Free CRC Captioning Standards & Guidelines Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which organization sets national standards for captioning quality in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

FCC

Answer

In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the primary organization that sets national standards for captioning quality, particularly for television programming. The FCC mandates rules regarding accuracy, completeness, placement, and synchronization of captions to ensure accessibility for individuals with hearing disabilities. These regulations ensure consistent quality across broadcast media.

Question 2

What does 'synchronous' mean in captioning?

Accepted Answer

Timed with spoken audio

Answer

In captioning, 'synchronous' means that the captions are timed precisely with the spoken audio. The text appears on screen at the exact moment the corresponding words are spoken, and disappears when the speech ends. This synchronization is crucial for readability and comprehension, ensuring that viewers can follow the dialogue naturally.

Question 3

Which element is essential to meet the 'completeness' standard in captioning?

Accepted Answer

All audible dialogue

Answer

To meet the 'completeness' standard in captioning, all audible dialogue must be included in the captions. This means every word spoken by every speaker, along with relevant non-speech information, should be transcribed. Completeness ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers receive the full content of the audio, just as hearing viewers do.

Question 4

How should background sounds be represented in captions?

Accepted Answer

Describe them in brackets

Answer

Background sounds that are integral to understanding the content or atmosphere should be described in brackets within the captions. For example, '[Laughter]', '[Doorbell rings]', or '[Dramatic music plays]'. This provides crucial non-speech information to viewers, enhancing their comprehension and experience of the audio-visual content.

Question 5

What is the recommended reading speed for caption viewers?

Accepted Answer

120–160 WPM

Answer

The recommended reading speed for caption viewers is typically between 120–160 words per minute (WPM). This range allows most viewers to comfortably read the captions without feeling rushed or having the captions disappear too quickly. Maintaining this speed ensures accessibility and comprehension for a wide audience.

CRC - Certified Realtime Captioner Practice Test

CRC - Certified Realtime Captioner Practice Test

Free CRC Captioning Standards & Guidelines Questions and Answers