AAERT CDR Exam Prep — 300 Practice
Questions & Answers
Certified Digital Reporter Practice Set |
Questions, Answers & Rationales
Question 1: Which action best reflects the recommended practice concerning On/off the record procedures?
A. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
B. guess when uncertain to avoid interrupting
C. change the record to make it easier to read
D. ignore the issue unless someone complains
CORRECT ANSWER: A. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 2: A reporter encounters a situation involving On/off the record procedures. What is the best first
approach?
A. assume the most likely interpretation
B. ask a participant to rewrite the testimony
C. skip documentation because it takes time
D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 3: Why is On/off the record procedures important to an accurate record?
A. it guarantees that every speaker will be audible
B. it allows the reporter to advocate for one side
C. it eliminates the need for quality control
D. the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part of the official record
Page 1
,CORRECT ANSWER: D. the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part of
the official record
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 4: Which statement about On/off the record procedures is MOST appropriate?
A. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
B. the reporter should rely on memory instead of the record
C. the reporter should prioritize speed over accuracy
D. the reporter may improvise whenever convenient
CORRECT ANSWER: A. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 5: When handling On/off the record procedures, which choice is safest?
A. make an unsupported assumption
B. ask another participant to decide what the record should say
C. delete an uncertain portion from the recording
D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 6: What is a common quality-control goal related to On/off the record procedures?
A. removing procedural events from the record
B. reducing the number of speakers shown
C. making the transcript reflect the reporter's opinion
D. preserving accuracy and consistency in on/off the record procedures
CORRECT ANSWER: D. preserving accuracy and consistency in on/off the record procedures
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 7: If there is uncertainty involving On/off the record procedures, what should the reporter generally do?
A. ignore the uncertainty
B. change the testimony to fit the context
C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
D. silently choose an interpretation
Page 2
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is C because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 8: Which practice BEST supports professionalism when dealing with On/off the record procedures? A.
omit inconvenient statements
B. favor the attorney who requested the service
C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
D. coach the witness toward a clearer answer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is C because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 9: Which outcome is most directly supported by proper handling of On/off the record procedures?
A. a more reliable and usable record through proper on/off the record procedures
B. automatic resolution of every legal dispute
C. fewer responsibilities for all participants
D. a shorter proceeding regardless of accuracy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. a more reliable and usable record through proper on/off the record procedures
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 10: A new reporter is learning about On/off the record procedures. Which guidance is most appropriate?
A. learn the applicable procedure and use reliable reference materials when uncertain
B. treat all informal notes as part of the official record
C. memorize one rule and apply it in every jurisdiction
D. avoid asking questions under all circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: A. learn the applicable procedure and use reliable reference materials when uncertain
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 11: Which action best reflects the recommended practice concerning Digital recording equipment?
A. guess when uncertain to avoid interrupting
B. ignore the issue unless someone complains
C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
D. change the record to make it easier to read
Page 3
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before
proceedings begin
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 12: A reporter encounters a situation involving Digital recording equipment. What is the best first
approach?
A. ask a participant to rewrite the testimony
B. assume the most likely interpretation
C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
D. skip documentation because it takes time
CORRECT ANSWER: C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before
proceedings begin
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 13: Why is Digital recording equipment important to an accurate record?
A. it guarantees that every speaker will be audible
B. it allows the reporter to advocate for one side
C. it eliminates the need for quality control
D. a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an accurate source recording
CORRECT ANSWER: D. a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an accurate
source recording
Rationale: The best answer is D because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 14: Which statement about Digital recording equipment is MOST appropriate?
A. the reporter may improvise whenever convenient
B. the reporter should rely on memory instead of the record
C. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
D. the reporter should prioritize speed over accuracy
CORRECT ANSWER: C. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 15: When handling Digital recording equipment, which choice is safest?
A. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
B. ask another participant to decide what the record should say
C. make an unsupported assumption
Page 4
Questions & Answers
Certified Digital Reporter Practice Set |
Questions, Answers & Rationales
Question 1: Which action best reflects the recommended practice concerning On/off the record procedures?
A. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
B. guess when uncertain to avoid interrupting
C. change the record to make it easier to read
D. ignore the issue unless someone complains
CORRECT ANSWER: A. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 2: A reporter encounters a situation involving On/off the record procedures. What is the best first
approach?
A. assume the most likely interpretation
B. ask a participant to rewrite the testimony
C. skip documentation because it takes time
D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 3: Why is On/off the record procedures important to an accurate record?
A. it guarantees that every speaker will be audible
B. it allows the reporter to advocate for one side
C. it eliminates the need for quality control
D. the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part of the official record
Page 1
,CORRECT ANSWER: D. the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part of
the official record
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 4: Which statement about On/off the record procedures is MOST appropriate?
A. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
B. the reporter should rely on memory instead of the record
C. the reporter should prioritize speed over accuracy
D. the reporter may improvise whenever convenient
CORRECT ANSWER: A. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 5: When handling On/off the record procedures, which choice is safest?
A. make an unsupported assumption
B. ask another participant to decide what the record should say
C. delete an uncertain portion from the recording
D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
CORRECT ANSWER: D. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 6: What is a common quality-control goal related to On/off the record procedures?
A. removing procedural events from the record
B. reducing the number of speakers shown
C. making the transcript reflect the reporter's opinion
D. preserving accuracy and consistency in on/off the record procedures
CORRECT ANSWER: D. preserving accuracy and consistency in on/off the record procedures
Rationale: The best answer is D because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 7: If there is uncertainty involving On/off the record procedures, what should the reporter generally do?
A. ignore the uncertainty
B. change the testimony to fit the context
C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
D. silently choose an interpretation
Page 2
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is C because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 8: Which practice BEST supports professionalism when dealing with On/off the record procedures? A.
omit inconvenient statements
B. favor the attorney who requested the service
C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when recording stops or resumes
D. coach the witness toward a clearer answer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. clearly announce the record status and confirm that everyone understands when
recording stops or resumes
Rationale: The best answer is C because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 9: Which outcome is most directly supported by proper handling of On/off the record procedures?
A. a more reliable and usable record through proper on/off the record procedures
B. automatic resolution of every legal dispute
C. fewer responsibilities for all participants
D. a shorter proceeding regardless of accuracy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. a more reliable and usable record through proper on/off the record procedures
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 10: A new reporter is learning about On/off the record procedures. Which guidance is most appropriate?
A. learn the applicable procedure and use reliable reference materials when uncertain
B. treat all informal notes as part of the official record
C. memorize one rule and apply it in every jurisdiction
D. avoid asking questions under all circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: A. learn the applicable procedure and use reliable reference materials when uncertain
Rationale: The best answer is A because the reporter should verify the record status before treating a statement as part
of the official record. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional requirements,
so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 11: Which action best reflects the recommended practice concerning Digital recording equipment?
A. guess when uncertain to avoid interrupting
B. ignore the issue unless someone complains
C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
D. change the record to make it easier to read
Page 3
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before
proceedings begin
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 12: A reporter encounters a situation involving Digital recording equipment. What is the best first
approach?
A. ask a participant to rewrite the testimony
B. assume the most likely interpretation
C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
D. skip documentation because it takes time
CORRECT ANSWER: C. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before
proceedings begin
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 13: Why is Digital recording equipment important to an accurate record?
A. it guarantees that every speaker will be audible
B. it allows the reporter to advocate for one side
C. it eliminates the need for quality control
D. a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an accurate source recording
CORRECT ANSWER: D. a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an accurate
source recording
Rationale: The best answer is D because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 14: Which statement about Digital recording equipment is MOST appropriate?
A. the reporter may improvise whenever convenient
B. the reporter should rely on memory instead of the record
C. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
D. the reporter should prioritize speed over accuracy
CORRECT ANSWER: C. the reporter should apply a consistent, professional process
Rationale: The best answer is C because a functioning recorder is essential because the transcript depends on an
accurate source recording. Exact procedures can vary by jurisdiction, court, contract, or applicable professional
requirements, so the reporter should use the controlling rule or instruction when one applies.
Question 15: When handling Digital recording equipment, which choice is safest?
A. verify that the recording system is operating and capturing intelligible audio before proceedings begin
B. ask another participant to decide what the record should say
C. make an unsupported assumption
Page 4
