Focus Forward is a reputable online company that hires transcribers to work at home in the United States only. They hire you as an independent contractor to either transcribe in English or from Spanish to English. They say that they handle all types of transcription, but most have to do with market research interviews.
They do prefer experience, but as long as you can pass their test, you’ll be considered for the position. If you do not have any experience, make sure to check out the course at TranscribeAnywhere. The course will teach you how to transcribe and how to find high-paying transcription jobs. You can also sign up for their Free 7-day course just to make sure Transcription is right for you!
If you have experience, you should be able to pass the test because they give you plenty of guidance before you apply.
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In this Focus Forward Transcription Review, I’ll cover the requirements, application process, how much it pays, the schedule, and feedback from workers!
Focus Forward Transcription Requirements
Focus Forward does say that experience is preferred, but as long as you can pass their test, you’ll be considered. You must live in the US, be fluent in English, and be able to type 50> wpm.
You’ll need a computer with high-speed internet and Microsoft Word. They say they’re not required, but they suggest you having a high-quality headset and foot pedal.
As long as you can meet these requirements, you can apply and take the transcription test.
Focus Forward Transcription Application
The application process consists of a 10-minute transcription test, but before you take the test you need to install Express Scribe on your computer (it’s free.)
They give you a detailed guide on how to complete the transcription test along with styling and formatting guidelines.
Once you have express scribe installed, you’ll download the file, upload it, and transcribe it. Once you’re done, you’ll save the file and upload it on their website. You’ll have to enter your contact information at this point.
Once they review your test, you’ll hear back either way within two weeks via email.
Focus Forward Transcription Pay
At Focus Forward all files pay from $.40-$.65 per audio minute transcribed. If you break that down, you’re looking at between $24-$39 per audio hour transcribed. On their site they say that most novice transcribers can transcribe a 15-minute audio file in 1 hour, meaning you’d be making right at $10 an hour.
Of course, if you can transcribe faster, you’d have a higher hourly rate. Two hourly rates were shared in the forums by current transcribers at $12-$17.
Focus Foward pays twice a month via mailed check or direct deposit. You’re an independent contractor, so you’re responsible for claiming income over $600.
Focus Forward Transcription Schedule
Focus Forward offers a flexible schedule, but they require you to transcribe at least four audio hours a week. They have an online tool that lets you schedule the times you’d like to work.
In your scheduled times they will send you files to transcribe. As mentioned, it’s flexible, but all files have deadlines that you must meet.
One thing to keep in mind is they aren’t always busy, throughout the year there will be plenty of work and other times only a few files.
Is Transcribing At Focus Forward A Scam?
Transcribing at Focus Forward is not a scam, but like most companies, they have positive and negative feedback in the forums. The glass door listing states that it’s a good side gig and there’re a few salaries shared saying they usually make $12-$15 an hour.
Overall, it seems like a decent transcription job, as long as you can pass their test. If you’d like to learn more or to join, visit FocusFwd.com.
If you have any interest in transcribing from home, make sure to check out the course at TranscribeAnywhere. The course will teach you how to transcribe and how to find high-paying transcription jobs. You can also sign up for their Free 7-day course just to make sure Transcription is right for you!
Transcription isn’t the only way to work at home, check out My #1 Recommendation, it’s how I made over $13,000 online last month!
Do you think transcribing at Focus Forward is a scam? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any additional information I can add to this review!
Hi, could you share the names of similar websites for transcription jobs.
Thx
Thanks for reading Lovin.
Here’re all the legitimate transcription sites I’ve covered.
Brok
Thanks Brok for the info on Focus Forward. At least you’ve summarized well for anyone to understand.
MJ
Thanks for reading Julliet!
Glad you enjoyed my review.
Brok
I used to enjoy transcribing for this company but since the introduction of their own software, they adjusted pay rates from the $32-40 an audio hour. The baseline seems to be $24 an hour now and then up from there depending on the project. It sucks to go from making $10 an hour or more (takes me an hour to type 15-20 minutes) to making less than $6 per 15 minutes of audio now because the lag on their program makes it take closer to 1.5 hours to type up 15 minutes. They constantly are sending out emails like $0.43 per audio minute is something to be excited for. Not when we used to get paid more! Been with them a few years and it feels like getting demoted. Hard work isn’t appreciated by the ownership either, just read the reviews! I feel bad for my project managers. Try a different company like Allegis or Rec if you can! If you must do transcription, use FF as a last resort.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Sorry to hear that they aren’t positive.
Brok
When companies started crowdsourcing and opening it up to international workers, I guess that’s what happens. If other companies are offering lower rates for transcripts because of this, they remain competitive, so in the business side of it, you could understand why their rates have gone down. Because if they remained high, the company itself may soon be out of business as their clients or customers would normally choose cheaper transcript with other companies.