AAERT CDR FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2025/2026 COMPLETE Q&AS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES
This comprehensive exam preparation bundle offers a definitive
bank of multiple-choice questions meticulously aligned with the
2025/2026 AAERT Certified Digital Reporter (CDR) blueprint.
Every question includes the exact correct answer highlighted
alongside an in-depth, professional rationale explaining the
technical, legal, and operational rules. It is specifically optimized
to serve as a high-yield, turn-key study asset for students who
need to pass their digital court reporting certification on the first
attempt.
Question 1
What is the primary responsibility of an AAERT
Certified Digital Reporter during a legal proceeding?
A. To summarize the arguments made by opposing
counsel.
B. To provide legal advice to unrepresented parties.
C. To capture a continuous, clear, and verbatim
audio record while maintaining detailed log notes.
D. To rule on objections regarding the admissibility
of evidence.
Answer: C. To capture a continuous, clear, and
verbatim audio record while maintaining detailed log
notes.
Rationale: The digital reporter is an officer of the
,court whose primary duty is to ensure the
integrity of the official record through
continuous multi-channel audio capture and
descriptive logging. They do not summarize,
offer legal advice, or make judicial rulings.
Question 2
An attorney requests to go "off the record" during a
deposition. The opposing attorney remains silent.
What is the correct action for the digital reporter?
A. Stop the recording immediately to comply with the
requesting attorney.
B. Turn off the microphones but continue typing log
notes.
C. Continue recording until all parties explicitly agree
to go off the record.
D. Pause the primary recorder but keep the backup
recorder running.
Answer: C. Continue recording until all parties
explicitly agree to go off the record.
Rationale: Under AAERT guidelines, a reporter
cannot go off the record at the request of only
one attorney. There must be mutual agreement
among all parties or a direct order from a judge.
The reporter must protect the record by keeping
the audio active until that consensus is reached.
,Question 3
Which of the following describes a "ground loop"
hum in an audio setup?
A. A high-pitched squeal caused by acoustic
feedback between a microphone and a speaker.
B. A low-frequency 60Hz buzz caused by electrical
currents flowing through an unintended path.
C. Digital clipping resulting from the microphone
gain being set too high.
D. Intermittent popping noises caused by a
damaged or broken XLR cable pin.
Answer: B. A low-frequency 60Hz buzz caused by
electrical currents flowing through an unintended
path.
Rationale: A ground loop hum occurs when
multiple electronic components are connected to
different electrical grounds, creating an
unwanted loop. This manifests as a low-
frequency hum (usually 60Hz in North America)
and can be resolved by using a single power
source, ground loop isolators, or balanced lines.
Question 4
What is the legal definition of the term "Sustained"
when a judge rules on an objection?
A. The judge disagrees with the objection, and the
, witness must answer.
B. The judge postpones the ruling until a written brief
is filed.
C. The judge agrees with the objection, and the
question or testimony is disallowed.
D. The judge orders the immediate removal of the
witness from the courtroom.
Answer: C. The judge agrees with the objection, and
the question or testimony is disallowed.
Rationale: When an objection is sustained, the
court rules that the objection is valid. The
witness is prohibited from answering the
question, or if already answered, the testimony
is typically ordered stricken.
Question 5
When multiple speakers talk at the same time
(cross-talk), what is the reporter's immediate
procedural duty?
A. Delete the audio file and start the session over.
B. Interject politely on the record and remind
participants to speak one at a time.
C. Pick the most important speaker and log only
their statements.
D. Guess what each person said and type it into the
notes.
2025/2026 COMPLETE Q&AS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES
This comprehensive exam preparation bundle offers a definitive
bank of multiple-choice questions meticulously aligned with the
2025/2026 AAERT Certified Digital Reporter (CDR) blueprint.
Every question includes the exact correct answer highlighted
alongside an in-depth, professional rationale explaining the
technical, legal, and operational rules. It is specifically optimized
to serve as a high-yield, turn-key study asset for students who
need to pass their digital court reporting certification on the first
attempt.
Question 1
What is the primary responsibility of an AAERT
Certified Digital Reporter during a legal proceeding?
A. To summarize the arguments made by opposing
counsel.
B. To provide legal advice to unrepresented parties.
C. To capture a continuous, clear, and verbatim
audio record while maintaining detailed log notes.
D. To rule on objections regarding the admissibility
of evidence.
Answer: C. To capture a continuous, clear, and
verbatim audio record while maintaining detailed log
notes.
Rationale: The digital reporter is an officer of the
,court whose primary duty is to ensure the
integrity of the official record through
continuous multi-channel audio capture and
descriptive logging. They do not summarize,
offer legal advice, or make judicial rulings.
Question 2
An attorney requests to go "off the record" during a
deposition. The opposing attorney remains silent.
What is the correct action for the digital reporter?
A. Stop the recording immediately to comply with the
requesting attorney.
B. Turn off the microphones but continue typing log
notes.
C. Continue recording until all parties explicitly agree
to go off the record.
D. Pause the primary recorder but keep the backup
recorder running.
Answer: C. Continue recording until all parties
explicitly agree to go off the record.
Rationale: Under AAERT guidelines, a reporter
cannot go off the record at the request of only
one attorney. There must be mutual agreement
among all parties or a direct order from a judge.
The reporter must protect the record by keeping
the audio active until that consensus is reached.
,Question 3
Which of the following describes a "ground loop"
hum in an audio setup?
A. A high-pitched squeal caused by acoustic
feedback between a microphone and a speaker.
B. A low-frequency 60Hz buzz caused by electrical
currents flowing through an unintended path.
C. Digital clipping resulting from the microphone
gain being set too high.
D. Intermittent popping noises caused by a
damaged or broken XLR cable pin.
Answer: B. A low-frequency 60Hz buzz caused by
electrical currents flowing through an unintended
path.
Rationale: A ground loop hum occurs when
multiple electronic components are connected to
different electrical grounds, creating an
unwanted loop. This manifests as a low-
frequency hum (usually 60Hz in North America)
and can be resolved by using a single power
source, ground loop isolators, or balanced lines.
Question 4
What is the legal definition of the term "Sustained"
when a judge rules on an objection?
A. The judge disagrees with the objection, and the
, witness must answer.
B. The judge postpones the ruling until a written brief
is filed.
C. The judge agrees with the objection, and the
question or testimony is disallowed.
D. The judge orders the immediate removal of the
witness from the courtroom.
Answer: C. The judge agrees with the objection, and
the question or testimony is disallowed.
Rationale: When an objection is sustained, the
court rules that the objection is valid. The
witness is prohibited from answering the
question, or if already answered, the testimony
is typically ordered stricken.
Question 5
When multiple speakers talk at the same time
(cross-talk), what is the reporter's immediate
procedural duty?
A. Delete the audio file and start the session over.
B. Interject politely on the record and remind
participants to speak one at a time.
C. Pick the most important speaker and log only
their statements.
D. Guess what each person said and type it into the
notes.
