AAERT CDR Final Exam
Certified Deposition Reporter
Questions & Answers | Latest Update
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 1
,Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional
Q1. A digital reporter is asked by one attorney to leave a portion of
testimony off the record without informing opposing counsel. What
should the reporter do?
A. Comply, since the requesting attorney is a paying client
B. Refuse, and remind all parties that going off the record must be agreed
to by everyone present
C. Comply, but tell opposing counsel privately after the deposition ends
D. Stop the proceeding and file a complaint with the court immediately
Answer: B
Explanation: A reporter is a neutral party. Going off the record requires the
agreement of everyone present, not just one side.
Q2. Which of the following best describes a conflict of interest for a
digital reporter?
A. Reporting a deposition for a firm the reporter has never worked with
before
B. Reporting a proceeding in which the reporter has a personal or financial
relationship with one of the parties
C. Reporting a deposition that runs longer than scheduled
D. Using a laptop provided by the reporting agency
Answer: B
Explanation: A conflict of interest arises when a personal, financial, or
family relationship with a party could compromise the reporter's neutrality.
Q3. An attorney offers a digital reporter an expensive gift after a
favorable outcome in a case. The reporter should:
A. Accept it privately since the case is already closed
B. Decline it, as accepting gifts of significant value can create the
appearance of impropriety
C. Accept it and disclose it only if asked
D. Accept it and split it with the transcriber
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 2
, Answer: B
Explanation: Even after a case closes, accepting substantial gifts can
suggest bias and should be declined to preserve impartiality.
Q4. Which statement about confidentiality is TRUE for a digital reporter?
A. Notes and recordings may be shared with anyone who requests them
B. Case files, audio, and notes must be protected from unauthorized
access, loss, or theft
C. Confidentiality obligations end the moment the deposition concludes
D. Only the transcriber, not the reporter, is responsible for confidentiality
Answer: B
Explanation: Reporters must safeguard all case materials, including audio
and notes, against tampering, loss, or theft at all times.
Q5. HIPAA is most relevant to a digital reporter when:
A. Scheduling a deposition location
B. Testimony or exhibits contain protected health information
C. Determining the page rate for a rough draft
D. Selecting a microphone type
Answer: B
Explanation: HIPAA governs protected health information; reporters must
handle any medical information disclosed during testimony with
appropriate care.
Q6. A reporter notices two attorneys engaging in a heated argument
during a break. The most appropriate response is to:
A. Join the conversation and offer an opinion
B. Remain neutral, professional, and avoid participating in the dispute
C. Record the argument as part of the official transcript
D. Leave the proceeding without notice
Answer: B
Explanation: Reporters must remain impartial and professional and should
not engage in disputes between parties.
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 3
Certified Deposition Reporter
Questions & Answers | Latest Update
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 1
,Domain 1: Working as a Legal Professional
Q1. A digital reporter is asked by one attorney to leave a portion of
testimony off the record without informing opposing counsel. What
should the reporter do?
A. Comply, since the requesting attorney is a paying client
B. Refuse, and remind all parties that going off the record must be agreed
to by everyone present
C. Comply, but tell opposing counsel privately after the deposition ends
D. Stop the proceeding and file a complaint with the court immediately
Answer: B
Explanation: A reporter is a neutral party. Going off the record requires the
agreement of everyone present, not just one side.
Q2. Which of the following best describes a conflict of interest for a
digital reporter?
A. Reporting a deposition for a firm the reporter has never worked with
before
B. Reporting a proceeding in which the reporter has a personal or financial
relationship with one of the parties
C. Reporting a deposition that runs longer than scheduled
D. Using a laptop provided by the reporting agency
Answer: B
Explanation: A conflict of interest arises when a personal, financial, or
family relationship with a party could compromise the reporter's neutrality.
Q3. An attorney offers a digital reporter an expensive gift after a
favorable outcome in a case. The reporter should:
A. Accept it privately since the case is already closed
B. Decline it, as accepting gifts of significant value can create the
appearance of impropriety
C. Accept it and disclose it only if asked
D. Accept it and split it with the transcriber
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 2
, Answer: B
Explanation: Even after a case closes, accepting substantial gifts can
suggest bias and should be declined to preserve impartiality.
Q4. Which statement about confidentiality is TRUE for a digital reporter?
A. Notes and recordings may be shared with anyone who requests them
B. Case files, audio, and notes must be protected from unauthorized
access, loss, or theft
C. Confidentiality obligations end the moment the deposition concludes
D. Only the transcriber, not the reporter, is responsible for confidentiality
Answer: B
Explanation: Reporters must safeguard all case materials, including audio
and notes, against tampering, loss, or theft at all times.
Q5. HIPAA is most relevant to a digital reporter when:
A. Scheduling a deposition location
B. Testimony or exhibits contain protected health information
C. Determining the page rate for a rough draft
D. Selecting a microphone type
Answer: B
Explanation: HIPAA governs protected health information; reporters must
handle any medical information disclosed during testimony with
appropriate care.
Q6. A reporter notices two attorneys engaging in a heated argument
during a break. The most appropriate response is to:
A. Join the conversation and offer an opinion
B. Remain neutral, professional, and avoid participating in the dispute
C. Record the argument as part of the official transcript
D. Leave the proceeding without notice
Answer: B
Explanation: Reporters must remain impartial and professional and should
not engage in disputes between parties.
AAERT CDR Exam | Page 3
