Court Reporter Exam for National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Latest Update

The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is a key organization for court reporters, offering a range of certifications and support for professionals in the field. One of the most recognized certifications is the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), which sets the standard for court reporting excellence in the industry. As part of its efforts to ensure the highest standards of reporting, the NCRA regularly updates its certification processes to reflect advancements in technology, changes in legal procedures, and improvements in testing methods. For those looking to become a certified court reporter, the latest updates regarding the Court Reporter Exam for the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) are crucial.

Overview of NCRA Certification Exams

The NCRA offers various certifications that cater to different specializations and skill levels within the court reporting profession. Among the most sought-after certifications are the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), the Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), and the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR). These credentials are not only a testament to a reporter’s skill level but also increase professional credibility and job prospects.

The Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Certification

The RPR certification is one of the fundamental certifications offered by NCRA. It is open to aspiring and current stenographic court reporters who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in capturing and transcribing legal proceedings. To obtain the RPR certification, candidates must pass several components: the Online Skills Tests and the Written Knowledge Test.

Online Skills Tests

The Online Skills Tests consist of three different parts, each assessing a specific set of reporting skills under various circumstances commonly encountered during court sessions. These parts are:

1. Literary Passage: A five-minute passage read at 180 words per minute. This portion evaluates a reporter's ability to accurately transcribe spoken words at a moderate pace. Accuracy is key, with candidates needing to score at least 95%.

2. Jury Charge: This part involves transcribing a five-minute jury charge read at 200 words per minute. A jury charge is a set of instructions provided by a judge to a jury before deliberations begin. As this section requires high accuracy in a stressful environment, it helps test the reporter’s ability to transcribe detailed legal instructions swiftly and correctly.

3. Testimony or Q&A: A five-minute testimony or question-and-answer session is read at 225 words per minute. This portion tests the reporter’s ability to keep up with fast-paced, often complex dialogue, typically seen in court during witness testimony. It’s one of the more challenging parts of the RPR exam due to the high speed and legal complexity.

Each of these tests is graded based on accuracy, with a minimum threshold of 95?curacy required to pass. The tests are designed to replicate real-life conditions in a court reporting setting, requiring reporters to capture rapid dialogue and complex terminology accurately.

Written Knowledge Test

The second part of the RPR exam is the Written Knowledge Test, which assesses a candidate’s understanding of various concepts related to the practice of court reporting. This test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with topics covering a range of areas critical to the work of a court reporter, such as:

• Technology and Innovation (43%): This section covers various tools and technologies used in the field of court reporting, including steno machines, transcription software, and other technical tools that improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Industry Practices (34%): This includes questions about the general practices and procedures in court reporting, such as proper transcription techniques, rules of evidence, and how court reporters contribute to legal proceedings.

• Professionalism and Ethics (23%): Ethical behavior is paramount in the court reporting profession. This section tests knowledge of the ethical standards expected of court reporters, including confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism in the courtroom.

The Written Knowledge Test is a crucial component in assessing whether candidates are prepared for the complexities of court reporting in real-world scenarios. A scaled score of 70 or higher is required to pass the test.

Online Testing and New Requirements

To ensure that the certification process remains modern, flexible, and accessible, the NCRA has made some notable changes to how its certification exams are administered. As of the latest updates, the NCRA has introduced several important modifications that impact the online testing experience for candidates.

Guardian Browser Requirement

In a significant update, candidates will now be required to use the Guardian Browser for their online skills testing. The Guardian Browser, which must be downloaded and installed on a candidate’s computer, provides a secure testing environment by preventing cheating and unauthorized browsing during the exam. This browser is specifically designed to ensure that candidates do not access any external resources during the exam, which maintains the integrity of the testing process.

This update also ensures that the test can be proctored effectively online, allowing candidates to take the exam from their home or office while still maintaining the security and reliability of an in-person exam.

Wired Headphones Mandate

Another key change is the mandatory use of wired headphones for all online skills tests. Starting in May 2023, the NCRA has required that all candidates use wired headphones during their online skills tests to ensure the best audio quality and to avoid potential connectivity issues that could interfere with the exam. Wired headphones eliminate issues such as wireless interference, which could cause delays or sound distortions during the exam. This change ensures a smoother testing experience, helping candidates focus solely on the task at hand.

Online Proctoring with ProctorU

For the online skills tests, the NCRA partners with ProctorU to provide remote proctoring services through its Record+ platform. This allows candidates to take the exam at their convenience while ensuring a fair and secure testing environment. Proctors monitor candidates in real time via webcam, and all test files, including notes and transcripts, must be submitted for grading after the exam.

Candidates are able to schedule their exam at a time that works best for them within the testing window, providing flexibility and convenience without compromising on the integrity of the process.

Certification Maintenance and Continuing Education

Once certified, court reporters must maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements. To remain certified as an RPR, holders must earn at least 3.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years. One CEU equals 10 hours of professional development or approved coursework. This ensures that certified professionals stay up to date with the latest changes in technology, legal procedures, and ethical guidelines in the field of court reporting.

Conclusion

The NCRA's certification exams, especially the RPR, are designed to ensure that court reporters meet the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy in the legal field. The latest updates to the exam process, such as the use of the Guardian Browser for security, the requirement for wired headphones, and the implementation of online proctoring, all contribute to making the certification process more efficient and accessible. By keeping the certification process up to date with the latest technological advancements and best practices, the NCRA continues to support the professional growth of court reporters across the nation, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of an evolving industry.