What Is a Remote Transcriber and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A remote transcriber converts audio into text by typing what they hear on an audio file or during a live speech. In this work from home career, your duties could also include adding notes or data to the text. You can specialize in areas such as legal, medical, foreign language, or business transcriptions. Each specialty has unique duties. The responsibilities of some transcribers involve taking steps to convert print records and handwritten documents into digital form by entering relevant data into a computer system. For example, the IRS hires transcribers to type information from handwritten returns into their database.

The qualifications that you need to become a remote transcriber include typing skills, the ability to use a computer, and training or experience in your area of specialization. For example, if you transcribe for medical clients, you can become a certified medical transcriptionist (CMT). For legal transcriptions, you can become a certified legal transcriptionist. Employers often accept experience instead of a certificate, but they also often have typing speed requirements that are usually between 70 and 90 words per minute (WPM). Since you work remotely, you need to be able to use online transcription platforms and databases and correctly format documents before submission.