How to Become a Certified Court Reporter

Court reporting is a career in demand and with strong employment opportunities. With high demand, flexible hours, and an above average salary. This career path would be a good choice for someone starting out, or looking to make a career change. It typically takes between two and four years to earn an associate's degree and earn your certification.

Study the Website and Join National Court Reporting and National Court Reporters Association (NCRA):
The NCRA website is a great place to start your research. You will find the many benefits of this career path and resources which will be helpful in both your education and career. Membership is required for all the certifications and also has many benefits in itself. Through NCRA membership you will be entitled to training materials, a listing in the Court Reporter Sourcebook, networking availability, and a wide variety of group insurance availability.

Registered Professional Reporter (RPR):
The RPR is the entry level certification for the court reporting profession. The only qualification to register for this certification is an active membership in the NCRA. There are two parts to this certification exam, a written exam and a skills test. The written exam consists of 100 scored questions and 5-10 un-scored pre-test questions, which must be completed in 90 minutes. The test covers four areas; reporting, transcript production, operating practices, and professional issues and continuing education. The passing score for the written exam is 70 or better. The skills test covers three areas; literary (180 wpm), jury charge (200 wpm), and testimony/Q&A (225 wpm). After each area is dictated, you will have 75 minutes to transcribe your notes. To pass the exam you must have 95% accuracy on each section.

Registered Merit Reporter (RMR):
Once you are ready for the next step of recognition, you can consider the RMR certification to show your advanced level court reporting skills. This extra level of certification will qualify you for higher paying and more challenging positions. According to Hay Management Consultants, only 16% of RPRs have earned their RMR. To register for this certification you will need to be a RPR and a member of NCRA for 3 years (current and continuous membership). This exam also contains two parts; a written exam and a skills test. The written exam contains 100 scored questions and 5-10 un-scored pre-test questions. The test covers four areas; reporting, transcript production, administration, and professional issues and continuing education. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The passing score for this exam is also 70. The skills test contains three sections; literary (200 wpm), jury charge (240 wpm), and testimony/Q&A (260 wpm). You will have 75 minutes to transcribe your notes after each test section is dictated. To pass the exam you must have a 95% accuracy rate on each section.

Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR):
In 1994, the highest level of court reporting certification was added. This is a very distinguished certification that only a relatively few have attained. To qualify to register for this exam, you must have earned your RMR and be a member of the NCRA for 6 years (current and continuous membership). The exam contains a written exam of 100 scored questions and 5-10 un-scored pre-test questions. The six areas covered in this exam are reporting, transcript production, management, education, marketing, and professional issues. To pass the exam you will need a score of 70 or better.

Maintain Your Certifications:
To maintain one or more of these certifications, you must complete at least 3 continuing education units each 3 years, and maintain your NCRA membership.