CER Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which best describes the scope of Property Law & Real Estate in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
2. What should be done if a transcriptionist is unsure about terminology? → Research terminology for accuracy
3. What should be done if equipment failure occurs during a session? → Pause the session and fix or switch to backup
4. What is the consequence of non-compliance with mandatory regulations? → Penalties including fines, license revocation, and potential legal action
5. Why is proofreading a critical step in transcription? → To correct grammar, punctuation, and misheard words
6. Which federal rule governs the use of depositions and transcripts in federal court proceedings in the United States? → Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 30
7. Why is neutrality important for court reporters? → To avoid bias and ensure fairness in the record
8. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Torts & Personal Injury principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
9. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Property Law & Real Estate? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
10. What is the most important competency assessed in Contract Law & Commercial Transactions for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
11. Which software feature assists with fast and accurate transcription? → Foot pedal playback controls
12. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Civil Procedure & Litigation principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
13. Which courtroom seating arrangement best facilitates speaker identification for an electronic court reporter? → Assigned seats logged on a seating chart provided to the reporter
14. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Constitutional Law & Civil Rights principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
15. In a grand jury proceeding where jurors may ask questions orally, how should the electronic court reporter handle speaker identification? → Assign each juror a number at the start and use that number when they speak
16. What is the most important competency assessed in Constitutional Law & Civil Rights for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
17. Why is microphone placement important in electronic court reporting? → To improve acoustics and audio clarity
18. What is the purpose of timestamps in transcription? → To help navigation and accuracy of the record
19. Which type of maintenance is essential for court recording devices? → Preventive maintenance and system updates
20. What is the most important competency assessed in Property Law & Real Estate for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
21. A court electronic reporter notices a consistent 60 Hz hum on the recording. What is the MOST likely cause? → Electrical interference from nearby AC power lines or equipment
22. Which microphone polar pattern is MOST effective for minimizing ambient courtroom noise while recording a single witness? → Hypercardioid
23. Which file format is generally PREFERRED for archiving official court audio recordings due to its lossless compression? → FLAC
24. What is the ethical obligation if a court reporter overhears privileged communication? → Maintain strict confidentiality
25. What should be the first action when a new regulation is enacted that affects your practice? → Review the regulation, assess its impact, and develop an implementation plan
26. What does the term 'voir dire' refer to? → Jury selection
27. What should a court reporter do before starting a recording session? → Test all equipment and microphone functionality
28. In a multi-party deposition with eight participants, what recording configuration best ensures speaker separation? → One dedicated microphone channel per participant
29. Which approach to compliance is considered most effective? → A proactive approach that integrates compliance into daily operations
30. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Evidence & Trial Practice? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration