Starting January 2020, aspiring court reporters can test for a new NCRA certification, the Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR). This new designation will recognize those stenographic professionals who are looking to validate their beginning level of competency.
“We are launching the RSR as an entry-level test for new professionals preparing to enter the field but who are not quite ready to earn their RPRs yet,” says NCRA President Max Curry, RPR, CRI, based in Smyrna, Tenn. “It should build their confidence as they continue to work on taking and passing the RPR successfully and possibly letting them begin work with some easier, low-impact reporting assignments.”
Earning the RSR will demonstrate an ability to hold a verified level of skill to current and potential clients, current and potential employers, and fellow reporters.
Created as a stepping-stone credential to ultimately achieving the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation, the RSR certification will offer the prestige of an NCRA certification for those new or returning to the court reporting profession who have yet to be able to get their writing speeds up enough to earn the RPR.
Testing for the RSR begins Jan. 1, 2020, and registration for the first RSR skills testing begins Dec. 1, 2019. Current or aspiring stenographic reporters are eligible to earn the RSR and do not need to be members of NCRA to take the RSR tests.
Candidates seeking the RSR need to pass three 5-minute Skills Tests:
- RSR Literary at 160 words per minute
- RSR Jury Charge at 180 words per minute
- RSR Testimony/Q&A at 200 words per minute
To pass, an accuracy level of 95 percent is required for each leg.
There is a critical need for qualified, competent stenographers, and the RSR certification will help employers differentiate among candidates applying for these opportunities.
“When you earn the RSR, you have an opportunity to continue learning but begin to enjoy the personal satisfaction of seeing your skills used in professional practice and earn income while you continue your learning,” says NCRA Vice President Debra A. Dibble, RDR, CRR, CRC of Woodland, Utah. “It’s a win/win!”
Visit the NCRA website for more information: https://www.ncra.org/certification/registered-apprentice-reporter-(rar)
