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APRIL 2025 UPDATE To our valued members, NYSCRA has temporarily paused the CERTIFYNow online testing program. We are currently updating the program to enhance the examination process for our nationally accepted certifications. NYSCRA is currently developing onsite testing for both the Realtime Certified Reporter (RCR) and the Association Certified Reporter (ACR) at the upcoming Fall 2025 Convention and possibly at other dates and locations in the future. We will provide updated information as soon as it is available, and we look forward to working with our test candidates in reaching their certification goals. Thank you for your patience and continued support. NYSCRA offers two voluntary certifications:
Realtime Certified Reporter
Association Certified Reporter Members of our association who earn these credentials demonstrate a commitment to continual competence and improvement in the art of shorthand reporting. NYSCRA credentials may not be used on any correspondence, including but not limited to email signatures and resumes, unless NYSCRA membership is current. Realtime Certified Reporter (RCR)
Click here to register for the RCR online. Format:
Two takes of five-minute deposition testimony (2-voice at 200 WPM) Grading: Passing is 96 percent (maximum 40 errors) per test. Both tests are submitted. Test-taker needs only one passing grade to become certified. Association Certified Reporter (ACR)
Format:
Written Knowledge Legal Terminology (20 multiple-choice questions covering basic law, legal procedures, and legal terminology); and English Terminology (40 multiple-choice questions covering spelling, word usage, vocabulary and punctuation) Skills:
200 wpm - 4 voice Testimony - 7 minutes 95% passing grade (maximum 70 errors) 175 wpm - 2-Voice Medical Q&A - 5 minutes 95% passing grade (maximum 43 errors) Jury Charge - 175 wpm - 4 minutes - 95% (maximum 35 errors) TO BE READ BACK within 12 minutes Reciprocity with NCRA certification holders: 1. Holders of the RPR or any NYS or equal CSR may pay $50 to be granted the ACR. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain the NYACR credential. The NYACR is recognized by the New York State Office of Court Administration. 2. Holders of the CRR may pay $50 to be granted the RCR. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain the RCR credential. The RCR is recognized by the New York State Office of Court Administration and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
3. Holders of the CRI may pay $50 to be granted the NYACT. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain NYSCRA credential.
Other Exam Information “JUDICIAL” EMPLOYMENT AND EXAMINATIONS IntroductionWith the growth of nontraditional reporting employment (e.g., captioning, CART), those who work in the legal-related areas of courts, depositions, and arbitrations are increasingly referred to as “judicial” or “legal” reporters. Such references, more common in other states, is used to distinguish captioners and CART providers from court reporters in legal settings. Employment in the NYS Court System Examinations, when conducted, fill vacancies in the courts throughout the State of New York. Promotional hires usually are made to the NYS Supreme and County Court before canvassing from the open-competitive list. Employment in Freelance Realtime reporting has become an integral tool of the successful freelance reporter. Thus, achieving realtime certification, using up-to-date technology, and staying current about related technology are vital reporting tools. NYSCRA and NCRA offer training seminars, certifications, and other assistive tools. “NONJUDICIAL” REPORTING AND EXAMINATIONS NCRA’s Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC) examination offers objective performance certification for captioners. CART Reporting NCRA’s Certified CART Provider (CCP) examination offers objective performance certification for CART providers. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS The Role of NYSCRA When NYSCRA representatives negotiate for pro-reporter legislation, their bargaining position is strengthened when they can show a strong constituency who also objectively demonstrate fine performance skills. Another important reason why this association conducts examinations is an understanding that reporters cannot always travel to distant locations where other groups conduct similar exams, and so it brings these tests to the doorstep of our members several times annually. NCRA Certification Exams USCRA Certification Exams SCHEDULE of CERTIFICATION/EMPLOYMENT EXAMS 1. Holders of the RPR or any NYS or equal CSR may pay $50 to be granted the ACR. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain the NYACR credential. The NYACR is recognized by the New York State Office of Court Administration.
2. Holders of the CRR may pay $50 to be granted the RCR. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain the RCR credential. The RCR is recognized by the New York State Office of Court Administration and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
3. Holders of the CRI may pay $50 to be granted the NYACT. Submit your NCRA transcript with $50 to be granted this credential. Your NYSCRA membership must be active when application is made and remain in good standing to retain NYSCRA credential. |
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P: 856-283-7816 F: 856-210-1619 EMAIL: [email protected]
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