11 Best Online Transcription Courses (Reviewed in 2025)

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Carlos Eduardo

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Last Updated on January, 2025

A few of the Best Online Transcription Courses are Transcription and Captioning Masterclass (by Skillshare), General Transcription Theory & Practice (by Transcribe Anywhere), How To Become A Transcriptionist (by Udemy), and General Transcription Course (by Transcription Certification Institute). 

However, you must thoroughly check each course to find the best transcription courses that suit your requirements. 

Hence, in this guide, we have hand-picked the 11 Best transcription courses online, including their in-depth details, guidance on picking the best transcription course, advantages, cost, and other information you need to know. 

Best Online Transcription Courses

First, check our overview of the best transcription courses. Next, go to our mini reviews on each course!

We also suggest you have a look at the following courses:

1. Learn How to Transcribe (Skillshare)

a screenshot of "learn how to transcribe course content"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Skillshare
  • Instructor: Elizabeth Le Roux
  • Course content: 13 lessons 
  • Estimated completion time: 1 hour and 22 minutes
  • Rating: “Most Liked” course by the enrolled students

Learn How to Transcribe is a beginner to intermediate course to polish your transcription skills. 

There are over 3000+ students enrolled so far, and plenty of them rated for the instructor’s “clarity of instruction.” 

Also, this course includes hands-on class projects covering individual transcription styles, such as non-verbatim and verbatim styles (beneficial for learners). In this online transcription course, you can cover in-depth knowledge in less than 2 hours. 

The pricing of this course includes a 1-month free trial. Subsequently, you can enroll in the $99 per year subscription. 

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Introduction to transcription.
  • Include comprehensive transcription work and accuracy examples.
  • Covers transcription accuracy, common homophones, transcription formatting, speaker labeling, and spelling.
  • Advanced transcription aspects include notation tags, the difference between verbatim and non-verbatim transcription, research, turnaround times, and more. 
  • Includes educating about transcription software.

Pros

Suitable for both beginners and advanced learners.
Contains advanced aspects of transcription.
Teaches to find transcription opportunities at the end of the course.
Includes practical and practice tests and examples to assess your skills.
Fast turnaround time for the transcription classes.

Cons

No transcription certificate is offered at completion.
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2. Transcription and Captioning Masterclass | Master Video Captions and Subtitles (Skillshare)

a screenshot of "transcription and captioning masterclass course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Skillshare
  • Instructor: Nitay L
  • Course content: 23 lessons
  • Estimated completion time: 1 hour and 57 minutes
  • Rating: “Most Liked” course by students

The Transcription and Captioning Masterclass course instructor is Nitay L., a professional transcriptionist with many years of work experience. Based on his career experience, he will guide you on all the Do’s and Don’ts related to your transcription profession. 

However, this course is geared towards the audience who love to learn about transcription and want to learn to pitch their service across various websites and clients. It is one of the best transcription courses offered by Skillshare with the “Most Liked” rating. 

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • It covers the basic transcription terms and polishes the five skills essential for your transcription skills.
  • Covers the transcription tools, including free, paid, and automated transcription tools and translation tools.
  • Includes the guidance on removing background noise and polishing up to transcribe audio files using transcription tools.
  • It has a guide to finding online transcription work on various sites, including Upwork.

Pros

Provide lifetime access.
Detailed walkthrough on everything transcription.
A good beginner-level course.
30-day money-back guarantee.
Reasonable course fee.

Cons

It has many sections covering setting up and finding work opportunities, specifically in Upwork.
The course mainly covers the business aspect of transcribing.
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3. General Transcription: Theory & Practice (Transcribe Anywhere)

a screenshot of "general transcription theory practice course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Transcribe anywhere
  • Instructor: Janet Shaughnessy
  • Course content: Printable cheat sheets, downloadable templates, screencast tutorial videos
  • Estimated completion time: 2 to 4 months
  • Rating: N/A

The General Transcription: Theory & Practice course instructor is Janet Shaughnessy, who has owned Zoom Transcription Services for about ten years and is now the founder of Transcribe Anywhere.

As a successful businesswoman, she has experience guiding and building a suitable base for learners. Even though this course may take 2 to 4 months to complete, it has comprehensive content. 

You will not just learn about transcription but also know how to find opportunities, start your business, and market your business the right way.

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Basic to advanced punctuation knowledge is required for transcription.
  • Covers transcription techniques, including the art of 7-level practice systems.
  • Includes tutorials on transcription software and time coding.
  • Guidance on how to find high-paying work opportunities.
  • Advice on how to start and market your own transcription business.
  • It consists of a final examination to obtain the transcription certification.

Pros

Self-paced course suitable for both beginner and intermediate transcription learners.
Provide lifetime access to the course content.
It gives direct access to collaborate with the instructor and other assistants.
Obtain a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Guide building and marketing your own transcription business.

Cons

Higher course cost.
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4. Free Transcriptionist Mini Course (Transcribe Anywhere)

a screenshot of "free transcriptionist mini Course transcribe anywhere course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Transcribe Anywhere
  • Instructor: Janet Shaughnessy
  • Course content: Written material content
  • Estimated completion time: N/A
  • Rating: N/A

Janelt Shaugnessy is once again, the course’s instructor and leader guiding you throughout this workshop. 

It is one of the best free transcription courses for individuals who want to learn all about transcription and determine whether they are suitable for this work role. It may give you a great headstart and confidence to start your career.

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • It helps to build the required transcribing skills for a successful career. 
  • A beginner-friendly transcription course.
  • Guide you on the necessary tools essential for transcription.
  • It helps to decide whether this job role is suitable for you.
  • Guidance to start your transcription business.

Pros

Free workshop course.
Opportunity to get guidance from a professional transcriptionist.
It gives you a basic idea of what transcription is all about.
It helps to decide on the suitability of the job role.

Cons

Text or material-based course (not video-based).
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5. Legal Transcription: Theory & Practice (Transcribe Anywhere)

a screenshot of "legal transcription theory practice course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Transcribe Anywhere
  • Instructor: N/A
  • Course content: 14 full-length training courses including printable cheat sheets, legal transcription style guide, screencast tutorial videos
  • Estimated completion time: 4 to 6 months
  • Rating: N/A

It is another comprehensive course offered by Transcribe Anywhere specifically to master Legal transcription. This legal transcription course is suitable for someone focusing on generic learning. 

You can learn from experts through video content, practicals, and tutorials. It includes both the theoretical and practical aspects of preparing you for online transcription jobs, having all the skills of legal transcription. 

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Guidance to drill your typing skills and accuracy.
  • Learn to use text expanders and shortcut keys.
  • Teach the ten levels of practice of dictation.
  • Understanding 100 pages of legal terminology, including English and Latin language.
  • Basics on abbreviations, capitalization, and punctuation.
  • Guidance on finding high-paying work opportunities and setting up a transcription website.

Pros

Provide lifetime access to course materials.
Learn the ten levels of practice dictation.
Guidance on starting your own transcription business.
A comprehensive course to master legal transcription.
Provide 100% guarantee to master the legal transcription.

Cons

Expensive.
CLICK FOR BEST PRICE

6. Transcription Skills – Learn Beginning to Advanced Skills (Udemy)

a screenshot of "transcription skills learn beginning to advanced skills course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Udemy
  • Instructor: Chelsea Flint
  • Course content: 15 sections including 28 lectures, two practice tests, 8 articles, 39 downloadable resources
  • Estimated completion time: 1.5-hour class
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

The instructor of this course is Chelsea Flint, who has extensive experience transcribing for Verbal Ink and KMS Transcription Services. 

There are more than 12,000+ students enrolled in this online transcription course. The main goal of this course is to headstart the career to help you provide professional transcripts faster.

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Professional methodologies for editing and transcribing audio recordings.
  • Includes basics such as improving spelling and grammar, typing fast using a text expander.
  • It contains audio files and transcription basics such as cleaning up hard-to-hear video. 
  • It covers timestamping, working with poor audio, and tracking multiple speakers.
  • Includes many practical tests to polish up necessary skills.

Pros

Includes lifetime access to course materials.
Provide downloadable course materials. 
One of the beginner-friendly transcription courses to polish up your basic transcription knowledge.
Includes many practicals helpful to start out in the transcription field.
It has detailed tutorials and videos to learn the essentials.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

It is only suitable for beginners as it doesn’t cover advanced concepts.
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7. How to Become a Transcriptionist (Udemy)

a screenshot of "how to become a transcriptionist course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Udemy
  • Instructor: Chelsea Flint
  • Course content: 10 sections including 26 lectures, 25 downloadable resources
  • Estimated completion time: 1h 16m total length
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5-star ratings

How to Become a Transcriptionist is Chelsea’s second online transcription course in Udemy (from this course list).

As an experienced professional, she provides in-depth learning on all the essentials in this course. So far, 7000+ students have enrolled in this course. However, the main motive of this course is to build your work-from-home transcription career.

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Introduction to transcription, including how professional transcriptionists are paid, traits of good transcriptionists, and what you require to get started. 
  • Includes basics such as spelling, grammar skills, and using Express Scribe. 
  • Includes guidance to practice audio files and transcribing audio. 
  • Has the guidance on landing the best job by applying to transcription companies and working as a subcontractor. 

Pros

Learn to use Express Scribe for better transcription.
Polish up your skills towards advanced methodologies to use Word Processing software.
Obtain a certificate upon completion.
Provide lifetime access to course materials.
Learn to earn from online opportunities.

Cons

There may be a lack of depth in some sections of the tutorials.
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8. Master the Expander: The #1 Tool for Transcription (Udemy)

a screenshot of "master the expander the 1 tool for transcription course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Udemy
  • Instructor: Linda Wagner
  • Course content: 23 sections including 130 lectures, 22 downloadable resources
  • Estimated completion time: 4 hours
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars rating

Master The Expander is one of the highest-rated transcription courses suitable for learners who prefer to expand their knowledge of the medical transcription process. 

This course’s instructor is Linda, experienced in building her transcription business. However, if you want to master legal or medical transcription, this is one of the best online transcription courses!

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Introduction to transcription, including the three biggest myths and three components for success.
  • Guidance on the downloading, setting up, interface, options, and glossaries of the Instant Text tool.
  • It covers all the essentials of using the Instant Text tool for transcription files, abbreviations, headings, specialized terminology, medications, and more.
  • It covers how to edit voice-recognized materials and efficiently handle voice entries. 

Pros

Be the master of using Expander.
Specifically targets specializing in medical or legal transcriber.
Obtain a certificate of completion.
A comprehensive 4-hour course to master the Expander as a professional transcriber.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

Not a beginner-friendly course.
Only suitable for individuals who have a good knowledge of transcription and expanders.
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9. Hands – On Transcription Practice Series – Course A (Udemy)

a screenshot of "Hands On Transcription Practice Series Course A"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Udemy
  • Instructor: Amanda Fichter
  • Course content: 4 sections, including 9 lectures and 60 downloadable files
  • Estimated completion time: 35 minutes
  • Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 stars

The Hands-On Transcription Practice Series course instructor is Amanda Ficher, who has 20 years of active transcriptionist work experience. The course will transform you into a Transcriptionist Simulator with the essential skills to land a significant job role. 

However, more than 1000 students have enrolled in this course so far. Even though it is a short course, it has comprehensive knowledge, like an all-in-one guide for individuals with transcription knowledge. 

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Introduction to transcription, including transcription practice, transcriptionist simulator.
  • Includes transcription practice in legal files, education files, market research interviews, keynote speaker files, and freelancer files. 
  • Teach the BEST PRACTICES in proofreading transcribed files.

Pros

Includes theory and extensive practical-based learning.
You can learn to master transcription based on five genres: legal, education, market research interviews, keynote speakers, and freelance writers. 
You can work on 25 transcription files to enhance your skills.
Obtain a certificate of completion.
Has a real transcriptionist project. 

Cons

Not suitable for learners starting from scratch.
It may contain less basic information.
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10. Step-By-Step Transcription From Home-Start a New Career (Udemy)

a screenshot of "Step By Step Transcription From Home start a New Career"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: Udemy
  • Instructor: Amanda Fichter
  • Course content: 6 sections including 14 lectures, 28 downloadable resources
  • Estimated completion time: 1h 44mins course
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5-star rating

Amanda will be your instructor for theThe Step-By-Step Transcription From Home-Start A New Career course. You already know her and the experience she’s got. So, this is another course that’s worth considering. 

In this course, Amanda would help you set up your home office, skills, and work-related plans for your transcription career. It is suitable for both a beginner and a fresher looking to advance the transcription profession.

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Introduction to transcription and working from home.
  • Equipping your transcription career as a work-from-home individual.
  • Provide one of the best transcription training.
  • Guidance to find transcription work and bonus lectures.

Pros

Obtain a certificate of completion.
Lifetime access to the course material.
Guide to turning your career into a full-time work-from-home career.
Reasonable cost.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

It mainly targets the business aspect of transcribing.
Not as well-suited for intermediate learners.
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11. General Transcription Course (Transcription Certification Institute -TCI)

a screenshot of "general transcription course"

Quick summary:

  • Offered by: TCI
  • Instructor: N/A
  • Course content: Reading materials
  • Estimated completion time: 3 weeks
  • Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5-star rating

General Transcription Course is beginner-friendly and is one of the best transcription courses online. Currently, there are more than 9000+ students enrolled in this course so far. 

Once you register, you get access to their extensive resources and transcriptionists. After completing the course, you can enroll in one of their internships. 

Therefore, it helps to steadfast your career with work experience. 

The following are the key learning of this course: 

  • Covers the basics of good grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.
  • Improves listening and comprehension skills.
  • Enhance your typing skills.
  • It consists of a quiz after each lesson to understand the concepts better. 

Pros

It consists of in-depth transcription classes and tutorials.
Provides access to the TCI job board.
Get access to the accuracy assessment tool.
Provide career support after the course completion.
You may get an internship at a transcription company once you complete the course.

Cons

Expensive course fee.
The completion time may take longer than claimed.
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How to Choose a Transcription Course?

The following are the key points to look at when you are selecting among the best transcription courses:

  • Check whether the course has pathways and learnings to expand your existing skills or build new skills. Find the best transcription training courses depending on the skills you need to develop. 
  • If the instructor is experienced and knowledgeable, you can expect more learning from the specific course. Generally, the experience of a person decides the extensive learning worth. 
  • Depending on your current skills, experience, transcription training requirements and goals, the syllabus plays a significant role. 
  • You do not need a beginner course if you are a skilled transcriptionist. In that case, you must focus on an intermediate or an advanced course. 
  • When transcribing, you must have a solid understanding of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Make sure the course will help you to polish your skills further.
  • If you have a budget, you must check whether the picked transcription course is within your budget.

Advantages of Taking a Transcribing Course

The following are the main advantages of taking online transcription courses:

  • Develop the required skill and learn transcription techniques whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner.
  • Develop your skills according to the current market demand and based on different transcription industries. 
  • Ability to find a long-lasting and reliable career. You can also do transcription jobs as a side hustle. 
  • Capability to constantly stay improved and focused by polishing up the required skill often. It helps to hold your demand in the industry. 
  • Be a qualified transcriptionist by taking certified courses from authorized institutions.

What is the Cost of a Transcribing Course?

a person transcribing listening to a recording

The cost of the transcription courses depends on the type of course you pick. For example, you can take Udemy courses for a cost between $13 to $18.

If you consider Skillshare, you can pay its monthly subscription for about $24 or go for the annual subscription which totals around $8.25 per month. Next, in Transcribe Anywhere, the cost is $499 as a one-time payment and $199 in installments for three months. 

Therefore, the transcription course’s cost depends on your chosen course type. 

If you want to learn more about Skillshare platform, read our review here.

What is the Duration of Learning Transcription Online?

The duration of learning from transcription courses online depends on the type of courses and the length of courses you pick. 

For example, short and beginner-level courses may require only 1 hour of learning. Advanced courses covering a comprehensive syllabus may take 2 to 4 months to complete. 

Do You Need a Transcription Certification to Work As a Transcriptionist?

In most cases, you don’t need a transcription certificate to work as a transcriptionist. The hiring managers or the clients mainly look into your skills. 

Do you have the skills and learning to complete the job? If yes, that’s all that matters. However, you must follow proper transcription training courses to fulfill this requirement. 

Therefore, follow an authorized course from a transcription certification institute or reliable website to build up your skills. 

Other course categories you might like:

Final Thoughts

We have eased your task of helping you find the best transcription course among the extensive list of 11 best choices. It would help you to streamline your journey towards becoming a professional transcriptionist. 

This guidance will help you narrow your decision-making process to determine the online courses that fit your requirements. 

We hope this guide helped you find the best online transcription classes!

FAQs

You can learn online transcription by using Express Scribe tool, practicing transcribing audio files with minimal mistakes, and becoming proficient in grammar and punctuation.

To become a certified transcriptionist, you can attend a respected certification program or complete a recognized transcription course offered by an accredited institution.

You can learn transcription free from online courses on websites like Udemy, Skillshare, Transcribe Anywhere, and others.

Yes, online transcription courses are worth it as they provide guidance and enable you to develop your skills and acquire trustworthy knowledge.

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Carlos Eduardo
Hey there, I’m Carlos Eduardo, the Founder and Author of Scorebeyond. Delving deep into 20+ years of education transformation through innovative e-learning, I’ve poured my expertise into this platform. My enduring legacy continues to drive the path towards a future empowered by knowledge!
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