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. However, to notarize a document you must have a notary license. See Notaries Public for more information.
- If I’m a licensed notary public, is it legal to notarize my own signature or document?
- 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 our Exams page for more information.
- 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.
- Do I have to offer my court reporting services and fees to all parties on equal terms?
- Yes. All certified court reporters (CCR) must offer arrangements on a case concerning court reporter services or fees to all parties on equal terms except where differing standards are established by court or governmental agency. See WAC 308-14-130 (1).
- Can I charge a reduced rate for a copy of my transcription?
- Yes, as long as you offer these rates to all parties. See WAC 308-14-130 (1).
- What are the obligations of a CCR if a transcript is ordered on an expedited basis?
- You must offer the same service and expedited fees to all parties on equal terms in addition to notifying all parties when transcripts are ordered.
- I’m licensed in another State. Do I still need to have a Washington State court reporter license to practice in the state of Washington?
- Yes. Chapter 18.145.010 RCW states “no person may represent himself or herself as a court reporter without first obtaining a certificate as required by this chapter."
