AAERT CDR EXAM PREP - On the Job & On
the Record (3/4) Expert Strategies, Review of
Key Quizzes, and Practice Questions for
Guaranteed Success
Description
This AAERT Certification (CER/CET) Exam is a Multi Choice & True & False Q&A,
focusing on electronic court reporting and transcription standards, legal terminology,
and courtroom procedures - courtroom protocol, legal Latin phrases, and case
management. It requires knowledge of federal rules and procedures.
Study Guide Key Topics (1/4 - 4/4 Structure)
Based on available study materials, the prep content is generally broken down into these core areas:
1. Digital Recording Setup & Technology (1/4)
Microphones: Understanding cardioid (heart-shaped, single voice) vs. omnidirectional (all directions)
patterns.
Equipment: Condenser (48v phantom power) vs. Dynamic microphones.
Audio Quality: Managing ambient noise and proper mic placement (e.g., low-profile boundary
microphones).
2. Legal Terminology & Vocabulary (2/4)
Common Phrases: Voir dire, hearsay, percipient witness, surprise witness.
Legal Processes: Depositions, sworn affidavits, interrogatories, and the "burden of proof".
3. Courtroom Procedures & Ethics (3/4)
Official Record: Definition and components (oral, visual, documentary, physical).
Procedures: Handling exhibits, swearing in witnesses, and managing recording software.
4. Examination Preparation & Best Practices (4/4)
Focus Areas: The exam evaluates listening accuracy, formatting standards, and legal knowledge, not just
typing speed.
Exam Details
Format: Multiple-choice.
Key Areas: covers 2025/2026 updates.
1
, Quiz_________________?
If an attorney has their expert (not appearing as the witness)
listening to the deposition telephonically and the attorney tell you
that the expert doesn't need to be on the appearance page of the
transcript, what should you do? -
Answer☑️
Politely explain that all people who are apart of this deposition,
including telephonic participants, must be on the appearance list
of the transcript.
Quiz_________________?
If the witness is at the same location as the reporter and both
lawyers are appearing remotely, what would that be considered? -
Answer☑️
A hybrid-proceeding
Quiz_________________?
Is it true when a witness drops their speaking volume at the end
of their sentence, the digital court reporter must NOT interrupt the
2
the Record (3/4) Expert Strategies, Review of
Key Quizzes, and Practice Questions for
Guaranteed Success
Description
This AAERT Certification (CER/CET) Exam is a Multi Choice & True & False Q&A,
focusing on electronic court reporting and transcription standards, legal terminology,
and courtroom procedures - courtroom protocol, legal Latin phrases, and case
management. It requires knowledge of federal rules and procedures.
Study Guide Key Topics (1/4 - 4/4 Structure)
Based on available study materials, the prep content is generally broken down into these core areas:
1. Digital Recording Setup & Technology (1/4)
Microphones: Understanding cardioid (heart-shaped, single voice) vs. omnidirectional (all directions)
patterns.
Equipment: Condenser (48v phantom power) vs. Dynamic microphones.
Audio Quality: Managing ambient noise and proper mic placement (e.g., low-profile boundary
microphones).
2. Legal Terminology & Vocabulary (2/4)
Common Phrases: Voir dire, hearsay, percipient witness, surprise witness.
Legal Processes: Depositions, sworn affidavits, interrogatories, and the "burden of proof".
3. Courtroom Procedures & Ethics (3/4)
Official Record: Definition and components (oral, visual, documentary, physical).
Procedures: Handling exhibits, swearing in witnesses, and managing recording software.
4. Examination Preparation & Best Practices (4/4)
Focus Areas: The exam evaluates listening accuracy, formatting standards, and legal knowledge, not just
typing speed.
Exam Details
Format: Multiple-choice.
Key Areas: covers 2025/2026 updates.
1
, Quiz_________________?
If an attorney has their expert (not appearing as the witness)
listening to the deposition telephonically and the attorney tell you
that the expert doesn't need to be on the appearance page of the
transcript, what should you do? -
Answer☑️
Politely explain that all people who are apart of this deposition,
including telephonic participants, must be on the appearance list
of the transcript.
Quiz_________________?
If the witness is at the same location as the reporter and both
lawyers are appearing remotely, what would that be considered? -
Answer☑️
A hybrid-proceeding
Quiz_________________?
Is it true when a witness drops their speaking volume at the end
of their sentence, the digital court reporter must NOT interrupt the
2
