Because we are fairly new, we neglected to address several issues that have now been brought to our attention. Below are some of those questions. If you have any questions that are not answered on our site, just drop us an email and we'll get right back to you!
Which is best for me - SimplySteno or SimplySteno PLUS?
Can I stop the program at any time?
How many tests do I need to pass in each speed?
What kind of contact will I have with my instructors?
What kind of contact will I have with other students in the program?
Will the program cost me less if I finish faster?
What speed will I be starting at?
What do you consider "finishing" the program? How do I graduate?
How flexible are the daily schedules?
Can I start the program at any time?
Once I reach 200, will I have to order one of your other programs?
Will I get to see my schedules ahead of time?
What if I want to use my own CAT program?
What kind of computer requirements do I need - Internet connection?
Can I add your program to my current program?
Can I take leaves from the program?
Can I split up my daily schedule into several sittings?
Will your program qualify me for my state exam?
Won't most agencies want me to have a degree?
Do you teach how to prepare transcripts?
Can you just kick me out of the program?
Can I sell, copy or give away any portion of the SimplySteno program?
Would I get a refund if I stopped at some point?
Is your program recognized by the Department of Education?
Which is right for me - SimplySteno or SimplySteno PLUS ?
If you have the ability to get online for every lesson you do, SimplySteno Plus is the way to go. It's SimplySteno, plus all the added features like an audio library, video library, test tracking, brief machine and more. If you cannot get online each day, SimplySteno should be your choice. With SimplySteno, you'll download all your files every few weeks to use on your computer. Both programs have your lessons on demand, so either is a great choice!
Can I stop the program at any time?
Yes. You are not locked into anything. We don't want you to continue in our program if you feel it's not working for you, or you've decided to move on. There is no automatic billing. You will not be refunded your last payment, however.
Do you have financial aid?
No. Taking on financial aid means changing the program to what the state dictates, and I'm not willing to do that. I feel confident in our program and I wouldn't change it for anyone.
How is testing done?
Your test material is on your computer for SimplySteno - online for SimplySteno Plus. You are on the honor system. You will be trusted to listen to the dictation tests only once and type within the allotted amount of time. If you decide to sneak in some extra typing time or preview a test, you're only screwing yourself and you will get slammed when you go to take the RPR.
How many tests do I need to pass in each speed?
You must pass 2 tests in each speed at 95.5% - a 2-voice and a 1-voice. The 1-voice can be literary or jury charge - it's given in a random order.
What kind of contact will I have with my instructors?
That's hard to say, but I can promise email contact at least 3 times a week, as dictation tests are turned in. We will contact you when we feel we need to point something out to you, and we expect you to contact us when needed. We are always an email away, or you can find me online using the Chat With Marc image on the Home page.
What kind of contact will I have with other students in the program?
As much or as little as you like. You can contact other students through the SimplyStenoville page.
Will the program cost me less if I finish faster?
That's the spirit! Yes! You only pay for the program for as long as you're in it. If you decide to take the RPR ahead of schedule, and choose not to continue with the SimplySteno program, you no longer have to pay for it.
What speed will I be starting at?
Ideally, we'd like you to start 20 words behind the last successful speed you passed. If you passed all your 120's, we'd like you to start at 100. Our dictation material is a little denser than most, so we want to give you a little breathing room when you start. And if you pass a speed right away, you move right up, so no time is wasted.
What do you consider "finishing" the program? How do I graduate?
When you feel you're ready to take on the RPR exam or start working in a state that doesn't require an exam, you've graduated. The decision is in your hands, helped along by us. Complete program success is only accomplished once we get you working.
How flexible are the daily schedules?
Daily schedules are basically on demand. An average day is 3.5 hours, and we'd prefer that you complete each one in a single sitting - 5 days a week. Focus, momentum and stamina are important aspects of the program. That said, we realize that every student can't sit for that long each day. So we understand you can only do what you can do.
Can I start the program at any time?
You can start our program on any Monday, as soon as you've received all of our teaching materials. No need to wait for the beginning of a new quarter or month - start now!
Once I reach 200, will I have to order one of your other programs?
No. Our popular RPR Prep program is built right into the SimplySteno.com program.
Will I get to see my schedules ahead of time?
Yes. You will have all your daily schedules ahead of time so you can see what you're in for.
What if I want to use my own CAT program?
Great! We offer an academic for DigitalCAT, but you're free to use any CAT software you like.
What kind of computer requirements do I need - Internet connection?
You need to be able to play mp3 files - which most computers, new and old, can. You need some kind of text program - something like Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. AbiWord is a free program you can use as well. If you are using SimplySteno Plus, you need an Internet connection - something reliable.
Can I add your program to my current program?
I used to be against this option, but several students proved me wrong. Adding my program as a supplement to another may be a good combination. Just be aware that you may get conflicting information from the 2 programs.
Can I take leaves from the program?
You are allowed to take leaves, but the payment schedule remains the same. If you take a leave and skip a payment, you will be required to make an initial payment once more to take part in the program.
Can I split up my daily schedule into several sittings?
We'd prefer you didn't. As we mentioned before, momentum is important to a good program. You need to find your groove. You can't do that if you're stopping and starting.
Will your program qualify me for my state exam?
Strictly taking our program alone may not qualify you to take a state exam, unless your state exam is the RPR. It varies from state to state. Anyone can take the RPR exam if you're a member of the NCRA. Passing the RPR will qualify you to take most state CSR exams.
Won't most agencies want me to have a degree?
Ask your local agencies that question and I'm sure you'll find out that most of them don't care how many degrees you have. They only care that you have the proper certification (RPR or CSR) to work in that state.
Do you teach how to prepare transcripts?
We will teach you how to prepare a school transcript for testing purposes, but not for work purposes. That's something you will learn in more detail through interning - on the job.
Can I sell, copy or give away any portion of the SimplySteno program?
No. The SimplySteno program is copyright protected and intended for the sole use of the purchaser. It is not transferable.
Can you just kick me out of the program?
If I feel strongly that you simply don't have the skill it takes to become a reporter, I do have the right to remove you from the program. I would hope you would want me to tell you if that was the case, rather than continuing to take your money. I also have the right to ask you to leave the SimplySteno program if I feel we do not have a compatible teacher/student relationship that will further your educational goals. If you were to be removed from the program by my decision, I would refund the prorated amount of your last payment.
Would I get a refund if I stopped at some point?
Payments are not refundable. That's one of the reasons I've set up the payment plan as it is, so you don't have to pay thousands of dollars up front. But once a payment has been made, there are no refunds.
Is your program recognized by the Department of Education?
No. SimplySteno is a business, not a school. We feel that allows us to streamline our program and focus on what it takes to prepare you to report.