Shorthand Reporter

Exam

State exam

Education

Degree

Experience

Experience

Background check

Required

DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A certified Shorthand Reporter from official and freelance sectors make verbatim records of judicial or related proceedings using manual or machine shorthand. Most use a stenotype machine. They transcribe and certify all transcriptions. Many use computer-aided transcription in which a computer translates the reporter's notes into English. Reading portions of testimony during trials may be included in duties. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING: Personal requirements: Be of good moral character. Be free of any felonious wrongdoing. Professional requirements: Must be a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) before taking the Hawaii Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) test. Must be a National Court Reporter Association (NCRA) member to take the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exam. Experience requirements: A freelance CSR must be a notary in order to administer oaths. Education requirements: Possess a certificate or diploma evidencing graduation from high school; GED certificate or equivalent accepted. Pass Hawaii Written Knowledge Test. Continuing education requirements: Keep up with continuing education credits in which 30 hours/units need to be accumulated each 3-year term. EXAMINATIONS: NCRA standardized exam (to become a RPR) is given every year in May and November. For information, call NCRA at 1-800-272-6272. Hawaii State CSR exam, a written test covering regional terminology, is given at the CSR Board Office by appointment (call 1-808-539-4230). APPLICATION AND FEES: $125 for NCRA standardized exam, $125 for State CSR test and initial license. Licenses must be renewed annually for $50. $125 for Hawaii Written Knowledge Test. OTHER: There were 129 licenses currently active as of January 1, 2022. ~ revised 02/08/2022