NATIONAL COURT REPORTERS EXAM | 2026/2027 LATEST UPDATE
| COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
GRADED A+
Acoustically "Live" Room - ANSWER A room containing plaster, marble, and/or wood paneling. Not
suitable for audio recording(s) due to the reverberation on the aforementioned materials
The primary responsibility of the electronic reporter? - ANSWER Obtain a high quality recording
The items/levels you check each time a reporter begins a recording session? - ANSWER The digital
mixer, the input and output connections, power, and gain settings.
Sample Rate - ANSWER For digital audio, sample at a high sampling rates so speech sounds are
smooth and correctly represented. Higher sample rate means more data.
Bit Rate - ANSWER Represents the amount of information, or detail that is stored per unit of a time
recording. Higher bit rates mean more detail and range is being recorder (higher bit rates means
more data)
Sample Rates - ANSWER 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, etc.
The two types of microphones - ANSWER Dynamic and Condenser
Unidirectional - ANSWER Single voice, best for single users
Omnidirectional - ANSWER 360 degrees, best for groups
You should consider these things when placing microphones - ANSWER Size and character of the
room, number and locations of speakers. Types of microphones available.
The preferred type of microphone - ANSWER Cardioid microphones
In the event of unexpected participants, you should use these types of microphones - ANSWER
Omnidirectional microphones
, The reporter's responsibilities - ANSWER Ensure that every speaker is audible in the recording and
secure microphones to minimize trip hazards.
The best way to test a microphone - ANSWER Speak into the microphone or tap the screen of the
microphone lightly with your finger
An acoustically "dead" room - ANSWER A room that has sound-reducing materials and/or is designed
in such a way that it ideal for audio recordings. "Dead" refers to the limited echoes and
reverberations that microphone picks up.
The ROLE of a court reporter - ANSWER To capture and preserve the verbatim record by recording
proceedings with an analog or digital system as well as take simultaneous annotations to identify
important case events such as identifying the speakers, unusual jargon, proper nouns, and/or key
terms.
Discovery Period - ANSWER The period of time that allows parties to marshal their evidence
Interrogatories - ANSWER Posed by each side to the opposing side
Standard order of events for criminal and civil trials? - ANSWER Discovery, Trial, Decision
This is filed BEFORE a trial - ANSWER initial motion in limine
Voir Dire - ANSWER examination the determines individual suitability for randomly selected citizens
to sit as jurors.
Peremptory - ANSWER Dismisses a juror from further consideration without the challenging attorney
having to tell the court the reason behind that decision.
For Cause - ANSWER Attorney must inform the court why the juror is being challenged
The type of witness that may be deposed only to give an opinion testimony - ANSWER Expert
Witness
| COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
GRADED A+
Acoustically "Live" Room - ANSWER A room containing plaster, marble, and/or wood paneling. Not
suitable for audio recording(s) due to the reverberation on the aforementioned materials
The primary responsibility of the electronic reporter? - ANSWER Obtain a high quality recording
The items/levels you check each time a reporter begins a recording session? - ANSWER The digital
mixer, the input and output connections, power, and gain settings.
Sample Rate - ANSWER For digital audio, sample at a high sampling rates so speech sounds are
smooth and correctly represented. Higher sample rate means more data.
Bit Rate - ANSWER Represents the amount of information, or detail that is stored per unit of a time
recording. Higher bit rates mean more detail and range is being recorder (higher bit rates means
more data)
Sample Rates - ANSWER 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, etc.
The two types of microphones - ANSWER Dynamic and Condenser
Unidirectional - ANSWER Single voice, best for single users
Omnidirectional - ANSWER 360 degrees, best for groups
You should consider these things when placing microphones - ANSWER Size and character of the
room, number and locations of speakers. Types of microphones available.
The preferred type of microphone - ANSWER Cardioid microphones
In the event of unexpected participants, you should use these types of microphones - ANSWER
Omnidirectional microphones
, The reporter's responsibilities - ANSWER Ensure that every speaker is audible in the recording and
secure microphones to minimize trip hazards.
The best way to test a microphone - ANSWER Speak into the microphone or tap the screen of the
microphone lightly with your finger
An acoustically "dead" room - ANSWER A room that has sound-reducing materials and/or is designed
in such a way that it ideal for audio recordings. "Dead" refers to the limited echoes and
reverberations that microphone picks up.
The ROLE of a court reporter - ANSWER To capture and preserve the verbatim record by recording
proceedings with an analog or digital system as well as take simultaneous annotations to identify
important case events such as identifying the speakers, unusual jargon, proper nouns, and/or key
terms.
Discovery Period - ANSWER The period of time that allows parties to marshal their evidence
Interrogatories - ANSWER Posed by each side to the opposing side
Standard order of events for criminal and civil trials? - ANSWER Discovery, Trial, Decision
This is filed BEFORE a trial - ANSWER initial motion in limine
Voir Dire - ANSWER examination the determines individual suitability for randomly selected citizens
to sit as jurors.
Peremptory - ANSWER Dismisses a juror from further consideration without the challenging attorney
having to tell the court the reason behind that decision.
For Cause - ANSWER Attorney must inform the court why the juror is being challenged
The type of witness that may be deposed only to give an opinion testimony - ANSWER Expert
Witness
