How to get your certificate: Court reporters

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 4 ways to become a certified court reporter in Washington:

Pass the Washington State court reporter exam

To apply for examination:

1. 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).
2. Mail your application and payment to:
   
   Court Reporter Program
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 3856
   Seattle, WA 98124-3856
3. We'll schedule you for the next exam date and notify you by mail with the details.

Apply using the National Court Reporters Association designation

If you're certified through the National Court Reporters Association:

1. 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.
2. Mail your application and payment to:
   
   Court Reporter Program
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 3856
   Seattle, WA 98124-3856

Apply using the National Stenomask Verbatim Reporters Association designation

If you're certified through the National Stenomask Verbatim Reporters Association:

1. 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.
2. Mail your application and payment to:
   
   Court Reporter Program
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 3856
   Seattle, WA 98124-3856

Apply using reciprocity

If you're certified in another state:

1. 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.
2. Mail your application and payment to:
   
   Court Reporter Program
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 3856
   Seattle, WA 98124-3856

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