In many fields, earning certification means committing to a lifetime of learning. The reason is easy to discern. The world is changing all the time, and it’s important to keep up our skills and learn every chance we get. When we don’t take the time to learn, we run the risk of getting left behind.
NCRA members with certifications can take advantage of many ways to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — and some Professional Development Credits (PDCs) count toward your overall requirement. And now, as we close in on the September 30 deadline for many of you, it is a great time to check on what you have already earned, what you need, and how best to earn those credits.
“Continuing education is a great way to support your career and make sure that you keep your skills up to date. NCRA makes sure that we offer a wide variety of ways to earn your CEUs on a broad range of topics — all geared toward the professions of court reporting, captioning, legal videography, and related fields,” says Cynthia R. Bruce, M.S.Ed., NCRA’s Vice President of Education and Certification. “In addition, NCRA offers free webinars for members that are not only valuable professional development opportunities, but also provide CEUs, making it even easier to stay current, expand your knowledge, and maintain your certifications.”
So, what are CEUs, and what does NCRA look for in a learning opportunity?
NCRA’s continuing education requirement means each individual with an NCRA certification is required to earn 3.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which is the equivalent of 30 hours of approved education. The exception is that those who have earned only NCRA’s Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) credential must earn 1.0 CEU (10 hours) every three years. Registered members, those who have earned a court reporting or captioning credential, also have several opportunities to earn up to 1.0 Professional Development Credit (PDC) toward their overall 3.0 requirement, and CLVS members may earn up to 0.25 PDC.
“We are always on the lookout for great topics for Conference sessions and Learning Center webinars throughout the year,” says Cynthia Ducar, NCRA’s Professional Development Program Manager. “But you may be curious how we look at the submissions. Whenever a session or webinar topic is submitted, we look closely at the learning objectives and whether they meet the criteria for CEU eligibility.”
What are PDCs?
All other activities for which NCRA grants units are awarded as PDCs. While this list is just a sample, the activities include book or article tests; passing a leg of another NCRA certification; participating in NCRF’s Oral Histories Program; providing pro bono services or volunteering for an NCRA, NCRF, or affiliated state board or committee; or participating in a formal mentoring program. (Note: PDCs may not be applied to reinstatement continuing education requirements.)
Who needs them?
Members who have earned NCRA credentials are required to maintain NCRA membership and meet a continuing education requirement every three years to continue using their credentials. The credentials that require CEUs are the Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR), the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), the Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), the Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR), the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), the Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC), the Certified Reporting Instructor (CRI), the Certified Manager of Reporting Services (CMRS), and the Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS).
Where to look and what to look for
There are many ways to earn CEUs. Here is just a sampling.
- The NCRA Learning Center: We will always recommend the NCRA Learning Center as the place to start your search. The Learning Center maintains an entire library of live and recorded webinars, book and article tests, and even some free options for you. The topics range from technology to grammar, from business to mental health, and so much more. Learn more at LearningCenter.NCRA.org.
- In-person, pre-approved events: Many prefer in-person events such as the NCRA Conference & Expo (being held this week) or state association conferences, and you can often earn many CEUs at one time. For example, attendees at the 2026 NCRA Conference & Expo can earn up to 1.425 CEUs. Check out the full calendar of pre-approved events online at NCRA.org/certification/continuing-education.
- Take a class: Taking a class, such as learning first aid or CPR or even a course at a local (or online) college, is another great way to earn credits. Keep in mind that it is imperative to get such learning opportunities approved before starting. Information about getting NCRA approval is available on NCRA.org under the Continuing Education section.
- Volunteer: Activities such as promoting the profession at a career fair, law school, or other event; providing pro bono services; serving on a state association board or committee, including the U.S. Court Reporting Association; or participating in NCRA’s Virtual Mentor Program, can also earn you credit as PDCs.
- Transcribe oral histories through NCRF: The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) offers opportunities to earn PDCs through its Oral Histories Program. Members can apply up to 1.0 PDC to their CEU requirement per cycle by volunteering to transcribe a 30- to 90-minute pre-recorded interview of an American veteran, Holocaust survivor, or attorney who has provided pro bono services through Legal Aid. Learn more at NCRA.org/ncrf/oralhistories.
(More options can be found at NCRA.org/certification/continuing-education.)
What is the deadline for earning CEUs?
The deadline for earning CEUs is Sept. 30 each year, although which year depends on when you have earned your certifications.
You can look up your actual deadline through your NCRA account, which you can access by logging in on NCRA.org. NCRA recommends that Registered Members earn about 10 hours (or more) each year to spread out the requirement over the three-year cycle.
“While we send regular updates to members about their current status in the final year of their cycles, it is always a good idea to check your cycle transcript online to make sure that everything is properly credited,” says Sandra Bryant, NCRA’s Credentialing Coordinator. “And check early! If something is wrong, you will then have some time to work with us to rectify your account.”
Cycle extensions
If you need a four-month cycle extension (to Jan. 31) to finish those last CEUs, you may fill out the CEU extension request form by Sept. 30. Note that the deadline to complete CEUs or to request an extension is the same date.
If you have any questions, need assistance with identifying upcoming continuing education opportunities, or need help checking your CEU status, visit NCRA’s Continuing Education web page or contact NCRA’s Continuing Education Department at continuinged@ncra.org or visit the FAQs.
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