Today’s post is all about working from home as a scopist. If you’ve never heard that term before, you’re not alone. It’s one of those “hidden gem” work-from-home careers. But if you have a sharp eye for detail and love working with words, scoping could be an excellent fit.
To give you some insight, I interviewed Linda Evenson, founder of Internet Scoping School (ISS), the longest-running and most comprehensive scoping program online. Linda has been scoping for decades and now helps others break into the field.
How did you first get started as a scopist?
As a young mom, I heard a friend was making money from home typing transcripts for court reporters. Back then, everything was done on carbon forms, and I was constantly covered in ink! Eventually, I discovered training to learn reporter shorthand, and later I got into computerized transcript editing. That’s when I really fell in love with scoping — I’d found my niche.
What exactly does a scopist do?
Court reporters capture proceedings like depositions, trials, and hearings. Scopists then edit those transcripts line by line, correcting errors, adding punctuation, researching spellings, and reading untranslated steno notes. We polish the raw transcript so it’s nearly perfect before it goes to a proofreader and then on to attorneys.
How is scoping different from proofreading?
Proofreaders check for typos and final polish. Scopists handle a much deeper level of editing. We’re working with raw transcripts, often full of untranslated notes, missing words, or rough spots. It’s more work, but that’s what makes it fun!
What do you love about working from home as a scopist?
I love the freedom. I’ve always been able to work around my family’s schedule. When my kids were little, I could be home with them and still bring in thousands a year. Now that they’re grown, I work from home with my dogs by my side. If I want to go camping, I can scope by the lake as long as I have internet. Plus, I work with amazing reporters who value what I do. It’s truly a rewarding, flexible career.
Can scoping be a lucrative career?
Yes! According to Linda, scopists typically earn $30,000 to $50,000 per year, sometimes more with experience and strong client relationships. That’s similar to many college graduate incomes without the years of schooling or student loan debt.
And since it’s home-based, you also save on gas, commuting, daycare, and office clothes.
Is it hard to break into scoping with no experience?
Not if you’ve been properly trained. Reporters are happy to work with new scopists when they know you’ve completed a reputable program. Having an Internet Scoping School certificate shows them you have the skills to do the job well.
What kind of person does well as a scopist?
Scoping is perfect for people with strong word skills. If you love reading, word games, puzzles, or have a knack for grammar, you’d likely be a great fit. Attention to detail, focus, and self-motivation are also essential traits.
How do scopists find clients?
ISS covers marketing extensively. There are many ways to connect with court reporters both online and offline. Honestly, finding clients is usually the easy part. The real key is learning the skill well so you can keep clients happy once you land them.
Internet Scoping School – How to Get Started
Linda created Internet Scoping School in 1999 to give students everything they need to launch a successful career. Unlike shorter or “surface-level” courses, ISS is known for being the most comprehensive scoping program available.
Here’s what makes ISS stand out:
✅ Step-by-step training – From beginner to confident professional scopist in just a few months.
✅ Hands-on software instruction – Learn Case CATalyst (and soon Eclipse), the industry-standard tools reporters use.
✅ Marketing & client acquisition – Guidance on exactly how to get clients and grow your business.
✅ Lifetime updates & support – Access to the ISS community and course updates forever.
✅ Proven track record – Hundreds of grads working successfully as scopists.
ISS also screens students with a Word Skills Test, so you’ll know from the start whether this is the right path for you.
Try It Free
Not sure if scoping is right for you? Start with ISS’s Free 7-Day Introductory Course. It gives you a solid overview of the field so you can decide whether to move forward.
If you at any point decide to invest in the full course, there are payment plan options available for that. But this 7-day one is completely free with no strings!
Final Thoughts
Scoping isn’t for everyone. It takes focus, attention to detail, and a love of language. But for the right person, it’s a flexible, recession-proof career that lets you work from anywhere while earning a solid income.
Linda has trained countless successful scopists, and if you’re curious, I encourage you to check out her Free 7-Day Introductory Course and see if it sparks your interest.
👉 Click here to learn more about Internet Scoping School.
Anna Queen is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.