RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Electronic notetaking is a communication service in which an operator produces a typed summary of a meeting, lecture or presentation for a deaf or hard of hearing person.

How to train as an Electronic notetaker?

An electronic notetaker and client during a lecture

The new level 3 notetaking qualification has recently been accredited by the awarding body the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People, (CACDP). The Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (Notetaking) is the professional qualification for both manual and electronic notetakers.

The qualification is divided into four units and you need to achieve all four to gain the full award. You can do these one after the other or take them separately with a break in between. It's recommended that you complete unit L304 before T302.

The four modules are:

  • L304 Accessible English for Deaf and Deafblind People
  • T302 Notetaking Skills and Strategies for working with Deaf People
  • P301 Professional Issues in Facilitating Communication with Deaf and Deafblind People
  • P302 Professional Practice for Language Service Professionals

There isn't a set course that you need to complete before taking this qualification. However, CACDP recommend the Level 2 Certificate in Communication with Deaf People (CDA2) as a route for candidates. This is now available in training centres across the country.

A good electronic notetaker will have:

  • a minimum typing speed of 65 words per minute
  • a minimum of GCSE English, or equivalent.

Work Opportunities

Electronic notetakers work in a variety of settings, including:

  • further or higher education
  • the workplace, for example in meetings, interviews or training courses
  • social services, and other community settings. 

After qualification, an electronic notetaker may work full time for one organisation, or work as a freelancer and deliver assignments across a range of locations and settings. Assignments can be coordinated by our Communication Services.

Our courses

We're a CACDP registered training provider for this qualification, with a special interest in electronic notetaking. We work in partnership with the Association of Notetaking Professionals, colleges and other bodies to support accredited training across the country.

Due to the recent changes to this qualification, we don't have a scheduled programme of courses for this specialised training in 2008/09. However, if you register your interest in this course (opens new browser window) we'll contact you with further information when it becomes available.

Further information

Visit the CACDP website (external link, opens new browser window) for details of other training providers in your area.

For further information on the Notetaking profession, and how to becoming a notetaker, visit the Association of Notetaking Professionals website (external link, opens new browser window).