In today’s digital world, transcription has become an essential skill across industries, from journalism and podcasting to law and medicine. Whether you’re looking to launch a flexible freelance career or add a valuable service to your professional toolkit, transcription offers a reliable way to earn income from anywhere.
With the rise of remote work and online learning, finding the right course to master transcription has never been easier. In this article, I’ll guide you through the 11 best transcription courses available online so you can choose the one that fits your goals, budget, and experience level.
Main Section: 11 Best Transcription Courses Online
- Transcribe Anywhere (Janet Shaughnessy)
- Udemy: Transcription Skills – Learn Beginning to Advanced Skills
- Rev Transcription Training Program (Free)
- GoTranscript Training Program
- Skillshare: Learn How to Transcribe
- Transcription Certification Institute (TCI)
- Coursera: Transcription Basics for Beginners
- Learn Medical Transcription on Meditec
- EdApp Transcription Course (Microlearning App)
- Fiverr Learn: Freelancing as a Transcriptionist
- Typing.com (Free Typing & Transcription Practice)
1. Transcribe Anywhere – General & Legal Transcription (by Janet Shaughnessy)
Transcribe Anywhere is a professional-grade training program offering two full courses: general and legal transcription. Designed by experienced transcriptionist Janet Shaughnessy, this course combines theory, practical exercises, and business advice. It’s ideal for those looking to build a long-term freelance career. A free mini-course is also available for beginners to test the waters.
Features:
- Lifetime access to lessons, updates, and student support
- Dozens of real audio practice files with varying difficulty
- Lessons on grammar, punctuation, formatting, and transcription tools
- Certification provided upon course completion
Pros: In-depth, covers business setup, great for serious learners
Cons: Higher price point, no refund policy
Best For: Beginners to advanced learners committed to freelancing full-time
2. Udemy – Transcription Skills: Learn Beginning to Advanced Skills
This affordable Udemy course introduces students to transcription basics and progresses to advanced listening and editing techniques. It includes training on using tools like Express Scribe and handling accents and poor-quality audio. With a low one-time fee, it’s ideal for learners on a budget.
Features:
- Lifetime access to video lessons
- Downloadable resources and quizzes
- Covers software usage, style guides, and timestamps
- Certificate of completion included
Pros: Budget-friendly, self-paced, easy access
Cons: Not as comprehensive as premium programs
Best For: Beginners wanting a quick and affordable start
3. Rev Transcription Training Program (Free)
Rev’s training program is a quick-start guide for those who want to apply to work with them. It’s free and offers tutorials, practice files, and a test that must be passed to join their team. There’s no certification, but it’s a practical way to break into paid transcription work.
Features:
- Free to access and complete
- Built-in application process for paid gigs
- Focus on Rev’s style guidelines and standards
- Great intro to real-world transcription challenges
Pros: No cost, leads to the job opportunity
Cons: Only prepares you for Rev’s system, no certificate
Best For: Beginners testing interest or needing quick work
4. GoTranscript Training Program
GoTranscript offers a no-cost training and application process for freelance transcription work. Users study a style guide, complete sample tasks, and if accepted, start earning right away. It’s more of a gateway to freelancing than a formal course.
Features:
- Free training and access to job opportunities
- A sample test is required for acceptance
- Ongoing feedback and grading
- Flexible hours and multilingual options
Pros: Free, real work experience, accepts global applicants
Cons: No formal curriculum or certification
Best For: Self-taught learners wanting instant job options
5. Skillshare – Learn How to Transcribe (Elizabeth Le Roux)
This beginner-friendly course on Skillshare offers a simple, practical introduction to transcription. The lessons include guidance on how to improve listening skills, format documents, and find transcription jobs. It’s short but useful for quick learners.
Features:
- Skillshare subscription unlocks many related courses
- Focus on job readiness and accuracy
- Project-based learning with real examples
- Covers freelance tips and workflow suggestions
Pros: Good for a quick overview, includes job tips
Cons: Less depth, requires a subscription
Best For: Casual learners testing the waters
6. Transcription Certification Institute (TCI)
TCI provides an industry-recognized certification course covering essential transcription skills, grammar, and accuracy. Students also gain access to a job board and internship opportunities. It’s ideal for those wanting formal credentials.
Features:
- 11 structured lessons with quizzes
- Graded final exam for certification
- Internship and job placement support
- 90-day access to the course with extensions available
Pros: Certification, access to job listings
Cons: Time-limited access unless extended
Best For: Aspiring professionals who want to certify their skills
7. Coursera – Transcription Basics for Beginners
Coursera hosts several university-backed courses on transcription and speech-to-text tools. These often form part of larger programs in linguistics or data science. Many offer financial aid and certificates.
Features:
- Taught by professors or industry experts
- Flexible scheduling and mobile access
- Option to audit for free or pay for certification
- Good academic depth, includes peer review
Pros: University-backed, structured, optional certificate
Cons: Not focused solely on career transcription
Best For: Academic learners or career switchers
8. Meditec – Medical Transcription Training
Meditec offers a specialized course focused on medical transcription. It teaches medical terminology, transcription formatting, and legal compliance like HIPAA. It’s best for those targeting jobs in healthcare documentation.
Features:
- Modules on pharmacology, anatomy, and medical language
- Includes career support and certification
- Online access with instructor support
- Financial aid options are available
Pros: Deep healthcare focus, career-aligned
Cons: More expensive, not for general transcription
Best For: Learners pursuing medical transcription specifically
9. EdApp – Introduction to Transcription (Microlearning Format)
EdApp offers bite-sized transcription lessons in a mobile-friendly format. Lessons are short, interactive, and suitable for learners who want to practice during breaks or on the go. Ideal for informal or supplemental learning.
Features:
- Mobile-first design with quizzes and flashcards
- Gamified microlearning modules
- Suitable for teams and individual learners
- Covers general concepts and software basics
Pros: Free, interactive, easy to follow
Cons: Lacks depth, no certificate
Best For: Busy learners needing flexible, short lessons
10. Fiverr Learn – Freelancing for Transcriptionists
This course is tailored for freelancers looking to sell transcription services on Fiverr or similar platforms. It teaches transcription techniques alongside branding, pricing, and client management strategies.
Features:
- Focus on freelancing success, not just transcription
- Platform-specific advice (Fiverr, Upwork)
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access with practical modules
Pros: Great for side hustlers and freelancers
Cons: Not deep in transcription mechanics
Best For: Transcriptionists who want to grow on freelancing platforms
11. Typing.com – Typing and Transcription Practice (Free)
Typing.com isn’t a full course but offers valuable practice in typing speed and basic transcription skills. It’s a great free supplement for those who need to improve their typing before enrolling in advanced training.
Features:
- Speed-building drills and accuracy tests
- Intro-level transcription exercises
- Completely free and browser-based
- Great tool for beginners or kids
Pros: Free, improves typing foundation
Cons: Not a professional-level course
Best For: Newbies wanting to build typing skills
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Choosing the best transcription course depends on your goals, experience level, and preferred learning style. With dozens of options available from free intro programs to paid certifications, it’s important to find one that fits your career ambitions and schedule. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Define Your Goals
Are you aiming for a side hustle, full-time career, or a specialized path like medical or legal transcription? If you’re just testing the waters, a free or budget-friendly course might be best. But if you want a long-term profession, investing in a comprehensive program like Transcribe Anywhere or TCI makes more sense.
2. Check Course Content & Depth
Not all courses are created equal. Some focus only on the basics (like Rev’s training), while others offer in-depth practice, software tutorials, and real-world simulations. Look for a course that offers audio practice files, transcription formatting guidelines, and feedback if possible.
3. Evaluate Certification & Credibility
A certificate from a recognized provider can boost your credibility when applying for transcription jobs. Courses from platforms like Transcription Certification Institute or Coursera often come with certificates that are respected by employers.
4. Look for Job Support or Internship Opportunities
If your goal is employment, check whether the course includes job placement help, freelance tips, or internship programs. For example, TCI offers job board access, and GoTranscript may hire you after completing their free training.
5. Consider Your Budget and Time Commitment
Some programs are free or under $50, while others cost several hundred dollars. Decide what you can realistically invest in both terms of money and time. Also, check if the course is self-paced or has a limited access period.
FAQs About BEST Transcription Courses
What is a Transcriptionist?
A transcriptionist is a professional who listens to audio or video recordings and accurately converts them into written text. They may work in various fields such as general, legal, or medical transcription, depending on their training. A transcriptionist must have strong listening skills, excellent grammar, and fast, accurate typing to produce clear and error-free transcripts.
Are Transcription Courses Worth It?
Yes, transcription courses are worth it, especially if you’re serious about building a freelance or remote career. A good course teaches essential skills like formatting, grammar, and audio clarity, while also providing hands-on practice with real files. Many also offer certifications, client tips, and job leads, which can help you stand out in a competitive market. Investing in a course can significantly reduce your learning curve and increase your income potential.
What skills do I need to be successful in transcription?
Essential skills include fast and accurate typing, strong grammar and punctuation, good listening ability, and familiarity with transcription software. Most courses will help you develop these from scratch.
Is certification necessary to work as a transcriptionist?
Not always. Some clients or companies may not require certification, but having one from a credible course (like TCI or Transcribe Anywhere) can improve your chances of landing better-paying gigs and standing out as a professional.
How long does it take to complete a transcription course?
Course duration varies. Short beginner courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare may take just a few hours, while in-depth programs like Transcribe Anywhere or TCI can take 2–4 months to complete at a part-time pace.
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