How to get your certificate: Court reporters

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You must get a certificate in the state of Washington before you may represent yourself as a court reporter (Chapter 18.145 RCW). Representing yourself as a court reporter includes referring to yourself with any of the following terms:

Shorthand reporter
Court reporter
Certified shorthand reporter
Certified court reporter

How to get your certificate

There are 3 ways to become a certified court reporter in Washington:

1. Pass the Washington State court reporter exam

Apply for examination online

Log in or sign up to start your application.
Select “General Application” to register for the next Washington State court reporter exam.

Apply for examination by mail

Send us all of the following:

A completed Court Reporter Certification Application.
A check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).

Mail your application and payment to:

Court Reporter Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

We'll schedule you for the next exam date and notify you by mail with the details.

2. Apply using reciprocity with a certificate from NCRA or NSVRA

If you're certified through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or National Stenomask Verbatim Reporters Association (NSVRA):

Apply for reciprocity online

Log in or sign up to start your application.
Select "Reciprocity."

Apply for reciprocity by mail

Send us all of the following:

A completed Court Reporter Certification Application.
A check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
Documentation to verify your certification.

Mail your application and payment to:

Court Reporter Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

3. Apply using your certificate from another state

Apply for reciprocity online

Log in or sign up to start your application.
Select "Reciprocity."

Apply for reciprocity by mail

Send us all of the following:

A completed Court Reporter Certification Application.
A check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
A copy of your current license or proof of licensure.
Proof you've passed an exam that meets or exceeds Washington State standards.

Mail your application and payment to:

Court Reporter Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

For veterans, military personnel, and partners

Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. For more information visit military assistance.

If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. For more information, visit Get paid back for test fees.