Shorthand Reporter, Certified

Exam

State or third-party exam

Education

None

Experience

None

Background check

Specific type of conviction prohibited

JOB DESCRIPTION: Certified shorthand reporters (CSRs) capture spoken dialogue with specialized stenographic equipment, and create word-for-word written transcripts of trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings. Official court reporters are CSRs who work for the courts or other official entities, who record judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings. Freelance court reporters are CSRs who are not employed by the courts, who record depositions and other events that require written transcripts. Some CSRs provide captioning for television and real-time translation for deaf or hard-of-hearing people at public events, in business meetings, or in classrooms. CSRs must be able to operate stenographic equipment and computer word processing software to prepare complete and accurate written transcripts; receive and organize exhibits for inclusion in the written transcript; read or play back dialogue upon request during a proceeding; and ask speakers to clarify inaudible or unclear statements or testimony. All actions of the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters are supervised by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and subject to approval by the Court. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides staff support and subject matter expertise to the Board. Supreme Court Rules, set forth in Title 20 of the Oklahoma statutes, govern the certification, renewal and disciplinary process for CSRs.