Court Reporting State

Court Reporting State Requirements

Your Goal - You need to know what you're aiming for!

 

Before finding your state below, understand that no states currently require certification to become a captioner, CART provider or do transcription work. Determining your skills in those areas is up to the hiring agency. That said, you should strive to write at speeds of 225 words per minute or higher before trying to attain those positions. While most of the requirements below refer to working inside the court system, some refer to a deposition setting. Dive deeper within the requirements to determine exactly what you need. In addition, NO states require a degree to work as a court reporter, captioner or CART provider. 

The list below was compiled by SimplySteno and is not for reproduction. Please do not copy this list and paste it elsewhere, but feel free to link to this page. We update this list every 4-6 months. If you are aware of any errors on this list, we welcome you to contact us. We tried to include any links that may be relevant.

Some states use the RPR exam as their state exam or offer reciprocity if you pass the RPR exam. The RPR exam consists of 225 2-voice, 200 jury charge and 180 literary material, 5 minutes each, graded at 95%. Below are the most important links if you plan on taking the RPR exam or any other NCRA exams. Some states allow the NVRA exam as well (National Verbatim Reporters Association). It's a faster test - 250 2-voice, 225 jury charge and 200 Lit. You do not need to join NCRA to take the RPR exam, but if you PASS, you can only use the RPR designation after your name if you are a member - so you'll want to join.

In addition to whatever info is contained below, a notary public license may be needed as well.

RPR Exam Information
Required Reading

NVRA Exam Schedule
Required Reading

Next Exam -

ACRA administers the Certified Court Reporter skills exam twice a year: the first Saturday in April and the first Saturday in October.

How Much -

$75 (2015 cost)

Consists of -

(same as RPR) - 225 2-voice, 200 jury charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%.

Qualify -

Court reporters in Alabama are required to be licensed as Certified Court Reporters (CCR) by the Alabama Board of Court Reporting (ABCR) which implements the testing, certification and disciplinary procedures for Alabama court reporters. ACRA worked diligently to pass legislation to require licensure for court reporters in Alabama. Licensure and certification of court reporters ensures that there are minimum standards for practicing court reporting.

In addition to licensure by the State of Alabama Board of Court Reporting, reporters may become voluntarily certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

CRA, under the auspices of ABCR, administers the skills portion of the certification test in Alabama. The test is comparable to the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exam administered by NCRA. In addition, candidates must pass the Written Knowledge Test administered by NCRA. Reciprocity for the RPR may be granted to a CCR applicant.

Marc's Notes -

Passing the NCRA Registered Professional Reporter written exam and passage of either the NCRA RPR skills exam or the Alabama CCR skills exam are requirements for licensure in Alabama.

Links -

https://alcra.org/146-2/
https://www.abcr.alabama.gov/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.  Don’t count it out – it’s a beautiful place for much of the year! 
President:   Mary Vavrik
(907) 345-3934

Links -

https://www.alaskashorthandreporters.org/

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

You must pass the RPR, then the AZ written exam.

Qualify -

Anyone can take the AZ written exam.

Marc's Notes -

You must pass the RPR and the AZ written exam to work.  You can request a complete packet from rsimmons@supreme.sp.state.az.us  Very helpful people!  The website can be a little confusing, so make sure you don't mix up the general reporting info with the courtroom info. Certification Steps

Links -

https://acraonline.org/
http://www.azcourts.gov/cld/Court-Reporter-Certification-Program

 

Next Exam -

Testing Calendar Link
4/2/23 - 7/16/23 - 10/1/23 - 1/7/24

How Much -

$75.00 application fee for in-state applicants; $150.00 application fee for out-of-state applicants.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 95% accuracy.  You can carry passed parts over to next try.

Qualify -

Applicants shall be at least 18 years of age and be of good moral character.

Marc's Notes -

It's nice to have a website that actually has all the information : )  They even have test prep materials for you!

Links -

https://www.acraonline.us
https://www.arcrb.com/

 

Next Exam -

7/5/23, 11/1/23 - Test Calendar

How Much -

$40 (plus you'll need fingerprint cards as well)

Consists of -

200 4-voice - 10 minutes at 97.5%.  Dictated live. The dictation is actually 12 minutes - the first 2 minutes being warmup that goes right into the test dictation. They then tell you what the starting point is.

Qualify -

Pass the RPR or qualify through a recognized CA campus school. Or obtain a license from GA, NV or TX.

Marc's Notes -

If taking it live, there are usually a couple good warm up rooms - but check with a local school and make sure.  You may have to buy a seat for practice before the exam. And they don't count off for contraction errors, which is nice. Although the site has not been updated to reflect it, I believe they are giving 2 dictations - you can edit the one you feel is better.

Links -

https://www.cocra.org/
https://www.caldra.org/
https://www.cal-ccra.org/

 

Next Exam -

9/30/23

How Much -

$150 for one test, $225 for two tests.

Consists of -

Five minutes of dictation at speeds ranging from 180-200 words per minute designed to test the basic realtime skills of working court reporters. One test is three-voice, one test is four-voice, question and answer. The third and fourth
voices are colloquy. It's a realtime exam.

Qualify -

You must pass the RPR exam first.

Marc's Notes -

Although there currently are no requirements to work as a freelancer, there have been conversations by the board to move in that direction.

Links -

https://ccra.info/
CRCR Exam Info

 

Next Exam -

Effective January 1, 2018, the Connecticut Legislature voted to revoke licensure for several professions, and court reporting is one of them. Therefore, the Board of Examiners is to be dissolved, and our license is to be cancelled as of that date.

How Much -

---

Consists of -

---

Qualify -

---

Marc's Notes -

---

Links -

https://www.courtreportersct.org

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

You must pass the RPR or have passed a state exam with similar requirements to work as a reporter. At the present time, Delaware does not have a CSR certification requirement.

DCRA is no longer an active association. Certification is not required to report in Delaware. If you have any other questions about court reporting in Delaware, you may contact Jeaane Cahill at Jeanne.cahill@delaware.gov

Links -

https://www.facebook.com/Delawarereporters/

 

Next Exam -

Exam Schedule Registration opens 11/1/23

How Much -

$199 (members) and $499 (non-members)

Consists of -

Academic Exam

Qualify -

FCRA membership is not a prerequisite to attend the Florida Rules & Ethics Certification Seminar and sit for the FPR exam; however, if you are an FCRA member, the cost of registration and the cost of attending any subsequent FCRA-sponsored CEU seminars to keep your certification current are at a reduced rate. Anyone can basically sit for the exam. 

Marc's Notes -

They do offer an FPR (Florida Professional Reporter) exam - voluntary.  They no longer have a mid year convention, so FPR is usually offered at the Annual convention and they try to have 1 or 2 stand-alone FPR testing dates throughout the year. It's an academic exam - not machine. Again, the FPR is a voluntary certification. At this time there is no mandatory certification for court reporters that is implemented in Florida due to lack of funding by the Florida Supreme Court.

Links -

http://www.fcraonline.org/fpr

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page. (and Georgia written - open book)

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page. ($125 for Georgia written)

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

The Georgia Board of Court Reporting requires that all court reporters in the state of Georgia be certified. Certification may be achieved by testing with the National Court Reporters Association or the National Verbatim Reporters Association. After passing a national exam, an applicant may apply for Georgia certification. Previous attainment of a passing score on the NCRA Exam or the NVRA Exam does satisfy the Georgia Board of Court Reporting’s certification requirements.

Links -

https://georgiacourtreporters.org/
https://www.facebook.com/gccra

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

$125 for the Hawaii written exam.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

Hawaii uses the RPR exam, but you must also pass their written exam. 

Links -

https://www.hawaiicourtreportersassociation.com/
https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/court_rules/rules/rgcr.htm

 

Next Exam -

Third Saturday in March
Third Saturday in September

How Much -

$50

Consists of -

Same as RPR - 225 2-voice, 200 JC, 180 Lit - 5 minutes - 95%.

Qualify -

High school graduate.

Marc's Notes -

They try to test twice a year in March and September, but that can shift depending on court schedules.  Get your payment in a month before testing to secure a spot. Reciprocity with the RPR if passed within 2 years, but no reciprocity with other states.

Links -

https://www.idahocra.com/
https://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/BoardPage.aspx?Bureau=SRE

 

Next Exam -

Carbondale and Chicago Area. The test is usually given three times a year at the specific time and date determined by the Board. Normally it is given in the southern and northern part of Illinois in April, August and December. Not often updated, but TEST SCHEDULE LINK

How Much -

Examination fees change from test to test. Illinois no longer requires a preliminary examination. Endorsement $75; Acceptance of Examination $25; nonexam for Restricted Shorthand Reporters $35. Endorsement based on substantially equivalent requirements in other state or NCRA.

Consists of -

Dictation Examination – 200 wpm for 5 minutes at 95% accuracy and two-voice testimony at 225 wpm for 5 minutes at 95% accuracy.

Qualify -

Certification of graduation from high school or its equivalent; Proof that the applicant possesses at least minimum competency skills to sit for the examination, as recommended by the Board and approved by the Department.

Marc's Notes -

Carbondale and Chicago Area. The test is usually given three times a year at the specific time and date determined by the Board. Normally it is given in the southern and northern part of Illinois in April, August and December.

Links -

http://www.ilcra.org/sitepage.asp?page=state-certification

 

Next Exam -

At the present time, there are no certification or licensure requirements to be a court reporter in Indiana. Many courts in Indiana do require the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification for employment. There are some courts that will only hire realtime reporters who have their Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) certification. 

Freelance agencies in Indiana have their own certification requirements for their reporters.

How Much -

N/A

Consists of -

N/A

Qualify -

N/A

Marc's Notes -

The voluntary exam used to be the first Saturdays in May and November. I don't believe it's currently being given.

Links -

https://www.incraonline.com/

 

Next Exam -

12/9/23
The Iowa Certified Shorthand Reporter examination (machine) is usually held the second Saturday each March and September at the American Institute of Business (AIB), 2500 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa. The written exam is held more often - the exam dates are on the link below.
https://www.iowacourts.gov/Administration/Certified_Shorthand_Reporters/

How Much -

$50

Consists of -

Technical Q & A at 180 wpm; Nontechnical Q & A at 225 - Nontechnical multivoice at 200, with 1 minute chosen for readback. 5 minutes - 95%

Qualify -

Attained proficiency of 200 wpm or more in a shorthand reporting course; or had at least two years of experience as a shorthand reporter in making verbatim records; or graduated from a shorthand reporting school approved by the NCRA.

Marc's Notes -

If an applicant is a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) in good standing under the rules of the National Court Reporter Association (NCRA), he or she will only be required to take and pass the written portion of the Iowa examination. Lots of broken links - hard to find solid info, especially on the cost.

Links -

https://www.iacra.org/
https://www.iowacourts.gov/Professional_Regulation/Certified_Shorthand_Reporters/
https://www.iacourtcommissions.org/ApplyToBeCsr.do

 

Next Exam -

10/23/23, 4/22/24, 10/28/24
https://www.kcra.net/State-Board-of-Examiners-of-Court-Reporters

How Much -

$125

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Literary, 180 Medical 2-voice - 5 minutes - 95%.

Qualify -

You must: have completed and graduated from a court reporting course in a school licensed in the State of Kansas or licensed in the state where the school is located; or have an RPR or RMR (for which you can apply to get a reciprocal); or hold a valid and unrevoked CSR certificate from another state (if that state's CSR testing requirements are the same as Kansas or stiffer than Kansas you may be able to get a reciprocal).

Marc's Notes -

If you’ve passed the RPR (or comparable state exam), you only need to take the procedures portion – which is basically an open-book test.

Links -

https://www.kcra.net
http://www.kscourts.org/Appellate-Clerk/Court-Reporter-Certification/default.asp

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

https://www.kycra.org/

 

Next Exam -

9/15/23 - CCR
They really bury the testing info, but here's the best link The Louisiana CCR Examination is given twice per year, usually in April and August. Dates are subject to change as necessary.

How Much -

$265

Consists of -

Same as RPR - 225 2-voice, 200 JC, 180 Lit - 5 minutes - 95%.

Qualify -

Applicant must furnish a diploma, official transcript or certificate from a licensed court reporting school that he/she has passed a qualifying test consisting of five minutes of two-voice Q & A at 225 wpm with 95 percent accuracy within one year prior to application to the board for examination; or participate in a equivalent qualifying test administered by the board on a date designated by the board. Must have a high school diploma or equivalency. Though going to a court reporting school is the most common route, it is not required.

Marc's Notes -

The CCR exam is usually given in April and August.
(225) 342-2668 for exact dates as they get closer.
They will accept the RPR exam as well.

Links -

http://lcraboard.org/
http://www.lacourtreporterboard.org/students-applicants/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

https://www.mainecourtreporting.com/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.
Beautiful state - check it out!

Links -

https://marylandcourtreporters.org/

 

Next Exam -

10/28/23
Examinations generally take place in April and October. Upcoming CSR Test - Contact: contact@mcraonline.com

How Much -

MCRA Member $40 - Non-members $50

Consists of -

210 2-voice, 190 JC, 170 Lit - 5 minutes - 95%. 

Qualify -

Anyone can take this exam without proof of schooling.

Marc's Notes -

Testing is voluntary at this point, but there is legislation in the works to require it. We currently have reciprocity with NCRA certifications (RPR, RMR, etc.) and with some individual states.  To apply for a MA CSR, the application fee is $50.  Additionally, you need to be a member of MCRA.

Links -

https://www.mcraonline.com/#!certification/c11m6

 

Next Exam -

11/13/23 - CSR
Only certified reporters and recorders may record or prepare transcripts of proceedings held in Michigan courts or of depositions taken in Michigan as regulated by Michigan Court Rule 8.108(G). Certification is accomplished through a testing process administered by the Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review through the assistance of the State Court Administrative Office.

The examinations are held twice each year to test knowledge and speed, and, as to a recorder, familiarity with basic logging techniques and transcript production. The Board determines the passing score. In order to be eligibile for registration for an examination, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be a high school graduate, and not have been under sentence for a felony for a period of two years. An applicant for the certified shorthand reporter examination must have satisfactorily completed an approved, accredited, or recognized course of study in court reporting.

In addition, the Board may extend the temporary certification if the applicant has passed two legs of the RPR skills exam.

CSR Written Exam - The tests are given in April and October, but they also try to give them in January and July when possible. (RPR used for machine)

CSR/CSMR Testing Link

How Much -

$60

Consists of -

RPR consists of 225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

To be eligible to apply for certification, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have graduated from high school, and not have been under sentence for a felony for a period of two years.  There are additional requirements depending upon the type of certification desired.  

Marc's Notes -

The tests are given in April and October, but they also try to give them in January and July when possible.  A reporter or recorder certified in another state may apply to the board for certification based on the certification already obtained.

Links -

https://www.mapcr.org/certification
https://courts.mi.gov/Administration/SCAO/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

https://www.mavrc.org/

 

Next Exam -

CCR Exam - 9/23/23 - 2/3/24 - 9/21/24 - 2/1/25
Dates - https://courts.ms.gov/cle_bccr/BCCR/ExamDates.pdf
http://mscra.com/wp-content/uploads/MS-Court-Reporter-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf

How Much -

$50 Application - $75 Test (written only) - $100 Test (skills only) - $125 (skills and written)

Consists of -

Same as the RPR - and will accept RPR as well - 225 2-voice, 200 JC, 180 Lit - 5 minutes -95%.

Qualify -

Applications shall be screened by the Board, and those applicants twenty-one (21) years of age and older and of good moral character and a resident of the State of Mississippi shall be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Marc's Notes -

Currently being given in Jackson - MS College Law School

Links -

https://mscra.com/
https://courts.ms.gov/cle_bccr/BCCR/bccrgeneralinfo.php

 

Next Exam -

10/14/22 (written) 10/15/22 (skills) (not updated for 2023)

How Much -

$100

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 2-voice, 180 Lit.  The 200 section will be either medical or technical.  5 minutes - 95%.

Qualify -

Anyone can take the CCR exam.

Marc's Notes -

A certification examination is conducted at least semiannually, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Links -

https://mocra.org/certification/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

http://www.mtd.uscourts.gov/court-reporters-transcribers-0
https://www.mtcra.com/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter. A CCR credential is voluntary - you get it by passing the RPR exam and other small things.

Links -

https://www.necra.us/

 

Next Exam -

RPR exam plus Nevada written test.
1/19/24 - 4/19/24 - 7/19/24 - 10/18/22
Exam Info
Study Guide for Written Test

How Much -

$150

Consists of -

See RPR details at the top of this page.

Qualify -

Must pass the RPR (or possibly similar state exam).  

Marc's Notes -

The written test will be given four times a year.

State of Nevada Certified Court Reporters Board
5135 Camino Al Norte, Second Floor Conference Room
North Las Vegas, NV 89031 

 

Links -

https://www.crptr.state.nv.us/
https://www.nvcra.org/
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-656.html#NRS656Sec180

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

As of October 26, 2006, the examination for the New Hampshire Certified Court Reporter certification will consist of the following:
Passage of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or a higher-speed exam such as the RMR

Links -

http://www.nhcra.com/nh_lic_requirements.htm
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/court-reporters/index.htm

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

Got rid of the NJ CSR exam in 2006 and they are now going with the RPR.

Links -

https://www.ccra-nj.com/
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/cou

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

To become a New Mexico Certified Court Reporter, court reporters must pass the Registered Professional Reporter examination given by the National Court Reporters Association.  No other state or national certifications are accepted.

Links -

https://www.nmcra.com/
https://ccrboard.com/

 

Next Exam -

11/25/23 (pop-up)
The NYSCRA offers two voluntary certifications:
New York Realtime Certified Reporter (NYRCR)
New York Association Certified Reporter (NYACR).
Appointments are to be made with test proctors.
EXAM LINK

How Much -

Between $50-$100, depending on the test or tests you take.

Consists of -

Depends on the test you take.

Qualify -

High school graduate – 21 years of age.  Pretty much anyone.

Marc's Notes -

You need to have finished a court reporting program at a speed of 225 to freelance.  There is a voluntary CSR exam – the details are listed.
518-474-3817 ext. 160 Test info.

Only individuals certified by the Board of Regents may use the CSR title, but anyone may offer reporting services - even those who are not licensed.

Links -

https://www.nyscra.org/content/new-york-realtime-court-reporter-skills-exam

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

http://ncreporters.org/
https://www.nccourts.org/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There used to be a test to work in the court system, but that is no longer active.  So if you can prove your ability to them, you can work in ANY capacity as a reporter right now.
Ronda Colby, RPR
1721 Valle Moor Dr.
Bismarck, ND 58501
O - 701/222-6682x116 
E-mail: rcolby@ndcourts.com

Links -

https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Dakota-Court-Reporters-Association/248185295195429?sk=wall

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.  The OCRA is presently working toward certification requirements for court reporters. You must be a notary, as is the case in many states.

Links -

https://www.ocraonline.com/

 

Next Exam -

Prequalifier Exams - TBA
CSR Exams - Not listed - says, "Please direct any questions regarding the exam to Chrystal Vance-McDaniel, Test Chair, at chrystal.mcdaniel@outlook.com."

How Much -

$150 for OK residents - $200 if you live out of OK.

Consists of -

A two-voice question and answer dictation of testimony at 200 words per minute for five minutes and a five-minute dictation of literary material at 180 words per minute. Applicants must attain 95 percent accuracy.

Also, a written knowledge test of not less than 25 questions relating to Oklahoma law and court rules. Applicants must attain a passing score of 70 percent or better.
Contact the AdministrativeOffice of the Courts for testing information at 405-521-2450.

Qualify -

High school diploma and “good moral character.” You do have to qualify, but basically anyone can take the Prequalifier Exam.

Marc's Notes -

Good moral character?  Half of us won’t qualify!  : ) The written knowledge portion used to be given through email. No more. It's now given at the same time as the machine portion. Held in Midwest City.

Links -

https://ocraonline.org/csr-board/

 

Next Exam -

"We typically conduct a qualifying exam twice a year, on the fourth Saturday in February and July. These dates are not guaranteed, however, and are subject to change." Currently, no tests are scheduled.

How Much -

$100

Consists of -

225 2v, 200 JC, 180 Lit - all 5 minutes at 95%.

Qualify -

Anyone can take this exam without proof of schooling.

Marc's Notes -

Strictly voluntary for freelance reporters. They do accept the RPR exam in place of the Oregon exam.

Links -

https://www.orcra.org/
https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/csr/Pages/default.aspx
Info Link

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

https://www.pcra.com/

 

Next Exam -

See Marc's Notes

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

Freelance and court - you are required to type from an actual trial in court. You will sit in on a trial with a qualified reported who will be taking down the legal record. You get to take your notes home for 2 or 3 days and transcribe 10 pages. Your transcribed pages are then compared to the official reporter’s notes to see how you did. There is no set percentage, it’s up for interpretation by the judge.

Links -

https://www.risra.com/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter. Their slogan used to be - "By Voice or By Hand, United We Stand"  Catchy! They have a voluntary exam system in place that basically replicates the RPR exam, but I couldn't find dates for it.

Links -

https://sccra.net/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

There are no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Marc's Notes -

Love their logo!

Links -

https://www.southdakotacourtreporters.org
https://ujs.sd.gov/Uploads/hr/Court_Reporter.pdf

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

A license to practice court reporting is required by the Tennessee Court Reporter Act of 2009. Proof of current RPR status is one way to meet the license application requirement. Initial Application Fee is $250. Licenses are issued by the Tennessee Board of Court Reporting.

TCRA does not issue licenses, and membership in TCRA is not a requirement to be licensed.  The CCR designation through TCRA is completely separate and apart from the licensing requirements.  It was instituted in 1998, while TCRA was trying to get licensing established, as a way to ensure competence of court reporters in Tennessee.  The Court Reporter Act of 2009 has made our CCR designation pretty much obsolete.

In addition to the RPR, our state also recognizes the NVRA and the AAERT certification exams, so I don't know how that would affect your "Next Exam" information.  Tennessee does not administer a test for proficiency.

Links -

https://www.tncra.com
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/courtreport.html

 

Next Exam -

Oral - 11/27/23
Written - 11/13/23
Exam Link

How Much -

$200 application fee.  Then $75 to $190 depending on what you need.

Consists of -

Each section is 5 minutes - 225 2v - 200 JC - 180 Lit - 95 percent

Qualify -

Effective September 01, 2019, the JBCC no longer requires you to qualify to sit for the oral exam. Please refer to the Exam page for information on exam requirements.

Marc's Notes -

Effective June 1, 2004 the Board began allowing licensees from other states to become certified in Texas without the requirement of passing the skills portion of the certification examination. Applicants will, however, be required to take and pass the written knowledge portion of the certification exam.

Links -

https://www.tcra-online.com/
http://www.txcourts.gov/jbcc/court-reporters-certification

 

Next Exam -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

How Much -

See RPR info at the top of the page.

Consists of -

225 2-voice, 200 Jury Charge, 180 Lit - 5 minutes at 95%

Qualify -

Any student can take the RPR exam.

Marc's Notes -

All reporters, freelance and officials, need to be RPR (or CVR) certified to work in Utah. You must also be a notary.

Links -

https://www.utcra.com/
https://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/court_reporting.html

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

INFO LINK

 

Next Exam -

Effective July 1, 2021, no person may engage in or offer to engage in work as a court reporter unless he has been licensed by the Board. (RPR)

There is a voluntary exam - CCR -INFO HERE

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter (only voluntary, using the RPR).  However, there was a bill going to the House trying to change that - not sure what happened.

Links -

https://www.vcra.net/

 

Next Exam -

None currently on their schedule.

How Much -

$150

Consists of -

You get 2, 200 2-voice dictations - 7 minutes long, but you only type 5 minutes (they tell you where to stop and start) - and you transcribe the one you like best.  You need 95% accuracy.

Qualify -

Anyone can take this exam without proof of schooling.

Marc's Notes -

The exams are given twice a year. Usually in early spring and fall. Watch the website for future exam dates. They also accept the RPR and exams from other states.

NEW - An agreement with DOL and NCRA that the new RSR designation will be accepted by DOL for purposes of issuing a Washington CCR.

Links -

https://washingtoncourtreporters.org/
https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/courtreporters/index.html

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

http://www.wvcra.com/

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter. To work in the court system, you may also qualify if you have a diploma from an NCRA approved school – no RPR license needed.

Links -

https://www.wicourtreporters.org

 

Next Exam -

NA

How Much -

NA

Consists of -

NA

Qualify -

NA

Marc's Notes -

There are currently no requirements to work as a freelance reporter.

Links -

https://www.facebook.com/groups/222294551256862/




State Organizations

It's important to be in touch with the court reporting association in your state, along with the national association - the National Court Reporters Association. Many state organizations offer mentoring programs, conventions and other tools to help students.

 

Alabama Court Reporters Association

 

Alaska Court Reporters Association

 

Arizona Court Reporters Association

 

Arkansas Court Reporters Association

 

California Court Reporters Association

 

Colorado Court Reporters Association

 

Connecticut Court Reporters Association

 

Delaware Court Reporters Association

 

Florida Court Reporters Association

 

Georgia Court Reporters Association

 

Hawaii Court Reporters Association

 

Idaho Court Reporters Association

 

Illinois Court Reporters Association

 

Indiana Court Reporters Association

 

Iowa Court Reporters Association

 

Kansas Court Reporters Association

 

Kentucky Court Reporters Association

 

Louisiana Court Reporters Association

 

Maine Court Reporters Association

 

Maryland Court Reporters Association

 

Massachusetts Court Reporters Association

 

Michigan Court Reporters Association

 

Minnesota Court Reporters Association

 

Mississippi Court Reporters Association

 

Missouri Court Reporters Association

 

Montana Court Reporters Association

 

Nebraska Court Reporters Association

 

Nevada Court Reporters Association

 

New Hampshire Court Reporters Association

 

New Jersey Court Reporters Association

 

New Mexico Court Reporters Association

 

New York Court Reporters Association

 

North Carolina Court Reporters Association

 

North Dakota Court Reporters Association

 

Ohio Court Reporters Association

 

Oklahoma Court Reporters Association

 

Oregon Court Reporters Association

 

Pennsylvania Court Reporters Association

 

South Carolina Court Reporters Association

 

South Dakota Court Reporters Association

 

Tennessee Court Reporters Association

 

Texas Court Reporters Association

 

Utah Court Reporters Association

 

Virginia Court Reporters Association

 

Washington Court Reporters Association

 

West Virginia Court Reporters Association

 

Wisconsin Court Reporters Association

 

Wyoming Court Reporters Association