New Practice Test for the
AAERT CDR Exam
200 Latest Questions with Correct Answers
and Comprehensive Rationales
Certified Deposition Reporter Examination
Aligned with 2026-2027 AAERT CDR Blueprint
Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional (20%)
Domain 2: Digital Reporting (40%)
Domain 3: Knowledge of the Law and Legal Procedures (20%)
Domain 4: Transcript Production (20%)
AAERT CDR Exam Prep Latest 2026
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 1
,AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional (20%)
Ethical obligations, confidentiality, professional behavior, courtroom etiquette, remote proceedings, and client service.
Q1: A digital reporter is assigned to cover a deposition for a law firm that previously employed the reporter's spouse
as a paralegal. The spouse left the firm on good terms two years ago. What is the most appropriate course of action
regarding this situation?
A. Proceed with the assignment since the spouse no longer works there
B. Decline the assignment and disclose the potential conflict of interest to the assigning agency **[CORRECT]**
C. Proceed but inform the attorney that the reporter's spouse used to work there
D. Accept the assignment and wait to see if anyone objects
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under AAERT ethical standards, a digital reporter must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. A spouse's prior
employment with a firm involved in the proceeding creates a potential conflict of interest that should be disclosed. The reporter should
decline the assignment and inform the agency, allowing them to assign an impartial reporter. Simply proceeding or waiting for an
objection does not meet the proactive ethical obligation required by AAERT's Code of Professional Ethics.
Q2: During a deposition break, an attorney offers a digital reporter a $50 gift card to a local coffee shop as a token of
appreciation for always being punctual. Which response best aligns with AAERT ethical guidelines?
A. Accept the gift card since it is a small token and does not influence objectivity
B. Politely decline the gift and explain that accepting gifts from parties to a case is against professional ethics
**[CORRECT]**
C. Accept the gift card but report it to the reporting firm's management
D. Accept the gift card only if all attorneys present agree to it
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT's Code of Professional Ethics prohibits reporters from accepting gifts from attorneys, parties, or anyone connected
to a case proceeding. Even small gifts can create the appearance of bias or favoritism. The correct response is to politely decline and
explain the ethical prohibition. Accepting under any condition, even with reporting, is not appropriate because the ethical standard is
absolute, not conditional.
Q3: A digital reporter discovers that the court reporting firm they work for has been overbilling clients by inflating
the number of pages in transcripts. The firm owner instructs the reporter not to mention this to anyone. What is the
reporter's ethical obligation?
A. Follow the employer's instructions since the reporter is an employee and owes loyalty to the firm
B. Report the fraudulent billing to the appropriate professional authority or regulatory body **[CORRECT]**
C. Confront the firm owner directly and demand they stop the practice
D. Quietly find employment with a different firm and say nothing about the billing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT ethical standards require reporters to maintain integrity in all professional dealings. Fraudulent billing is a serious
ethical violation and potentially illegal. The reporter has an obligation to report such misconduct to the appropriate authority, which
may include AAERT, state certification boards, or other regulatory bodies. Following improper employer instructions, confronting the
owner without escalation, or simply leaving without reporting all fail to address the ethical breach.
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 2
,AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Q4: Which of the following best describes the difference between ethical and unethical behavior for a digital reporter
according to AAERT standards?
A. Ethical behavior means always following the judge's instructions without question
B. Ethical behavior means acting with integrity, impartiality, and in compliance with professional codes regardless of
personal interest **[CORRECT]**
C. Unethical behavior only occurs when a reporter intentionally alters a transcript
D. Ethical behavior is determined solely by what is legal in the reporter's jurisdiction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT's ethical framework defines ethical behavior as conduct that demonstrates integrity, impartiality, and adherence to
the professional code of ethics, even when personal interests might suggest another course. Ethics extends beyond mere legality and
beyond merely following judicial instructions. Unethical behavior encompasses a broad range of conduct including conflicts of
interest, breaches of confidentiality, and failure to maintain professional standards, not just intentional transcript alteration.
Q5: A digital reporter is asked by an attorney to 'make sure the witness's testimony looks bad' in the transcript. What
is the correct response?
A. Explain that the transcript must be a verbatim, neutral record of what was said **[CORRECT]**
B. Ask the attorney specifically what changes they want made to the testimony
C. Agree to adjust formatting to emphasize certain portions of testimony
D. Report the request to the opposing counsel immediately during the deposition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A digital reporter's fundamental duty is to produce a verbatim, accurate, and impartial transcript. Any request to alter the
appearance or substance of testimony is a direct violation of AAERT ethics. The reporter must firmly but professionally explain that
the transcript will be a neutral record. The reporter should not entertain the request, suggest formatting tricks to influence perception,
or immediately report to opposing counsel during the proceeding, which would disrupt the deposition.
Q6: A digital reporter who is also a notary public is scheduled to notarize a document for a family member who is
involved in a case the reporter recently covered. Which of the following actions should the reporter take?
A. Proceed with the notarization since being a notary is separate from the reporting role
B. Decline the notarization due to the conflict of interest between the personal relationship and the professional case
connection **[CORRECT]**
C. Notarize the document but disclose the conflict to all parties involved
D. Ask another notary to co-notarize the document to avoid any appearance of impropriety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under AAERT ethical standards, a conflict of interest exists when a reporter's personal relationships intersect with
professional case connections. Even though notarization is a separate function, the family member's involvement in a case the reporter
covered creates an impermissible conflict. The reporter should decline the notarization entirely. Adding a co-notary or proceeding with
disclosure does not eliminate the fundamental conflict of interest.
Q7: Which of the following scenarios constitutes an appearance of impropriety for a digital reporter?
A. Wearing professional business attire to a deposition
B. Socializing with an attorney at a bar association event where no case is discussed
C. Having a romantic relationship with a party to a case currently being reported **[CORRECT]**
D. Recommending a qualified colleague to cover a deposition the reporter cannot attend
Correct Answer: C
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 3
, AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Rationale: An appearance of impropriety occurs when a reasonable observer could question the reporter's impartiality. A romantic
relationship with a party to an active case clearly creates an appearance of bias and is prohibited under AAERT ethics. Professional
attire, casual socializing at professional events where no case matters are discussed, and referring qualified colleagues are all
acceptable professional behaviors that do not compromise impartiality.
Q8: A digital reporter is offered a referral fee by a litigation support company for every deposition they steer toward
that company. What should the reporter do?
A. Accept the referral fee as long as the company provides quality service
B. Decline the referral fee as it creates a conflict of interest and an improper financial incentive **[CORRECT]**
C. Accept the fee but disclose it to clients who ask for referrals
D. Accept the fee only if the referring attorney also receives a referral fee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accepting referral fees from litigation support companies creates a financial conflict of interest that could compromise the
reporter's objectivity and professional recommendations. AAERT ethical standards prohibit accepting payments or gifts that could
influence professional judgment. Even with disclosure, accepting such fees is inappropriate because it creates an inherent bias in the
reporter's recommendations.
Q9: During a deposition, an attorney makes disparaging remarks about the digital reporter's equipment setup,
suggesting it is inferior. The reporter's equipment is functioning properly. What is the most professional response?
A. Argue with the attorney about the quality of the equipment being used
B. Maintain a calm, neutral demeanor and assure the attorney that the equipment has been tested and is functioning
properly **[CORRECT]**
C. Stop the deposition until the attorney apologizes for the remark
D. File a formal complaint against the attorney with the court immediately after the deposition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT standards require reporters to maintain a neutral, calm, and professional demeanor at all times, even when faced
with discourteous behavior. The correct approach is to calmly reassure the attorney that equipment is functioning properly without
becoming defensive or argumentative. Stopping the deposition or filing an immediate complaint would be disproportionate and
unprofessional responses that disrupt the proceedings.
Q10: A digital reporter's close friend is an expert witness scheduled to testify at a trial the reporter is assigned to
cover. What is the appropriate ethical response?
A. Cover the proceedings but recuse oneself from transcript production for that witness's testimony
B. Disclose the relationship to the assigning authority and request reassignment to avoid any conflict of interest
**[CORRECT]**
C. Cover the proceedings without telling anyone since the reporter can remain objective despite the friendship
D. Ask the friend to request a different reporter so the reporter does not have to disclose the relationship
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A close personal relationship with a testifying witness creates a clear conflict of interest. Under AAERT ethics, the reporter
must proactively disclose this relationship and request reassignment. Even partial recusal is insufficient because the reporter's presence
itself creates an appearance of bias. The ethical obligation is to avoid any involvement in the proceeding.
Q11: Which of the following best describes how a digital reporter should handle a situation where they realize
mid-deposition that they have a previously undisclosed conflict of interest?
A. Continue the deposition and address the conflict after the proceeding concludes
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 4
AAERT CDR Exam
200 Latest Questions with Correct Answers
and Comprehensive Rationales
Certified Deposition Reporter Examination
Aligned with 2026-2027 AAERT CDR Blueprint
Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional (20%)
Domain 2: Digital Reporting (40%)
Domain 3: Knowledge of the Law and Legal Procedures (20%)
Domain 4: Transcript Production (20%)
AAERT CDR Exam Prep Latest 2026
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 1
,AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional (20%)
Ethical obligations, confidentiality, professional behavior, courtroom etiquette, remote proceedings, and client service.
Q1: A digital reporter is assigned to cover a deposition for a law firm that previously employed the reporter's spouse
as a paralegal. The spouse left the firm on good terms two years ago. What is the most appropriate course of action
regarding this situation?
A. Proceed with the assignment since the spouse no longer works there
B. Decline the assignment and disclose the potential conflict of interest to the assigning agency **[CORRECT]**
C. Proceed but inform the attorney that the reporter's spouse used to work there
D. Accept the assignment and wait to see if anyone objects
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under AAERT ethical standards, a digital reporter must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. A spouse's prior
employment with a firm involved in the proceeding creates a potential conflict of interest that should be disclosed. The reporter should
decline the assignment and inform the agency, allowing them to assign an impartial reporter. Simply proceeding or waiting for an
objection does not meet the proactive ethical obligation required by AAERT's Code of Professional Ethics.
Q2: During a deposition break, an attorney offers a digital reporter a $50 gift card to a local coffee shop as a token of
appreciation for always being punctual. Which response best aligns with AAERT ethical guidelines?
A. Accept the gift card since it is a small token and does not influence objectivity
B. Politely decline the gift and explain that accepting gifts from parties to a case is against professional ethics
**[CORRECT]**
C. Accept the gift card but report it to the reporting firm's management
D. Accept the gift card only if all attorneys present agree to it
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT's Code of Professional Ethics prohibits reporters from accepting gifts from attorneys, parties, or anyone connected
to a case proceeding. Even small gifts can create the appearance of bias or favoritism. The correct response is to politely decline and
explain the ethical prohibition. Accepting under any condition, even with reporting, is not appropriate because the ethical standard is
absolute, not conditional.
Q3: A digital reporter discovers that the court reporting firm they work for has been overbilling clients by inflating
the number of pages in transcripts. The firm owner instructs the reporter not to mention this to anyone. What is the
reporter's ethical obligation?
A. Follow the employer's instructions since the reporter is an employee and owes loyalty to the firm
B. Report the fraudulent billing to the appropriate professional authority or regulatory body **[CORRECT]**
C. Confront the firm owner directly and demand they stop the practice
D. Quietly find employment with a different firm and say nothing about the billing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT ethical standards require reporters to maintain integrity in all professional dealings. Fraudulent billing is a serious
ethical violation and potentially illegal. The reporter has an obligation to report such misconduct to the appropriate authority, which
may include AAERT, state certification boards, or other regulatory bodies. Following improper employer instructions, confronting the
owner without escalation, or simply leaving without reporting all fail to address the ethical breach.
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 2
,AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Q4: Which of the following best describes the difference between ethical and unethical behavior for a digital reporter
according to AAERT standards?
A. Ethical behavior means always following the judge's instructions without question
B. Ethical behavior means acting with integrity, impartiality, and in compliance with professional codes regardless of
personal interest **[CORRECT]**
C. Unethical behavior only occurs when a reporter intentionally alters a transcript
D. Ethical behavior is determined solely by what is legal in the reporter's jurisdiction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT's ethical framework defines ethical behavior as conduct that demonstrates integrity, impartiality, and adherence to
the professional code of ethics, even when personal interests might suggest another course. Ethics extends beyond mere legality and
beyond merely following judicial instructions. Unethical behavior encompasses a broad range of conduct including conflicts of
interest, breaches of confidentiality, and failure to maintain professional standards, not just intentional transcript alteration.
Q5: A digital reporter is asked by an attorney to 'make sure the witness's testimony looks bad' in the transcript. What
is the correct response?
A. Explain that the transcript must be a verbatim, neutral record of what was said **[CORRECT]**
B. Ask the attorney specifically what changes they want made to the testimony
C. Agree to adjust formatting to emphasize certain portions of testimony
D. Report the request to the opposing counsel immediately during the deposition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A digital reporter's fundamental duty is to produce a verbatim, accurate, and impartial transcript. Any request to alter the
appearance or substance of testimony is a direct violation of AAERT ethics. The reporter must firmly but professionally explain that
the transcript will be a neutral record. The reporter should not entertain the request, suggest formatting tricks to influence perception,
or immediately report to opposing counsel during the proceeding, which would disrupt the deposition.
Q6: A digital reporter who is also a notary public is scheduled to notarize a document for a family member who is
involved in a case the reporter recently covered. Which of the following actions should the reporter take?
A. Proceed with the notarization since being a notary is separate from the reporting role
B. Decline the notarization due to the conflict of interest between the personal relationship and the professional case
connection **[CORRECT]**
C. Notarize the document but disclose the conflict to all parties involved
D. Ask another notary to co-notarize the document to avoid any appearance of impropriety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under AAERT ethical standards, a conflict of interest exists when a reporter's personal relationships intersect with
professional case connections. Even though notarization is a separate function, the family member's involvement in a case the reporter
covered creates an impermissible conflict. The reporter should decline the notarization entirely. Adding a co-notary or proceeding with
disclosure does not eliminate the fundamental conflict of interest.
Q7: Which of the following scenarios constitutes an appearance of impropriety for a digital reporter?
A. Wearing professional business attire to a deposition
B. Socializing with an attorney at a bar association event where no case is discussed
C. Having a romantic relationship with a party to a case currently being reported **[CORRECT]**
D. Recommending a qualified colleague to cover a deposition the reporter cannot attend
Correct Answer: C
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 3
, AAERT CDR Exam Prep 2026 Certified Deposition Reporter
Rationale: An appearance of impropriety occurs when a reasonable observer could question the reporter's impartiality. A romantic
relationship with a party to an active case clearly creates an appearance of bias and is prohibited under AAERT ethics. Professional
attire, casual socializing at professional events where no case matters are discussed, and referring qualified colleagues are all
acceptable professional behaviors that do not compromise impartiality.
Q8: A digital reporter is offered a referral fee by a litigation support company for every deposition they steer toward
that company. What should the reporter do?
A. Accept the referral fee as long as the company provides quality service
B. Decline the referral fee as it creates a conflict of interest and an improper financial incentive **[CORRECT]**
C. Accept the fee but disclose it to clients who ask for referrals
D. Accept the fee only if the referring attorney also receives a referral fee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accepting referral fees from litigation support companies creates a financial conflict of interest that could compromise the
reporter's objectivity and professional recommendations. AAERT ethical standards prohibit accepting payments or gifts that could
influence professional judgment. Even with disclosure, accepting such fees is inappropriate because it creates an inherent bias in the
reporter's recommendations.
Q9: During a deposition, an attorney makes disparaging remarks about the digital reporter's equipment setup,
suggesting it is inferior. The reporter's equipment is functioning properly. What is the most professional response?
A. Argue with the attorney about the quality of the equipment being used
B. Maintain a calm, neutral demeanor and assure the attorney that the equipment has been tested and is functioning
properly **[CORRECT]**
C. Stop the deposition until the attorney apologizes for the remark
D. File a formal complaint against the attorney with the court immediately after the deposition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AAERT standards require reporters to maintain a neutral, calm, and professional demeanor at all times, even when faced
with discourteous behavior. The correct approach is to calmly reassure the attorney that equipment is functioning properly without
becoming defensive or argumentative. Stopping the deposition or filing an immediate complaint would be disproportionate and
unprofessional responses that disrupt the proceedings.
Q10: A digital reporter's close friend is an expert witness scheduled to testify at a trial the reporter is assigned to
cover. What is the appropriate ethical response?
A. Cover the proceedings but recuse oneself from transcript production for that witness's testimony
B. Disclose the relationship to the assigning authority and request reassignment to avoid any conflict of interest
**[CORRECT]**
C. Cover the proceedings without telling anyone since the reporter can remain objective despite the friendship
D. Ask the friend to request a different reporter so the reporter does not have to disclose the relationship
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A close personal relationship with a testifying witness creates a clear conflict of interest. Under AAERT ethics, the reporter
must proactively disclose this relationship and request reassignment. Even partial recusal is insufficient because the reporter's presence
itself creates an appearance of bias. The ethical obligation is to avoid any involvement in the proceeding.
Q11: Which of the following best describes how a digital reporter should handle a situation where they realize
mid-deposition that they have a previously undisclosed conflict of interest?
A. Continue the deposition and address the conflict after the proceeding concludes
AAERT CDR Exam Practice Test - 200 Questions | Page 4
