The state of Arizona recognizes the importance of court reporters in providing a fair and impartial, professional legal system. As such, the state has imposed minimum standards that every court reporter must follow. Here we will detail the process of becoming a court reporter in Arizona.
Governing Body
The state of Arizona's Court Reporter Certification Program has been in place since 2003, although certification testing has been administered since 2000. The state maintains a
website that provides relevant information to prospective and current court reporters. All needed information, study guides and materials can be found at this website.
Reciprocity for Those Certified in Other States
Arizona uses the National Court Reporter Association's Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) examination to measure prospective court reporters' skills. Therefore, those who have already passed this exam are not required to take it again. However, every applicant must pass Arizona's unique written knowledge test, regardless of certification in another state.
Experience Requirement
In order to qualify for the Arizona Written Knowledge exam, the applicant must have gained a year of experience in court reporting or its equivalent. This requirement can be fulfilled in any of several ways:
- One year of actual courtroom experience in verbatim transcription of proceedings.
- Successful completion of an accredited educational program in court reporting.
- Registered Professional Reporter or Registered Merit Reporter certification from the National Court Reporter Association.
- Full certification to practice court reporting in another state
Arizona Court Reporters Association
Although membership is not mandatory, many court reporters choose to join the Arizona Court Reporters Association. The organization exists to provide information and networking opportunities to court reporters across the state.
Membership includes numerous benefits including discounted health insurance plans. Members are also able to keep abreast of relevant legislation changes and other issues of great importance to the field. Arizona state law requires court reporters to maintain continuing education credits, and regularly offered member seminars provide workshops through which those credits may be obtained.
The
ARCA website is quite complete and well-organized, making it easy for members and non-members to find the information that they require. It is highly advised that all court reporters in Arizona utilize the website on a regular basis to stay abreast of important issues.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a court reporter in Arizona is not a difficult process. The state maintains certain standards in recognition of the important role of the court reporter in ensuring a fair and just legal system. Prospective court reporters can find all of the information that they need at the state's court reporter website and the ACRA's website. Once a court reporter passes his or her certification exam and becomes a practicing court reporter, he can become a full member of the ACRA. This membership is reasonably priced and will provide numerous benefits to the member.