AAERT CER EXAM Questions with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: Identify Everything Necessary in Order to Create an Accurate Transcript.
Answer: Equipment set up and tested. All parties arrived: business cards received and cells off. Read certain
info into record: name, company address, date, time, location, case caption, party who ordered, notice or
stipulation, witness name, names of parties. Swear in Witness. Record and Annotate.
Question 2: Describe Procedure When an Attorney Certifies a Question.
Answer: Make annotation immediately (usually witness refuses to answer question). Check local rules for
specific procedures. Usually separate document listing these. Sign and give to atty.
Question 3: Describe Basic Troubleshooting Steps During Video Conference & Telephonic Proceedings.
Answer: Sound quality crucial. Use a high-quality speakerphone. Speakers identified as they speak (when 2
or more). Place mics where they pick up best sound.
Question 4: Describe How to Effectively Work with a Videographer.
Answer: Take charge of room upon arrival. Be professional and polite but firm. Explain where you need to
set up and why. Video must frame the witness. Videographer will have a script to follow that they put on
their record. Explain this to attys.
Question 5: Compare and Contrast Original vs Copy.
Answer: Only ONE original for signature (by deponent). Copies are clearly marked and certified (use
Notary Seal). Keep a copy for file.
Question 6: Define Importance of an Accurate & Verbatim Record & How it Impacts Judicial System.
Answer: Minutes of events as they occur. Becomes part of the Court's official record. You are acting as an
impartial quasi-officer of the court.
Question 7: Describe How to Request and/or Research Proper Nouns to Verify Spelling for
Transcription.
Answer: Ask parties after hearing.
Question 8: Describe Procedure When an Attorney Strikes Something from the Record.
Answer: Removes a portion of the record from consideration by a fact-finder. The material stricken remains
physically in evidence-in case the ruling to strike is found on appeal to be in error.
Page 1
,Question 9: Describe procedure when an Attorney marks something confidential.
Answer: Check State, Federal, Local Guidelines. Use a Watermark or Footer on each pg of testimony to
clearly show the transcript is subject to protection. "Subject to Protective Order" or "Confidential & Sealed"
Question 10: Describe Chain of Custody.
Answer: Record showing proper maintenance of REAL evidence as opposed to mere documents.
Question 11: Identify types of power sources.
Answer: Internal battery source External Power Source (Phantom Power-Mixer, etc) (Batteries not
suggested)
Question 12: Identify Microphone Types and Sizes.
Answer:
1. Dynamic
2. Condenser
3. Combination of the 2
Question 13: Describe how to actively adjust tracks for proper audio level.
Answer: Use the gain pad to adjust levels on audio channels (on mixer). Find a "home" position for each
control (average amount of gain). May need to be adjusted by environment.
Question 14: Discuss Confidence Monitoring.
Answer: Digital Recording Software MUST provide a method to monitor the recorded content after it has
been written to the computer's hard disc. Provides the reporter confidence that they are capturing a quality
recording.
Question 15: Identify permanently installed equipment vs mobile equipment.
Answer: All need the same thing: assess recording room and take into consideration all elements of the
environment. Permanent- Stuck with what is already there. Independent- Select own equipment and
placement
Question 16: Describe proper audio recording equipment maintenance.
Answer: Cords: Make sure no cracks or bends. Mixer: Lights properly. Mics: Proper storage (original
packaging or bubble wrap) CDs: Stored in plastic storage boxes
Question 17: Describe how to perform playback or read back requested testimony.
Answer: Find annotation for what they want played or read back. (This is to clear up a specific point raised
in an objection. Timestamp each objection to make it easier to find.) Unplug headset and press play.
Page 2
,Question 18: Discuss how to effectively set up equipment and software for remote and hybrid
proceedings.
Answer: Mic placement near the source speaker. Use high quality speakerphone. No non-verbal ques.
Question 19: Oath by Notary- Face to Face. If you can't see them, is there a Notary there? Everyone
needs to hear everyone else speak without interrupting.
Answer: Discuss conduct during remote/virtual proceedings.
Question 20: Define retention of all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by applicable laws,
rules, and regulations.
Answer: Court Reporters: written and/or audio of proceeding produce verbatim record (archive recordings).
Clerks: Evidence (documents) Law Enforcement: Evidence (physical)
Question 21: Describe instructions to participants and remind as necessary.
Answer: Speak clearly and speak up Avoid cross talk and non-verbal events, mumbling No cells/Get
business cards Speakers near mics No extraneous loud noises No reading too fast
Question 22: Describe transcript order protocol for each type of proceeding.
Answer: After depo: Ask if signature of deposed is required or waived Ask for transcript copy orders Ask
for expected delivery time Ask about method of payment Read & Sign Transcript (if not waived) Ask who
retains exhibits Check spelling of proper nouns or specialized terms
Question 23: Discuss rough and expedited transcripts.
Answer: "Dirty ASCII" Not considered a complete or legally binding record of a deposition (Without
details)
Question 24: Identify proper technical escalation assistance.
Answer: Transferring a customer's problem to a higher level of support when it can't be resolved by current
level.
Question 25: Explain how HIPAA works for dcr.
Answer: Protection of electronic protected health information. "Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996" Privacy Rule: National Standards Security Rule: National Standards re
electronics
Question 26: How to handle conflict of interest situation.
Answer: Avoid the appearance of any impropriety or partiality to all parties involved. Be familiar with
local, state, and federal rules
Page 3
, Question 27: Define professional appearance.
Answer: First impressions matter. Err on the conservative side: Comfortable clothing Won't distract from
proceedings Nothing provocative Not unkempt or unclean No noisy jewelry Positively reflect on your skills
and competence.
Question 28: Discuss maintaining confidentiality.
Answer: Don't discuss remarks on or off the record with anyone. Keep everything confidential: Transcripts
not for public distribution Transcription orders or info Oral communication re proceeding
Question 29: Compare ethical/unethical behavior.
Answer: Ethical: AAERT code of professional ethics- right, honest, proper Unethical: Stipulations that
court reporter can do something illegal (example swearing in witness over phone not allowed because you
can't see them). Any changes that don't reflect the record accurately.
Question 30: Discuss ethics around gift giving.
Answer:
1. Avoid giving or receiving any gift
2. incentive
3. or reward to/from an attorney
4. client
5. witness
6. or anyone associated with the proceedings (other than payment for services).
Question 31: Have to listen to awful testimony? Discover what works for you Intensely concentrate on
work at hand Extreme cases: ask for recess Exhibit professional demeanor-keep thoughts private Avoid
appearance of impropriety
Answer: Discuss maintaining a neutral, calm, professional demeanor.
Question 32: Describe how to avoid appearance of impropriety.
Answer: Be alert to situations that may present the possibility of conflicts of interest. Guard against not only
the fact, but the appearance of it.
Question 33: Describe how to actively maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness
throughout all proceedings.
Answer: Stay hydrated Proper nutrition Sufficient rest Regular breaks (stretch/walk) Ergonomics:
equipment, posture, chair support, lighting Common sense
Question 34: Explain etiquette for remote proceedings.
Answer: Be prepared for any situation. Be accommodating and cooperative but it's your record. Arrive 30
min early to set up and test. Get business cards.
Page 4
Question 1: Identify Everything Necessary in Order to Create an Accurate Transcript.
Answer: Equipment set up and tested. All parties arrived: business cards received and cells off. Read certain
info into record: name, company address, date, time, location, case caption, party who ordered, notice or
stipulation, witness name, names of parties. Swear in Witness. Record and Annotate.
Question 2: Describe Procedure When an Attorney Certifies a Question.
Answer: Make annotation immediately (usually witness refuses to answer question). Check local rules for
specific procedures. Usually separate document listing these. Sign and give to atty.
Question 3: Describe Basic Troubleshooting Steps During Video Conference & Telephonic Proceedings.
Answer: Sound quality crucial. Use a high-quality speakerphone. Speakers identified as they speak (when 2
or more). Place mics where they pick up best sound.
Question 4: Describe How to Effectively Work with a Videographer.
Answer: Take charge of room upon arrival. Be professional and polite but firm. Explain where you need to
set up and why. Video must frame the witness. Videographer will have a script to follow that they put on
their record. Explain this to attys.
Question 5: Compare and Contrast Original vs Copy.
Answer: Only ONE original for signature (by deponent). Copies are clearly marked and certified (use
Notary Seal). Keep a copy for file.
Question 6: Define Importance of an Accurate & Verbatim Record & How it Impacts Judicial System.
Answer: Minutes of events as they occur. Becomes part of the Court's official record. You are acting as an
impartial quasi-officer of the court.
Question 7: Describe How to Request and/or Research Proper Nouns to Verify Spelling for
Transcription.
Answer: Ask parties after hearing.
Question 8: Describe Procedure When an Attorney Strikes Something from the Record.
Answer: Removes a portion of the record from consideration by a fact-finder. The material stricken remains
physically in evidence-in case the ruling to strike is found on appeal to be in error.
Page 1
,Question 9: Describe procedure when an Attorney marks something confidential.
Answer: Check State, Federal, Local Guidelines. Use a Watermark or Footer on each pg of testimony to
clearly show the transcript is subject to protection. "Subject to Protective Order" or "Confidential & Sealed"
Question 10: Describe Chain of Custody.
Answer: Record showing proper maintenance of REAL evidence as opposed to mere documents.
Question 11: Identify types of power sources.
Answer: Internal battery source External Power Source (Phantom Power-Mixer, etc) (Batteries not
suggested)
Question 12: Identify Microphone Types and Sizes.
Answer:
1. Dynamic
2. Condenser
3. Combination of the 2
Question 13: Describe how to actively adjust tracks for proper audio level.
Answer: Use the gain pad to adjust levels on audio channels (on mixer). Find a "home" position for each
control (average amount of gain). May need to be adjusted by environment.
Question 14: Discuss Confidence Monitoring.
Answer: Digital Recording Software MUST provide a method to monitor the recorded content after it has
been written to the computer's hard disc. Provides the reporter confidence that they are capturing a quality
recording.
Question 15: Identify permanently installed equipment vs mobile equipment.
Answer: All need the same thing: assess recording room and take into consideration all elements of the
environment. Permanent- Stuck with what is already there. Independent- Select own equipment and
placement
Question 16: Describe proper audio recording equipment maintenance.
Answer: Cords: Make sure no cracks or bends. Mixer: Lights properly. Mics: Proper storage (original
packaging or bubble wrap) CDs: Stored in plastic storage boxes
Question 17: Describe how to perform playback or read back requested testimony.
Answer: Find annotation for what they want played or read back. (This is to clear up a specific point raised
in an objection. Timestamp each objection to make it easier to find.) Unplug headset and press play.
Page 2
,Question 18: Discuss how to effectively set up equipment and software for remote and hybrid
proceedings.
Answer: Mic placement near the source speaker. Use high quality speakerphone. No non-verbal ques.
Question 19: Oath by Notary- Face to Face. If you can't see them, is there a Notary there? Everyone
needs to hear everyone else speak without interrupting.
Answer: Discuss conduct during remote/virtual proceedings.
Question 20: Define retention of all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by applicable laws,
rules, and regulations.
Answer: Court Reporters: written and/or audio of proceeding produce verbatim record (archive recordings).
Clerks: Evidence (documents) Law Enforcement: Evidence (physical)
Question 21: Describe instructions to participants and remind as necessary.
Answer: Speak clearly and speak up Avoid cross talk and non-verbal events, mumbling No cells/Get
business cards Speakers near mics No extraneous loud noises No reading too fast
Question 22: Describe transcript order protocol for each type of proceeding.
Answer: After depo: Ask if signature of deposed is required or waived Ask for transcript copy orders Ask
for expected delivery time Ask about method of payment Read & Sign Transcript (if not waived) Ask who
retains exhibits Check spelling of proper nouns or specialized terms
Question 23: Discuss rough and expedited transcripts.
Answer: "Dirty ASCII" Not considered a complete or legally binding record of a deposition (Without
details)
Question 24: Identify proper technical escalation assistance.
Answer: Transferring a customer's problem to a higher level of support when it can't be resolved by current
level.
Question 25: Explain how HIPAA works for dcr.
Answer: Protection of electronic protected health information. "Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996" Privacy Rule: National Standards Security Rule: National Standards re
electronics
Question 26: How to handle conflict of interest situation.
Answer: Avoid the appearance of any impropriety or partiality to all parties involved. Be familiar with
local, state, and federal rules
Page 3
, Question 27: Define professional appearance.
Answer: First impressions matter. Err on the conservative side: Comfortable clothing Won't distract from
proceedings Nothing provocative Not unkempt or unclean No noisy jewelry Positively reflect on your skills
and competence.
Question 28: Discuss maintaining confidentiality.
Answer: Don't discuss remarks on or off the record with anyone. Keep everything confidential: Transcripts
not for public distribution Transcription orders or info Oral communication re proceeding
Question 29: Compare ethical/unethical behavior.
Answer: Ethical: AAERT code of professional ethics- right, honest, proper Unethical: Stipulations that
court reporter can do something illegal (example swearing in witness over phone not allowed because you
can't see them). Any changes that don't reflect the record accurately.
Question 30: Discuss ethics around gift giving.
Answer:
1. Avoid giving or receiving any gift
2. incentive
3. or reward to/from an attorney
4. client
5. witness
6. or anyone associated with the proceedings (other than payment for services).
Question 31: Have to listen to awful testimony? Discover what works for you Intensely concentrate on
work at hand Extreme cases: ask for recess Exhibit professional demeanor-keep thoughts private Avoid
appearance of impropriety
Answer: Discuss maintaining a neutral, calm, professional demeanor.
Question 32: Describe how to avoid appearance of impropriety.
Answer: Be alert to situations that may present the possibility of conflicts of interest. Guard against not only
the fact, but the appearance of it.
Question 33: Describe how to actively maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness
throughout all proceedings.
Answer: Stay hydrated Proper nutrition Sufficient rest Regular breaks (stretch/walk) Ergonomics:
equipment, posture, chair support, lighting Common sense
Question 34: Explain etiquette for remote proceedings.
Answer: Be prepared for any situation. Be accommodating and cooperative but it's your record. Arrive 30
min early to set up and test. Get business cards.
Page 4
