NCRA Pushes Certification of Pennsylvania Court Reporters

Court reporters are a critical element in the American judicial process. They create an official record of the proceedings with a level of attention that a simple tape recorder could never match. Historic legal decisions have hinged on the proper transcription of a witness's testimony.

And yet, only half the states in this country have certification requirements and Pennsylvania isn't one of them. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is working to change that.

Why Is Certification Important?

Education at an accredited institution is only the first step in a successful court reporting career. Reporters continue to learn all throughout their careers. And yet a prospective client has no way of gauging the abilities of Pennsylvania court reporters.

Certification goes beyond the exercises that must be completed in a court reporter's education. The reporter must not only show a certain level of speed and accuracy, but must also pass exams demonstrating their knowledge of transcript production, administrative procedures, and professional issues.

The NCRA offers several certifications that demonstrate not only an increasing level of talent, but also specialization in areas such as video conferencing and instruction.

The Need for Certification Is More Important Than Ever

Pennsylvania court reporters are in more demand now than probably at any time in the profession's history. Meeting that demand requires exceptional service from the existing body of reporters as the nation's schools try to produce enough graduates to meet the increasing demand.

Certification does more than demonstrate that a reporter is a skilled professional. It inspires reporters to excel, to practice more, to learn more so they can meet the lofty standards of certification. In pursuing these credentials, these professionals become better reporters.

Maintaining their certifications requires active pursuit of continuing education opportunities. Certified court reporters who might otherwise put off learning about new technologies and techniques now have incentive to enroll in courses now rather than later.

NCRA Encourages Voluntary Certification

Although Pennsylvania court reporters are not currently required to seek NCRA certification, there is nothing stopping them from doing so on their own.

A prospective reporter will get far more attention from a court reporting agency if NCRA credentials are listed on the reporter's resume. The higher the certification, the more in demand the reporter is going to be. After all only 2/3 of NCRA members have gotten even the entry-level Registered Professional Reporter certification, and less than 2% have achieved the level of Registered Diplomate Reporter.

Certification opens a host of new employment doors that can change a reporter's career. Not only will opportunities open up in the court system, but a whole array of careers outside the court await court reporters who are willing to show the commitment involved with achieving professional credentials.