Real-Time Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced and connected world, the demand for Real-Time Captioners is growing rapidly.

As communication becomes increasingly instantaneous, the need for skilled professionals who can facilitate, improve, and ensure accuracy in real-time communication becomes more critical.

But what exactly does a real-time captioner do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to attract the best candidate,
• Or simply interested in the world of real-time captioning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Real-Time Captioner job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into it.

Real-Time Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Real-Time Captioners play a critical role in aiding communication for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

They use specialized equipment and software to provide real-time captions for live events, meetings, broadcasts, and other scenarios.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Listening to live or recorded audio and converting it into written text
• Utilizing specialized equipment, software, and shorthand to transcribe spoken words into written form in real-time
• Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and readability of transcriptions
• Editing captions for grammar, punctuation, and clarity
• Adding descriptive captions for non-speech elements like music or sound effects
• Verifying names, locations, and terminologies for accuracy
• Keeping up-to-date with language trends and terminologies in different fields
• Maintaining confidentiality of all spoken content
• Coordinating with event organizers or producers for special requirements
• Conducting system checks and troubleshooting equipment/software issues
• Keeping records of work performed for reference and billing purposes
• Continually improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency in captioning

 

Real-Time Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled Real-Time Captioner to provide accurate, timely, and meaningful captions for live events, meetings, and media broadcasts.

The responsibilities of the Real-Time Captioner include transcribing spoken words into readable, grammatically correct text in real time.

You will use specific captioning software to display the text on a screen, monitor or other visual display.

Our ideal candidate is an excellent listener with a fast and accurate typing speed.

They must have a strong grasp of the English language, including punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time transcription of spoken words into text during live events
• Ensure accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar in all transcriptions
• Use specific captioning software to display text on a screen or other visual display
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards
• Perform editing and quality control on captions
• Prepare and review equipment before each event or session
• Respond to viewer or client feedback and make necessary adjustments

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Real-Time Captioner or similar role
• Excellent listening skills and ability to understand diverse accents and speech patterns
• Fast and accurate typing speed
• Proficiency with captioning software and equipment
• Strong knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
• Completion of a captioning training program or certification is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Real-Time Captioner
• Work Environment: This role can be performed remotely or on-site at events or broadcasting studios. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Team Lead.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Real-Time Captioner Do?

Real-Time Captioners work primarily for media companies, broadcast stations, or as self-employed individuals.

Their work is critical in making live events accessible to people with hearing disabilities.

They transcribe spoken words into written form in real-time during live events such as conferences, meetings, webinars, or television broadcasts.

Their job is to listen carefully to the speech, convert it into readable text with a high level of accuracy, and ensure it is displayed on the screen in real-time.

Real-Time Captioners must possess a high typing speed, have a strong understanding of the context, and should be familiar with various accents and dialects.

In addition to live events, they may also transcribe pre-recorded materials, ensuring the text matches the audio content perfectly.

Real-Time Captioners are also responsible for identifying and correcting errors, managing the timing of captions, and ensuring the captions do not cover important visual content.

They may also be required to provide descriptions of non-dialogue audio, such as music or sound effects, to provide a complete understanding of the content for viewers.

 

Real-Time Captioner Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Real-Time Captioner should possess the following set of skills and qualifications:

• Outstanding listening abilities and an excellent grasp of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Fast and accurate typing skills, ideally reaching speeds of 200 words per minute or more
• Ability to transcribe dialogue verbatim, capturing every word and sound in real-time
• Thorough knowledge of the specialized software and equipment used for real-time captioning
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy and clarity of captions
• Strong research skills to identify unfamiliar words, phrases, or references
• Ability to handle stress and perform under pressure in live events or broadcasts
• Flexibility to work irregular hours or on-call, as live events can occur at any time
• Adaptability to work across different media types such as television, online broadcasts, and live events

 

Real-Time Captioner Experience Requirements

Real-Time Captioners typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.

To gain experience and proficiency in the skills required for real-time captioning, candidates often attend a vocational school or community college program in court reporting or closed captioning.

During these programs, candidates learn the necessary skills like stenography, transcription, and real-time reporting.

Some students may secure part-time roles as transcriptionists or stenographers to gain practical experience while still in student status.

Entry-level positions often require at least 1-2 years of experience, which can be gained through an internship, part-time role, or freelance work as a captioner.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience in real-time captioning often have enhanced their skills and speed in transcribing spoken content and may be ready to take on more complex roles such as live broadcast captioning.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have additional skills like editing, proofreading, and quality control, and they could be well-equipped for supervisory roles or training new captioners.

Professional certification, such as the Certified Realtime Captioner credential from the National Court Reporters Association, can also be beneficial and may be required by some employers.

 

Real-Time Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Real-Time Captioners, also known as court reporters, typically need to have a postsecondary nondegree award from a community college or technical institute.

They should follow courses or programs that lead to a career in court reporting, closed captioning or communication access real-time translation (CART).

These programs usually take about 2 to 4 years to complete and include instruction in English grammar and phonetics, legal procedures, and terminology.

A strong command of the English language, both in written and spoken form, is necessary.

They must also have excellent listening skills and the ability to capture dialogue accurately.

Proficiency in typing and shorthand is another important requirement.

Real-Time Captioners should be able to type at a speed of at least 225 words per minute.

Some states require Real-Time Captioners to possess a professional license or certification.

This typically involves passing a written test and a typing speed test.

Continuing education is also important in this role, as technology and software used in real-time captioning continue to evolve.

Therefore, additional training and certifications in the latest software and technology are beneficial.

Lastly, a certain amount of on-the-job training is usually required, during which novice captioners are guided by experienced ones to polish their skills and adapt to real-world conditions.

 

Real-Time Captioner Salary Expectations

A Real-Time Captioner earns an average salary of $60,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Real-Time Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Real-Time Captioner need?

A Real-Time Captioner needs to have excellent listening skills as well as fast and accurate typing skills.

They should be able to understand different accents and dialects.

It is also essential for them to have good knowledge of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

A basic understanding of technical or specialized terminologies used in various industries can also be beneficial.

 

Do Real-Time Captioners need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in Communication or English.

However, the most important requirement is often a certification in captioning or court reporting, and some level of experience in the field.

It’s also beneficial to have knowledge in the field you’ll be captioning for, such as legal, medical, or entertainment.

 

What should you look for in a Real-Time Captioner resume?

Apart from their educational qualifications and certification, experience in a similar role is a crucial aspect to look for in a Real-Time Captioner’s resume.

This will demonstrate their ability to deliver accurate captions under time pressure.

Their typing speed and proficiency in English language and grammar are other important aspects to consider.

 

What qualities make a good Real-Time Captioner?

A good Real-Time Captioner is attentive, patient, and has a high level of concentration.

They must have excellent listening skills and the ability to convert spoken words into written text quickly and accurately.

They should also be able to handle pressure and work in real-time without getting flustered.

 

Is it difficult to hire Real-Time Captioners?

Finding a qualified Real-Time Captioner can be challenging due to the specific skill set required for the job.

The candidate needs to have an excellent command of the language, a high typing speed, and the ability to work in real-time, which not everyone can master.

Therefore, it might take time to find the right candidate.

However, offering competitive compensation and good working conditions can attract more candidates to the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a Real-Time Captioner.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not merely transcribing speech.

It’s about instantly interpreting dialogues, speeches, and events, word by word, in real-time.

With our reliable Real-Time Captioner job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take a step forward.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating compelling listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every transcribed word contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s create accessibility. Together.

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