PRACTICAL TRANSCRIPTION SKILLS
AAERT CET
Practical Transcription
Workbook
Federal-format practice with modeled transcripts
Three original mock proceedings, transcription worksheets, case logs, transcript examples, corrections, and
submission checklists.
3 25 180
Mock Proceedings Lines / Sample Page Minute Practice
Original learning material • Full-color study edition • Print-ready PDF
, CET Practical Workbook
Practical Transcription Workbook
Purpose: practice producing accurate verbatim transcripts in an illustrative federal-style layout. Three fictional scripts and
worked solutions are provided.
The CET practical is an AUDIO-based four-channel examination. This PDF contains text-only simulations, NOT recordings; it
does not replace the official AAERT four-channel/real-time practice materials.
For the real test, use AAERT's current federal Word template and instructions. The model layout here is educational and
not a substitute for the prescribed template.
OFFICIAL PRACTICAL EXAM AT A GLANCE
Exam format Recorded mock proceeding supplied by AAERT; transcript in federal format
Time limit 180 minutes
Required transcript parts Title page, index page, body, certification
Passing performance 95% accuracy for the current practical assessment
Submission PDF transcript; follow the current separate body-only paste directions
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE SETUP
• Open the current official template first; test your word processor, font, page numbering, and PDF export.
• Use headphones and foot pedal when practicing with an actual legal recording; test each available audio
channel.
• Set a 180-minute timer for a final simulation, reserving 20-25 minutes for proofreading and export checks.
• For the text-only exercises below, read the raw scripts and produce a formatted transcript without peeking at
the models.
• Use the case sheets and log notes to verify identities and exhibits; do not invent missing words or rulings.
• Compare your output with the modeled answer, then correct speaker attribution, Q-and-A mode, and
procedural events.
FEDERAL-STYLE ANATOMY CHECKLIST
• Title page: court, caption, case number, proceeding, date, location/method, and appearances as required.
• Index page: witness/examination or exhibit entries as appropriate to the sample and controlling format.
• Proceedings: opening call, appearances, oath/affirmation, colloquy, testimony, objections, exhibits, recesses.
• Body: speaker attribution, Q./A. labels, numbered lines (the AAERT sample Word array fixes 25 per page).
• Certificate: accurate attestation wording and signature/date area as prescribed, without inventing credentials.
• Final check: headers, pagination, PDF appearance, names, numbers, and any unresolved inaudibility flags.
HANDS-ON PREFLIGHT DRILLS
01. Speaker collision
An attorney begins a question while the witness finishes an answer. Separate the voices, review channels, and mark the
interruption honestly.
02. Objection then response
PASSPOINT PRO | CET CERTIFICATION STUDY SERIES Page 2
, CET Practical Workbook
Counsel says, "Objection, foundation." Opposing counsel says, "I will rephrase." Place both in colloquy, then resume Q-and-A.
03. Exhibit designation
An exhibit is marked for identification but its admission is reserved. Show both facts precisely and do not mark it received.
04. Unclear proper noun
A witness says a street name that sounds like "Briarley." Record an uncertainty note; verify from reliable case materials.
05. Verbatim grammar
A witness says "He don't remember." Preserve that wording rather than changing the grammar.
06. Nonverbal answer
The witness nods while counsel states "The witness nodded yes." Do not fabricate a spoken "yes" by the witness.
07. Playback insertion
A counsel plays a voicemail on the record. Identify the event and follow applicable formatting rules for recorded material.
08. Private aside
A microphone captures an informal private remark. Resolve record scope under the authorized procedure before including.
09. Remote role
An interpreter and videographer speak during a remote deposition. Keep their speaker roles distinct.
10. PDF audit
Export the file. Check 25-line positions, Q./A. labels, headers, title/index/certificate, and pagination.
PRACTICAL WORKSHEETS
Case metadata
Caption: __________ Case number: __________ Proceeding: __________
Appearances
Judge: __________ Counsel: __________ Witnesses: __________
Audio concerns
Channel: __________ Timestamp: __________ Issue: __________
Exhibits
Number: __________ Marked/Admitted/Reserved: __________
Final production
Title [ ] Index [ ] Body [ ] Certificate [ ] Line numbers [ ] PDF checked [ ]
PASSPOINT PRO | CET CERTIFICATION STUDY SERIES Page 3