CBC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CBC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the most common mistake professionals make when implementing captioning techniques & accuracy strategies? → Developing contingency plans for high-probability risk scenarios
2. Why is synchronization critical in captioning? → To ensure captions match the spoken content
3. Which captioning delivery method is most commonly used for live broadcasts requiring minimal latency and high accuracy? → Realtime stenographic captioning with a direct CAT-to-encoder feed
4. Under which law are broadcasters required to provide closed captioning? → 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)
5. What is CAT software in the context of stenographic captioning? → Computer-Aided Transcription software that translates steno strokes into text
6. Which output format is the US broadcast standard for delivering closed captions embedded in an HDTV signal? → CEA-708
7. What is the primary objective of risk management & mitigation within the CBC professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
8. Which organization offers the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) credential that is relevant to broadcast captioning professionals? → National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
9. What is the primary function of an encoder in captioning? → Embeds captions into video streams
10. Which software feature helps broadcast captioners prepare for technical or scientific programs by pre-loading domain-specific vocabulary? → Job dictionary or specialty word list import
11. A new regulation impacts captioning techniques & accuracy procedures. What should a CBC professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
12. What is the primary objective of quality assurance & compliance within the CBC professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
13. What is the purpose of a 'scopist' in the broadcast captioning workflow? → To edit and proofread CAT software output for accuracy
14. How should background noise be handled in captions? → Describe background sounds in brackets
15. Which tool or methodology is most appropriate for analyzing industry best practices & professional development outcomes? → Maintaining professional boundaries while building collaborative relationships
16. A new regulation impacts industry best practices & professional development procedures. What should a CBC professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
17. What distinguishes an advanced broadcast captioner practitioner's approach to quality assurance & compliance from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
18. A stakeholder questions the value of communication & stakeholder engagement initiatives. Which response best demonstrates ROI? → Building a culture of accountability with transparent reporting
19. What does 'phonetic writing' mean in steno theory? → Encoding words based on how they sound rather than standard spelling
20. Which requirement must online video streaming services meet regarding closed captioning? → All TV content that aired with captions must be captioned online
21. Which connection method is typically used to transmit real-time captions from a remote captioner's workstation to a broadcast encoder? → IP-based network connection (TCP/IP)
22. What is the biggest challenge in real-time broadcast captioning? → Live speech variations and background noise
23. What is an important ethical consideration for broadcast captioners? → Ensuring accurate and unbiased captions
24. Which captioning format is commonly used for television broadcasts? → CEA-608/708
25. Which tool allows a broadcast captioner to monitor caption latency and quality in real time during a live feed? → A caption monitoring software dashboard or scope
26. What does the FCC require regarding captioning placement? → Captions must not obstruct essential visual content
27. What distinguishes an advanced broadcast captioner practitioner's approach to communication & stakeholder engagement from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
28. What is the recommended frequency for reviewing and updating captioning techniques & accuracy protocols? → Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis
29. Which scenario would require a broadcast captioner professional to escalate a industry best practices & professional development concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
30. Which file format is commonly used for online video captions? → SRT