Court Reporting in New Mexico
As a native New Mexican, I am proud to post something about becoming a court reporter in New Mexico. Yes, it's true. I was born in Albuquerque waaay back in 1971. I haven't lived there since I was five, but have spent many, many summers with gran' folks. And as a court reporting agency, I've made sure we're covered for any attorneys ever needing a court reporter in New Mexico.
The state of New Mexico requires all court reporters to be certified. The process is not difficult or complicated, but must be followed carefully. Provided here is a guide to the process of certification as a court reporter in the state of New Mexico.
Provisional Certification
Although it is not necessary to go through a provisional certification procedure, this process can be quite helpful to new graduates who are not yet ready to become fully certified court reporters. In order to qualify for a provisional certification, the applicant must hold a high school diploma. He or she must also have successfully completed a court reporter course of study. Within the previous year, the applicant must have passed two Q&A takes at 225 wpm. Normally these takes are administered by the student's school. A letter from the instructor stating that the takes were successfully passed and the date that they were administered will suffice.
Upon receiving provisional certification, the court reporter will be authorized for employment under the mentorship of a fully certified court reporter. He or she is not eligible to freelance, and all work produced under a provisional certification must be initialed by the mentor.
The provisional licensee is expected to continue his or her training with the chosen mentor. The mentor must submit an outline of a full training program that will be completed by the provisional licensee. The licensee is also expected to continue speed building at an average of 4 hours per week, which must be logged and submitted each month. The licensee must also attend each RPR exam that is administered during the provisional period, and submit the results to the CCR Board Administrator. All sections of the RPR must be passed during the provisional license period, although they need not all be passed at once.
Full Certification
In order to become fully certified as a court reporter in New Mexico, the applicant must hold a high school diploma. He or she must also be of good moral character. Finally, the applicant must not be delinquent in child support payments.
An applicant for court reporter certification in New Mexico must pass the National Court Reporter Association's RPR examination. If he or she is not in the provisional licensing program, then all three sections of the exam must be passed at the same time.
An applicant may apply for a waiver of the exam requirements if he or she currently holds a certification from the NCRA's RPR examination and has been employed full-time as a court reporter for the previous three years.
Becoming a court reporter in New Mexico is not inherently difficult. However, many new graduates feel that the provisional licensing program provides valuable additional training and knowledge. Which route is selected, the New Mexico Court Reporters Board provides a wealth of information and assistance. The New Mexico Court Reporters Association is another helpful resource, particularly for those who have already completed the certification process.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
