AAERT CDR FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE 2026/2027 ACCURATE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS BRAND NEW
VERSION
Question 1
A digital reporter learns that their cousin is a party in a case they have been assigned to
cover. What is the most appropriate action?
A) Proceed with the deposition as scheduled since it is only a cousin
B) Disclose the relationship to all parties and offer to withdraw
C) Withdraw immediately without explanation
D) Ask the cousin to reschedule the deposition
Answer: B
Rationale: A conflict of interest exists when the reporter has a personal or professional
relationship with any party involved in the case . The reporter should disclose the
relationship to all parties and offer to withdraw. Failure to do so could compromise the
impartiality of the record and violate AAERT ethical standards .
Question 2
Which of the following scenarios would constitute an ethical violation for a digital
reporter?
A) Accepting a cup of coffee from the court clerk during a break
B) Discussing the details of a deposition with a friend who is not involved in the case
C) Using the restroom during a scheduled break
D) Arriving 15 minutes early to set up equipment
Answer: B
,Rationale: Discussing details of a deposition with anyone not involved in the case
violates confidentiality obligations . All information obtained during a proceeding is
confidential and should not be disclosed without proper authorization . Accepting
modest refreshments is generally acceptable, but gifts of significant value should be
declined .
Question 3
A digital reporter is offered a $100 gift card by a law firm after a particularly long and
complex deposition. What should the reporter do?
A) Accept the gift card as a token of appreciation
B) Decline the gift card to avoid the appearance of impropriety
C) Accept the gift card but report it to the AAERT ethics committee
D) Accept the gift card and share it with the transcriptionist
Answer: B
Rationale: Accepting gifts of significant value from parties involved in a proceeding can
create the appearance of impropriety or bias . AAERT standards suggest that gifts
should be declined to maintain impartiality and avoid any perception of influence .
Confidentiality Obligations
Question 4
A digital reporter is working on a deposition that involves medical records. Which law
applies to the handling of this information?
A) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
B) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
C) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
D) The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Answer: A
,Rationale: HIPAA applies to the protection of individually identifiable health
information . Digital reporters must ensure that any medical information disclosed
during a proceeding is handled and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access .
Question 5
A client requests a copy of the audio recording from a deposition. What is the
appropriate protocol?
A) Provide the audio immediately upon request
B) Refuse to provide any audio without a court order
C) Follow the established protocol for audio requests, which may require written
authorization
D) Provide the audio only if the request is made in person
Answer: C
Rationale: The protocol for audio requests typically requires written authorization from
the party or attorney requesting the audio . The reporter should follow established
procedures to ensure the secure and timely distribution of audio files . Requests from
parties not authorized to receive the audio should be denied .
Question 6
How long must a digital reporter retain notes and records of proceedings?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) As stipulated by applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Answer: D
Rationale: The retention period for all notes and records of proceedings is stipulated by
applicable laws, rules, and regulations . Retention requirements may vary by jurisdiction
and type of proceeding .
, Question 7
To protect job files and equipment from tampering, loss, or theft, a digital reporter
should:
A) Leave equipment unattended in the conference room during breaks
B) Store files on an unsecured cloud service
C) Secure equipment in a locked case when not in use and maintain password
protection on devices
D) Share passwords with all participants for convenience
Answer: C
Rationale: Equipment should be secured in a locked case or room when not in use .
Files should be protected with password security . Unauthorized access to job files could
compromise the confidentiality of the record .
Professional Behavior
Question 8
A digital reporter should maintain which demeanor throughout a proceeding?
A) Engaged and conversational with participants
B) Neutral, calm, and professional
C) Friendly and informal to put witnesses at ease
D) Strictly silent and expressionless
Answer: B
Rationale: A digital reporter should maintain a neutral, calm, and professional
demeanor at all times . Impartiality is essential to the role, and maintaining a
professional appearance and attitude helps ensure the integrity of the record .
GUIDE 2026/2027 ACCURATE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS BRAND NEW
VERSION
Question 1
A digital reporter learns that their cousin is a party in a case they have been assigned to
cover. What is the most appropriate action?
A) Proceed with the deposition as scheduled since it is only a cousin
B) Disclose the relationship to all parties and offer to withdraw
C) Withdraw immediately without explanation
D) Ask the cousin to reschedule the deposition
Answer: B
Rationale: A conflict of interest exists when the reporter has a personal or professional
relationship with any party involved in the case . The reporter should disclose the
relationship to all parties and offer to withdraw. Failure to do so could compromise the
impartiality of the record and violate AAERT ethical standards .
Question 2
Which of the following scenarios would constitute an ethical violation for a digital
reporter?
A) Accepting a cup of coffee from the court clerk during a break
B) Discussing the details of a deposition with a friend who is not involved in the case
C) Using the restroom during a scheduled break
D) Arriving 15 minutes early to set up equipment
Answer: B
,Rationale: Discussing details of a deposition with anyone not involved in the case
violates confidentiality obligations . All information obtained during a proceeding is
confidential and should not be disclosed without proper authorization . Accepting
modest refreshments is generally acceptable, but gifts of significant value should be
declined .
Question 3
A digital reporter is offered a $100 gift card by a law firm after a particularly long and
complex deposition. What should the reporter do?
A) Accept the gift card as a token of appreciation
B) Decline the gift card to avoid the appearance of impropriety
C) Accept the gift card but report it to the AAERT ethics committee
D) Accept the gift card and share it with the transcriptionist
Answer: B
Rationale: Accepting gifts of significant value from parties involved in a proceeding can
create the appearance of impropriety or bias . AAERT standards suggest that gifts
should be declined to maintain impartiality and avoid any perception of influence .
Confidentiality Obligations
Question 4
A digital reporter is working on a deposition that involves medical records. Which law
applies to the handling of this information?
A) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
B) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
C) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
D) The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Answer: A
,Rationale: HIPAA applies to the protection of individually identifiable health
information . Digital reporters must ensure that any medical information disclosed
during a proceeding is handled and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access .
Question 5
A client requests a copy of the audio recording from a deposition. What is the
appropriate protocol?
A) Provide the audio immediately upon request
B) Refuse to provide any audio without a court order
C) Follow the established protocol for audio requests, which may require written
authorization
D) Provide the audio only if the request is made in person
Answer: C
Rationale: The protocol for audio requests typically requires written authorization from
the party or attorney requesting the audio . The reporter should follow established
procedures to ensure the secure and timely distribution of audio files . Requests from
parties not authorized to receive the audio should be denied .
Question 6
How long must a digital reporter retain notes and records of proceedings?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) As stipulated by applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Answer: D
Rationale: The retention period for all notes and records of proceedings is stipulated by
applicable laws, rules, and regulations . Retention requirements may vary by jurisdiction
and type of proceeding .
, Question 7
To protect job files and equipment from tampering, loss, or theft, a digital reporter
should:
A) Leave equipment unattended in the conference room during breaks
B) Store files on an unsecured cloud service
C) Secure equipment in a locked case when not in use and maintain password
protection on devices
D) Share passwords with all participants for convenience
Answer: C
Rationale: Equipment should be secured in a locked case or room when not in use .
Files should be protected with password security . Unauthorized access to job files could
compromise the confidentiality of the record .
Professional Behavior
Question 8
A digital reporter should maintain which demeanor throughout a proceeding?
A) Engaged and conversational with participants
B) Neutral, calm, and professional
C) Friendly and informal to put witnesses at ease
D) Strictly silent and expressionless
Answer: B
Rationale: A digital reporter should maintain a neutral, calm, and professional
demeanor at all times . Impartiality is essential to the role, and maintaining a
professional appearance and attitude helps ensure the integrity of the record .
