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NCRA Offers Additional Credentials for Court Reporters
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Each state has its own requirements to satisfy before an aspiring court reporter becomes a certified court reporter and is allowed to offer services.  These requirements vary by state but most often involve passing an examination.  Some states have more rigorous requirements.  For example, California court reporters must also pass a test on English proficiency and another on legal and medical terminology.

Many certified court reporters have found it advantageous to pursue additional certifications.  These credentials establish the reporter’s special expertise or exceptional proficiency and open up new career opportunities. 

The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offers three court reporting examinations that may be of interest to anyone in the profession:

Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) is the first step for certified court reporters who wish to pursue most other certifications.  All NCRA members may attempt the RPR regardless of experience.  There are two parts of the examination: a written test and dictation exercises.  The 90-minute test is a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s knowledge of fundamental reporting concepts.  After this is complete, three dictation and transcription exercises must be completed at speeds of 180 to 225 wpm and at least 95% accuracy.

Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) is the next level of certification for certified court reporters and approximately 20% of RPRs take this step.  It is available to reporters who have their RPR and have been NCRA members for at least three years.  The written portion covers more advanced reporting concepts and the exercises are more challenging.  The dictation exercises are given at 200-260 wpm and must be complete with at least 95% accuracy.

The profession has not remained static and there are many court reporting services available today that were not around during NCRA’s inception.  The organization has kept pace and offered specialized certifications including:

·         Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC)

·         Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR)

·         Certified CART Provider (CCP)

·         Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS)

As in any profession, experienced practitioners are needed to teach the next generation.  Reporters interested in teaching court reporting can acquire the Certified Reporting Instructor (CRI) and Master Certified Reporting Instructor (MCRI) designations.  The Certified Program Evaluator (CPE) is available to people who design and evaluate court reporter education programs.

An owner of a court reporting agency might consider the Certified Manager of Reporting Services (CMRS).  With its focus on business needs unique to the profession, it helps the owner direct the business toward success.

A certified court reporter cannot afford to remain static.  Professional development is part of the job and opportunities abound for the ambitious professional, and NCRA certifications are a great place to start.

Huseby, Inc. provides premium worldwide litigation services with Registered Professional Court Reporters, Certified Legal Video Specialists, state-of-the-art videoconferencing, trial presentation and mediation services. Call us or schedule online for all of your real-time and verbatim court reporting services, bates stamping, document and exhibit scanning and management, videotape services, coding, electronic transcript and advanced litigation support needs

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