Shorthand
Shorthand is one of the most fascinating and challenging parts of the course. However, it can also give you a huge sense of satisfaction as the squiggles swimming in front of you on the page start to make sense and help you to make a clear and accurate note you can rely upon in any situation.
In the first term at Up To Speed you cover the theory and work up to speeds of 60, 70 and 80 words per minute. Annie Roberts holds our record to date, with 100 wpm cracked in just 14 weeks. In the second term, when the focus is on practical journalism, you should be using your shorthand every day as part of your work and you are also able to access daily exercises online. You will have regular classes at Up To Speed as you build up to the 100wpm exam. This speed is essential if you are hoping to move on to take the National Certificate qualifications in either News or Sports Reporting.
Exams
60 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Interval: 30 seconds . Transcription: 25 minutes.
70 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Interval: 30 seconds. Transcription: 30 minutes.
80 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Interval: 30 seconds. Transcription: 35 minutes. Exams at 90-120 wpm have a slightly different format and so have two intervals, 30 seconds after two minutes and 15 seconds after three minutes.
90 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Transcription: 40 minutes.
100 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Transcription: 45 minutes.
110 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Transcription: 55 minutes.
120 wpm Exam: Four minutes. Transcription: 65 minutes.

Shorthand tutor Karen Ballam: "You will find that for many editors, shorthand tops the list of requirements."

