The written knowledge portion of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Registered Professional Reporter exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions covering reporting and professional practices, medical and legal terminology, and technology. Reporters must score 70 percent (77 of the 110 questions) or higher to pass. Here are a few tips in preparing to take the exam:
(a) Begin with learning basic court reporting terminology and technology terms.
(b) Gain an understanding of the court system, courtroom procedures, transcription, and legal terminology by reviewing state-sponsored court reporting manuals/handbooks, such as those conveniently provided on-line by Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Maryland and Missouri.
(c) Review NCRA’s Code of Professional Ethics.
(d) Learn medical prefixes and suffixes and human anatomy.
(e) Expand your legal vocabulary.
(f) Hone your grammar and punctuation skills.
(g) Learn how to transcribe case citations.
(h) Review sample written knowledge exam questions, such as those from the Certified Shorthand Reporter exam administered in the State of Illinois.
(i) Log on to Pearson Vue, download the tutorial, and develop an understanding of how the test will be administered, how to flag and unflag questions, and how to submit the exam.
Registration for the next NCRA written knowledge exam is open until July 3rd and reopens in September for the October exam. Reporters must report to a Pearson Vue Professional Test Center to take the exam.
There are many workbooks, study guides, and flashcards available to purchase, in addition to the resources provided here. The key is giving yourself enough time to learn everything without cramming. Study an hour a day for a few months prior to the exam, and you should be all set.