreneurship
As a captioner, you may want to consider starting your own business after gaining experience and mastering the skill.
This step is not mandatory but can lead to greater financial rewards and freedom in managing your work schedule.
Starting your own captioning business involves finding clients who require your services, negotiating contracts, and delivering high-quality work consistently.
This may be more challenging compared to being an employee, but it allows you to set your own rates and choose projects that interest you.
It’s also important to have solid knowledge about the business side of things, including marketing, customer service, and financial management.
You may want to take business courses or seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs in the captioning industry.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a big step and requires dedication, persistence, and the ability to handle risks and uncertainties.
Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to start your own business as a captioner.
Captioner Roles and Responsibilities
Captioners provide real-time text representation of video content, ensuring that audio is accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences.
They may also be responsible for adding descriptive captions for visual elements in media to cater for visually impaired viewers.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Caption Writing
- Transcribe spoken words, sound effects, and musical cues in real time or from recordings.
- Create descriptive captions for visual elements in media.
- Adapt translations for cultural differences if required.
Proofreading and Editing
- Proofread and edit captions for readability and accuracy.
- Ensure captions align accurately with audio and visual content.
- Check and correct grammatical errors and typos.
Research
- Research complex terms, names, and jargon to ensure correct spelling and usage.
- Keep abreast of language trends and changes.
Time Coding
- Ensure captions appear and disappear at the correct times.
- Adjust caption timing to match dialogue pace and screen activity.
Collaboration
- Work closely with production teams, clients, and other media professionals.
- Coordinate with video editors and sound engineers to ensure synchronicity between captions and media.
Quality Control
- Review final product to ensure captions meet quality standards.
- Ensure caption readability and consistency throughout the media.
Adherence to Guidelines
- Follow specific style guides and captioning rules.
- Adhere to legal and ethical guidelines pertaining to captioning.
Technical Skills
- Operate captioning software and equipment.
- Update and maintain captioning tools and systems.
Continuous Learning
- Update skills and knowledge to keep up with changes in language, technology, and captioning standards.
- Attend training sessions, workshops, and industry events.
What Does a Captioner Do?
Captioners, also known as broadcast captioners or closed caption writers, provide a crucial service to the deaf and hard of hearing community by converting the audio content of a video into written words.
They are primarily responsible for ensuring that the captions are accurate, readable, and synchronized with the audio.
Their work involves listening to live broadcasts or pre-recorded videos and transcribing them in real-time or offline.
This includes television programs, news broadcasts, movies, online videos, video games, and other multimedia content.
Captioners often utilize computer software or specialized equipment that supports stenography to create captions quickly and efficiently.
They may also use voice recognition technology, especially in real-time captioning.
A significant part of their job is to keep up with the pace of the dialogue, ensuring that the captions match the video’s timing.
They must also be able to accurately caption sound effects, background noises, and non-verbal cues that are relevant to the content.
Captioners must have excellent listening skills, a strong command over the language they are working in, and a high typing speed.
They are also required to understand context, cultural references, idioms, and nuances to ensure that the captions are as meaningful as the original audio.
In addition to servicing the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community, captioners also assist individuals whose first language is not English, helping them better understand and engage with audio-visual content.
Essential Captioner Skills
- Listening Skills: Captioners must have excellent listening skills to accurately transcribe spoken words into written words.
- Speed and Accuracy: The ability to quickly and accurately type what is being said is critical for captioners. Fast typing skills without compromising on accuracy is crucial.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command over the language being transcribed, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, is necessary to produce high-quality captions.
- Knowledge of Captioning Software: Familiarity with captioning software and tools is essential. This may include software for automatic speech recognition, video editing, and timecoding.
- Concentration: Captioning involves focusing intently for long periods. The ability to maintain concentration and avoid distractions is key.
- Understanding of Context: A good captioner must be able to understand the context of the conversation or speech they are captioning. This includes understanding nuances, idioms, or cultural references.
- Research Skills: Captioners may need to research names, terms, or references to ensure correct spelling and context. The ability to quickly find accurate information is crucial.
- Confidentiality: Captioners often work with sensitive information. The ability to maintain confidentiality is of utmost importance.
- Adaptability: Captioners may need to adapt to different accents, speech rates, and topics. The ability to quickly adjust to various scenarios is beneficial.
- Time Management: Captioners often work on tight deadlines. Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure are necessary.
- Knowledge of Accessibility Standards: Understanding accessibility standards and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is critical to creating inclusive content.
- Proofreading: Captioners must be able to thoroughly proofread their work to ensure it is error-free and conveys the intended message accurately.
Captioner Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Junior Captioner
The journey often begins as a Junior Captioner.
In this role, you are primarily tasked with transcribing and synchronizing text with media.
You will learn to work with specialized software and become familiar with industry-specific terminology.
Here are some suggestions for success in this role:
- Accuracy: Ensure that your transcriptions are accurate, as errors can lead to confusion for the audience.
- Speed: Develop your typing speed while maintaining accuracy.
- Language Skills: Enhance your language skills, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
The Ascent: Captioner
With experience and honed skills, you advance to the role of a Captioner.
In this role, you may be responsible for captioning live events, refining timings, and ensuring a seamless experience for the audience.
Here’s how to thrive at this stage:
- Live Captioning: Improve your real-time transcription skills, as they are crucial for live events.
- Adaptability: Learn to work across different platforms and media types.
- Teamwork: Work collaboratively with others, as some projects may require team effort.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Captioner
The next step is the Senior Captioner role.
You are recognized for your expertise and may take on more complex projects, provide training to junior captioners, and perform quality control checks.
To excel as a Senior Captioner:
- Leadership: Lead by example and help junior captioners develop their skills.
- Quality Control: Ensure the quality of captions, as it can directly affect the viewer’s experience.
- Technical Expertise: Learn advanced features of captioning software and stay updated with new technologies and trends in the industry.
Beyond the Horizon: Supervisor and Managerial Roles
As your career progresses, you may step into supervisory or managerial roles.
These positions involve overseeing a team of captioners, coordinating projects, and liaising with clients.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Project Management: Develop project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Communication: Enhance your communication skills to engage effectively with clients and your team.
- Decision Making: Strengthen your decision-making skills, as you’ll be responsible for critical choices regarding project allocation, recruitment, and more.
Pinnacle of Success: Director of Captioning
At the highest level, you may become the Director of Captioning.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for shaping the company’s strategy related to captioning services, making key decisions, and managing a large team.
You’ll need to ensure compliance with industry regulations and drive innovation in your department.
Captioner Salary
Entry-Level Captioner
- Median Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year
- Entry-level captioners typically have 0-2 years of experience and may hold an associate’s degree or certificate in court reporting or captioning. They often start their career by captioning pre-recorded programs.
Mid-Level Captioner
- Median Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year
- Mid-level captioners have 2-5 years of experience and often take on more challenging tasks such as live captioning for news broadcasts or sports events. They may also begin supervising junior captioners at this level.
Senior Captioner
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Senior captioners possess 5+ years of experience and are responsible for leading projects, making critical decisions, and mentoring junior captioners. They might caption high-profile live events such as political debates or international sports competitions.
Lead Captioner / Captioning Manager
- Median Salary: $70,000 – $90,000+ per year
- These roles come with significant experience and often involve coordinating teams of captioners, managing schedules, and ensuring quality standards. They may also be involved in training new captioners and in the development of new captioning technologies.
Director of Captioning Services
- Median Salary: $90,000 – $120,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience and deep understanding of captioning standards and technologies. They are responsible for overseeing all captioning services within a company or organization, including strategic planning and policy development.
Captioner Work Environment
Captioners often work in a variety of settings, including television studios, theaters, and live events.
They may also find employment with companies that offer closed captioning services for the hearing impaired.
With advancements in technology, many captioners have the option to work remotely from their homes, providing real-time or pre-recorded captioning for various media platforms.
This role involves sitting for extended periods and requires a high degree of concentration and excellent typing skills.
Captioners typically work on a schedule that aligns with their clients’ needs, which can sometimes involve working outside of traditional business hours.
This could include evenings, weekends, and even holidays, especially when providing services for live events or broadcasts.
After gaining significant experience and building a reputation for accuracy and speed, some captioners choose to become freelancers, offering their services on a contract basis to various organizations and media outlets.
FAQs About Becoming a Captioner
What skills are needed to become a captioner?
To become a successful captioner, you need to have excellent typing speed and accuracy, good listening skills, and a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation.
Knowledge of different dialects, accents, and languages is also beneficial.
Other important qualities include attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, proficiency with specialized captioning software, and a commitment to confidentiality and ethical practices.
What kind of education is required to become a captioner?
While a specific degree isn’t typically necessary to become a captioner, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.
There are post-secondary programs and courses in transcription and captioning that can provide relevant training.
Some captioners also have backgrounds in fields such as English, communications, or a foreign language.
Certification from organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) can enhance your credibility and job prospects.
Can I work as a captioner from home?
Yes, many captioners work remotely from home.
This may involve live captioning of broadcasts or events, or offline captioning of recorded content.
It’s important to have a quiet working environment, a reliable high-speed internet connection, and the necessary equipment and software.
Is becoming a captioner a stressful job?
Captioning can be a demanding job due to the need for speed, accuracy, and attention to detail, especially in live captioning scenarios.
However, it can also be rewarding to provide a valuable service that helps to make media and events more accessible.
The stress levels can vary depending on the nature of the work, the deadlines, and the individual’s ability to manage stress.
What are the career prospects for a captioner?
The demand for captioners is expected to grow, driven by the increasing need for accessible content in media, education, and various other industries.
There are opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a supervisor or manager, or specializing in a particular type of captioning.
With experience and a strong reputation, it’s also possible to command higher rates as a freelance captioner.
Conclusion
There it is.
Setting out on the path to become a captioner may not be simple, but it’s definitely rewarding.
Equipped with the necessary skills, education, and perseverance, you’re already paving the way to make a significant impact in the world of communication accessibility.
Keep in mind, the journey may be demanding, but the rewards are boundless. Your contributions could lead to a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
So, make that first move. Immerse yourself in learning. Connect with professionals in the field. And most importantly, never stop perfecting your captioning skills.
Because the world is waiting for your unique contributions to accessibility.
And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on beginning or advancing your career in captioning, explore our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is designed to provide tailored advice and resources to help you effectively navigate your career path.
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