Court reporters create transcriptions, or official records of proceedings in court hearings, trials, depositions, and other official legal meetings which must be recorded with accuracy. They record proceedings by use of stenotype machines, audio equipment, or voice-writing. Court reporters usually attend specialized programs lasting from one to two years, and may obtain voluntary certification which, while not mandatory, may help them in gaining employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for court reporters in 2006 was $45,610, and jobs in this field are expected to increase by 25 percent by the year 2016.