AAERT CDR Certified Digital Reporter
Comprehensive Practice Examination
200 Questions | Actual Exam Format 2026/2027
Detailed Rationales Included
Q1: What is the primary responsibility of a Certified Digital Reporter during a legal
proceeding?
A. To provide legal advice to attorneys present
B. To create a verbatim record of proceedings using digital audio technology
C. To interpret testimony for non-English speakers [CORRECT]
D. To serve as an expert witness on technical matters
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the primary function of a CDR is capturing accurate audio
records of legal proceedings using specialized digital recording equipment and software
systems.
Q2: According to AAERT standards, what is the minimum number of audio channels
recommended for deposition recording?
A. Single channel mono recording
B. Two-channel stereo recording
C. Four-channel independent recording [CORRECT]
D. Eight-channel surround sound recording
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches AAERT's technical standards requiring minimum four independent
audio channels to ensure backup recording and speaker isolation capabilities.
Q3: Which oath must be administered to a witness before testimony begins?
A. The Affirmation of Truth Oath
B. The Judicial Promise Oath
C. The Oath or Affirmation to Tell the Truth [CORRECT]
D. The Witness Commitment Pledge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is administering the proper oath or affirmation requiring witnesses to
promise to tell the truth before giving testimony, as mandated by court rules and ethical
standards.
Q4: What is the correct procedure when audio equipment malfunctions during a
deposition?
A. Continue recording and note the issue later
B. Immediately stop the proceeding without explanation
C. Announce the issue on the record and take corrective action [CORRECT]
D. Switch to handwritten notes silently
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because professional standards require immediate notification to all
parties when technical issues affect the record, followed by appropriate troubleshooting
steps.
Q5: Which file format is preferred for archiving original audio recordings according to
industry best practices?
A. MP3 compressed format
B. WMA Windows Media format
,C. Uncompressed WAV or FLAC format [CORRECT]
D. AAC iTunes format
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches archival standards requiring uncompressed or lossless audio
formats to preserve the integrity of the original record for potential future transcription or
analysis.
Q6: What information MUST be included in the transcript certification page?
A. Reporter's home address and personal phone number
B. Complete social security number for identification
C. Reporter's name, notary commission details, and certification statement [CORRECT]
D. Attorney billing information and case budget
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the certification page requires the reporter's identity, notary
credentials, and a formal statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the
transcript.
Q7: When marking an exhibit during a deposition, what is the proper protocol?
A. Simply note it mentally for later reference
B. Ask the attorney to handle it privately
C. Announce the exhibit number and description on the record [CORRECT]
D. Wait until after the deposition to document exhibits
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is creating an accurate real-time record by verbally identifying each
exhibit with its number and description as it is introduced into evidence.
Q8: What is the recommended backup interval for digital audio files during an extended
proceeding?
A. Every 24 hours only
B. At the conclusion of the proceeding only
C. Every 30 minutes or at natural breaks [CORRECT]
D. Backup is optional for short proceedings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches risk management protocols requiring frequent backup cycles to
prevent data loss from equipment failure, power interruption, or other technical issues.
Q9: Which microphone placement provides optimal audio capture for a witness stand?
A. Mounted on the ceiling above the witness
B. Placed on the floor near the witness's feet
C. Positioned 6-12 inches from the witness's mouth at chest level [CORRECT]
D. Hidden inside the witness chair
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because optimal audio capture requires close-proximity microphone
placement that captures clear speech while minimizing ambient noise and room
reverberation.
Q10: According to the AAERT Code of Professional Responsibility, what is required
regarding confidentiality?
A. Transcripts may be shared with family members of parties
B. Confidentiality ends once the deposition concludes
C. All proceedings and transcripts remain confidential unless authorized for release
[CORRECT]
D. Confidentiality applies only to criminal cases
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is maintaining strict confidentiality of all recorded materials and
transcripts unless release is properly authorized by the retaining party or court order.
,Q11: A reporter discovers an error in a transcript already delivered to counsel. What is the
proper course of action?
A. Ignore it if no one has noticed
B. Wait for someone to request corrections
C. Immediately notify all parties and issue an errata sheet [CORRECT]
D. Make silent corrections in the original file
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because ethical standards require prompt disclosure and correction of
discovered errors to maintain the integrity of the official record.
Q12: What constitutes a conflict of interest for a digital reporter?
A. Working for multiple law firms in the same city
B. Having a financial interest in the outcome of a matter being reported [CORRECT]
C. Accepting assignments from both plaintiff and defense counsel
D. Reporting depositions in different practice areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches ethical prohibitions against reporters having any personal stake
in case outcomes that could compromise their impartiality and objectivity.
Q13: How should a reporter handle a request to alter testimony in the transcript?
A. Make minor changes if requested by senior counsel
B. Comply if the changes seem reasonable
C. Refuse and document the request appropriately [CORRECT]
D. Change wording but keep the meaning similar
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because altering testimony constitutes serious ethical violations and
potential fraud; reporters must accurately transcribe what was actually said.
Q14: What is the standard turnaround time for a routine daily copy transcript?
A. Immediate delivery same day
B. Next business day delivery
C. 7-10 business days for standard delivery [CORRECT]
D. 30 days for all transcript types
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches industry standards allowing adequate time for accurate
transcription, proofreading, and quality assurance while meeting client expectations.
Q15: Which organization certifies digital reporters and establishes professional
standards?
A. National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
B. American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) [CORRECT]
C. National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)
D. Federal Court Reporting Association (FCRA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because AAERT is the primary certifying body for digital reporters,
establishing certification requirements, ethical codes, and professional standards for the
industry.
Q16: When should a reporter decline an assignment?
A. When the location is inconvenient
B. When the offered rate is below usual fees
C. When lacking necessary qualifications or when a conflict exists [CORRECT]
D. When working for unfamiliar law firms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is recognizing and declining assignments where the reporter lacks
competency or has conflicts that could impair professional performance or objectivity.
, Q17: What is the proper way to identify speakers in a transcript?
A. Use generic labels like 'Man' and 'Woman'
B. Guess based on voice characteristics
C. Use proper names and titles as identified on the record [CORRECT]
D. Assign arbitrary identifiers for anonymity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches transcript standards requiring accurate speaker identification
using names and titles as formally established during the proceeding.
Q18: How many continuing education units are typically required for CDR certification
maintenance?
A. No continuing education required after initial certification
B. 5 CEUs every five years
C. 10 CEUs every three years or as specified by AAERT [CORRECT]
D. 30 CEUs annually
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because certification maintenance requires ongoing professional
development through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and skills.
Q19: What should a reporter do if asked to provide expert testimony about the recording?
A. Decline as outside the reporting role
B. Provide opinion only if properly qualified and compensated [CORRECT]
C. Always refuse any testimony requests
D. Testify without additional compensation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches professional standards allowing reporters to serve as expert
witnesses regarding the recording process when properly qualified and fairly
compensated.
Q20: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable practice for transcript formatting?
A. Following the style guide specified by the jurisdiction
B. Using consistent punctuation throughout
C. Changing formatting mid-transcript without notation [CORRECT]
D. Applying standard capitalization rules
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because inconsistent formatting compromises transcript readability
and professionalism; any changes must be documented and applied consistently.
Q21: What is the purpose of a preamplifier in audio recording equipment?
A. To compress audio signals
B. To boost weak microphone signals to usable levels [CORRECT]
C. To filter out unwanted frequencies
D. To convert analog to digital signals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because preamplifiers amplify low-level microphone signals to line level
suitable for recording while maintaining signal quality and minimizing noise.
Q22: Which sampling rate is considered standard for high-quality legal audio recording?
A. 22.05 kHz
B. 32 kHz
C. 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz [CORRECT]
D. 96 kHz
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches broadcast and professional audio standards providing sufficient
frequency response for clear speech capture while managing file sizes appropriately.
Comprehensive Practice Examination
200 Questions | Actual Exam Format 2026/2027
Detailed Rationales Included
Q1: What is the primary responsibility of a Certified Digital Reporter during a legal
proceeding?
A. To provide legal advice to attorneys present
B. To create a verbatim record of proceedings using digital audio technology
C. To interpret testimony for non-English speakers [CORRECT]
D. To serve as an expert witness on technical matters
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the primary function of a CDR is capturing accurate audio
records of legal proceedings using specialized digital recording equipment and software
systems.
Q2: According to AAERT standards, what is the minimum number of audio channels
recommended for deposition recording?
A. Single channel mono recording
B. Two-channel stereo recording
C. Four-channel independent recording [CORRECT]
D. Eight-channel surround sound recording
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches AAERT's technical standards requiring minimum four independent
audio channels to ensure backup recording and speaker isolation capabilities.
Q3: Which oath must be administered to a witness before testimony begins?
A. The Affirmation of Truth Oath
B. The Judicial Promise Oath
C. The Oath or Affirmation to Tell the Truth [CORRECT]
D. The Witness Commitment Pledge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is administering the proper oath or affirmation requiring witnesses to
promise to tell the truth before giving testimony, as mandated by court rules and ethical
standards.
Q4: What is the correct procedure when audio equipment malfunctions during a
deposition?
A. Continue recording and note the issue later
B. Immediately stop the proceeding without explanation
C. Announce the issue on the record and take corrective action [CORRECT]
D. Switch to handwritten notes silently
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because professional standards require immediate notification to all
parties when technical issues affect the record, followed by appropriate troubleshooting
steps.
Q5: Which file format is preferred for archiving original audio recordings according to
industry best practices?
A. MP3 compressed format
B. WMA Windows Media format
,C. Uncompressed WAV or FLAC format [CORRECT]
D. AAC iTunes format
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches archival standards requiring uncompressed or lossless audio
formats to preserve the integrity of the original record for potential future transcription or
analysis.
Q6: What information MUST be included in the transcript certification page?
A. Reporter's home address and personal phone number
B. Complete social security number for identification
C. Reporter's name, notary commission details, and certification statement [CORRECT]
D. Attorney billing information and case budget
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the certification page requires the reporter's identity, notary
credentials, and a formal statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the
transcript.
Q7: When marking an exhibit during a deposition, what is the proper protocol?
A. Simply note it mentally for later reference
B. Ask the attorney to handle it privately
C. Announce the exhibit number and description on the record [CORRECT]
D. Wait until after the deposition to document exhibits
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is creating an accurate real-time record by verbally identifying each
exhibit with its number and description as it is introduced into evidence.
Q8: What is the recommended backup interval for digital audio files during an extended
proceeding?
A. Every 24 hours only
B. At the conclusion of the proceeding only
C. Every 30 minutes or at natural breaks [CORRECT]
D. Backup is optional for short proceedings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches risk management protocols requiring frequent backup cycles to
prevent data loss from equipment failure, power interruption, or other technical issues.
Q9: Which microphone placement provides optimal audio capture for a witness stand?
A. Mounted on the ceiling above the witness
B. Placed on the floor near the witness's feet
C. Positioned 6-12 inches from the witness's mouth at chest level [CORRECT]
D. Hidden inside the witness chair
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because optimal audio capture requires close-proximity microphone
placement that captures clear speech while minimizing ambient noise and room
reverberation.
Q10: According to the AAERT Code of Professional Responsibility, what is required
regarding confidentiality?
A. Transcripts may be shared with family members of parties
B. Confidentiality ends once the deposition concludes
C. All proceedings and transcripts remain confidential unless authorized for release
[CORRECT]
D. Confidentiality applies only to criminal cases
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is maintaining strict confidentiality of all recorded materials and
transcripts unless release is properly authorized by the retaining party or court order.
,Q11: A reporter discovers an error in a transcript already delivered to counsel. What is the
proper course of action?
A. Ignore it if no one has noticed
B. Wait for someone to request corrections
C. Immediately notify all parties and issue an errata sheet [CORRECT]
D. Make silent corrections in the original file
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because ethical standards require prompt disclosure and correction of
discovered errors to maintain the integrity of the official record.
Q12: What constitutes a conflict of interest for a digital reporter?
A. Working for multiple law firms in the same city
B. Having a financial interest in the outcome of a matter being reported [CORRECT]
C. Accepting assignments from both plaintiff and defense counsel
D. Reporting depositions in different practice areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches ethical prohibitions against reporters having any personal stake
in case outcomes that could compromise their impartiality and objectivity.
Q13: How should a reporter handle a request to alter testimony in the transcript?
A. Make minor changes if requested by senior counsel
B. Comply if the changes seem reasonable
C. Refuse and document the request appropriately [CORRECT]
D. Change wording but keep the meaning similar
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because altering testimony constitutes serious ethical violations and
potential fraud; reporters must accurately transcribe what was actually said.
Q14: What is the standard turnaround time for a routine daily copy transcript?
A. Immediate delivery same day
B. Next business day delivery
C. 7-10 business days for standard delivery [CORRECT]
D. 30 days for all transcript types
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches industry standards allowing adequate time for accurate
transcription, proofreading, and quality assurance while meeting client expectations.
Q15: Which organization certifies digital reporters and establishes professional
standards?
A. National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
B. American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) [CORRECT]
C. National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)
D. Federal Court Reporting Association (FCRA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because AAERT is the primary certifying body for digital reporters,
establishing certification requirements, ethical codes, and professional standards for the
industry.
Q16: When should a reporter decline an assignment?
A. When the location is inconvenient
B. When the offered rate is below usual fees
C. When lacking necessary qualifications or when a conflict exists [CORRECT]
D. When working for unfamiliar law firms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Priority is recognizing and declining assignments where the reporter lacks
competency or has conflicts that could impair professional performance or objectivity.
, Q17: What is the proper way to identify speakers in a transcript?
A. Use generic labels like 'Man' and 'Woman'
B. Guess based on voice characteristics
C. Use proper names and titles as identified on the record [CORRECT]
D. Assign arbitrary identifiers for anonymity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches transcript standards requiring accurate speaker identification
using names and titles as formally established during the proceeding.
Q18: How many continuing education units are typically required for CDR certification
maintenance?
A. No continuing education required after initial certification
B. 5 CEUs every five years
C. 10 CEUs every three years or as specified by AAERT [CORRECT]
D. 30 CEUs annually
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because certification maintenance requires ongoing professional
development through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and skills.
Q19: What should a reporter do if asked to provide expert testimony about the recording?
A. Decline as outside the reporting role
B. Provide opinion only if properly qualified and compensated [CORRECT]
C. Always refuse any testimony requests
D. Testify without additional compensation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This matches professional standards allowing reporters to serve as expert
witnesses regarding the recording process when properly qualified and fairly
compensated.
Q20: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable practice for transcript formatting?
A. Following the style guide specified by the jurisdiction
B. Using consistent punctuation throughout
C. Changing formatting mid-transcript without notation [CORRECT]
D. Applying standard capitalization rules
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because inconsistent formatting compromises transcript readability
and professionalism; any changes must be documented and applied consistently.
Q21: What is the purpose of a preamplifier in audio recording equipment?
A. To compress audio signals
B. To boost weak microphone signals to usable levels [CORRECT]
C. To filter out unwanted frequencies
D. To convert analog to digital signals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because preamplifiers amplify low-level microphone signals to line level
suitable for recording while maintaining signal quality and minimizing noise.
Q22: Which sampling rate is considered standard for high-quality legal audio recording?
A. 22.05 kHz
B. 32 kHz
C. 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz [CORRECT]
D. 96 kHz
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This matches broadcast and professional audio standards providing sufficient
frequency response for clear speech capture while managing file sizes appropriately.
