Frequently asked questions: Court reporters

I have a court reporter certificate from the National Court Reporters Association. Can I get a court reporter certificate in Washington without taking the Washington exam?: If the certificate is current, we can issue you a Washington certificate.
Are temporary certificates issued in the state of Washington?: No.
Do I have to be a notary public to become a court reporter?: No, it’s not a requirement. See Notaries Public for more information.
How often and where is the exam held?: The exams are given twice a year, usually in early spring and fall. See Exams for future dates. The exams are conducted at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington. They’re usually given at 9 a.m., noon., and 3 p.m.
How long does a court reporter have to keep their notes?: Transcribed notes must be kept for at least 3 years. Untranscribed notes must be kept for at least 10 years, or as required by statute, whichever is longer.
What is the definition of a standard line as referenced in WAC 308-14-010 and WAC 308-14-135(3)?: "Standard line" is a line that can be determined by looking at a full line of text and counting from the first letter, including punctuation and spaces, to the last letter of that line. The standard line doesn’t include a "Q" or "A," or the numbers on the left side of the page. There are no fewer than 54 and no more than 60 characters per standard line of text.