Court Reporting in Georgia
The state of Georgia requires all court reporters to be certified. The certification process is not difficult, but must be followed exactly. Additionally certified court reporters in Georgia are required to obtain continuing education credits each year. Provided here is a brief guide to the process of obtaining and maintaining court reporter certification in the state of Georgia.
Training
Georgia does not require potential court reporters to attend any sort of court reporter training program prior to certification. However, many potential court reporters feel that a training program is the best way to gain the skills and knowledge required for the examination. Information about court reporter schools can be found at the National Court Reporter Association website.
The Judicial Council of Georgia, which administers the certification exam for court reporters, has developed an optional seminar for those who plan to take the exam. Known as Tips for the Test, the seminar offers practice exams as well as a wealth of information about the test and how to prepare.
After a new court reporter passes the certification exam, he or she must attend the Judicial Council of Georgia's Learning Essentials About Professionalism (LEAP) program within 12 months. Failure to attend this program will result in the certification being suspended.
The Exam
The certification exam is administered on a regular basis by the Judicial Council of Georgia. Information about upcoming exams can be found on the Judicial Council's website. The exam is divided into two parts: written knowledge and skills. The written knowledge test must be passed before the dictation portion will be administered. Both parts must be passed before a certificate may be issued.
If the written portion of the exam is passed but the dictation portion failed, the passing score may be retained. The dictation portion is divided into three sections, all of which must be passed. However, if two of the three sections are passed, the passing scores may be retained through one more testing session. If the third section is failed again, however, then the entire section must be retaken.
The Judicial Council's website provides a detailed guide to possible errors in transcription. Reading through this guide will provide the prospective court reporter with an awareness of common mistakes and knowledge of which elements should be monitored closely.
Georgia Shorthand Reporters Association
The Georgia Shorthand Reporters Association is a valuable resource for court reporters in the state of Georgia. The organization provides numerous opportunities for members to attend workshops that provide continuing education credits. It also provides networking opportunities, legislative representation and other important benefits. The Association's website provides a wealth of information for both members and non-members.
Becoming a court reporter in Georgia is not inherently difficult. However, there is a step by step process that must be followed. It is important that any prospective Georgia court reporter read through the Judicial Council requirements and follow them closely. Once an applicant becomes a fully certified court reporter, both the Judicial Council and the Georgia Shorthand Reporters Association will provide valuable ongoing resources and support.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
