RPR Practice Test

Are you a skilled court reporter looking to take your career to the next level? Consider becoming a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR). This certification not only validates your expertise but also opens up new opportunities and increases your earning potential.

As a Registered Professional Reporter, you will demonstrate exceptional skills and credentials in the field of court reporting. This certification showcases your professionalism, accuracy, and dedication to delivering high-quality transcripts.

By obtaining the RPR certification, you position yourself as a trusted court reporter who meets the highest industry standards. The rigorous training and examination process ensures that you have the necessary skills to capture spoken words with precision and efficiency.

Whether you are currently working as a court reporter or aspire to enter this rewarding profession, becoming a Registered Professional Reporter will set you apart from your peers. It demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

RPR Exam at a Glance

What changed for RPR in 2026

• Nov 1, 2026: Retake policy changed to Components may be passed separately; one attempt per test per registration period (previously Components may be passed separately; single or dual attempts per testing period).^[1]
• Nov 1, 2026: Registration deadline (Skills Tests) changed to Dec. 20, 2026 at midnight ET (for Jan. 2027 tests) (previously Dec. 20, 2026 at midnight ET (for Jan. 1–20, 2027 window)).^[3]
• Nov 1, 2026: Registration opens (Skills Tests) changed to Dec. 1, 2026 (for Jan. 2027 tests) (previously Dec. 1, 2026 (for Jan. 1–20, 2027 window)).^[3]
• Nov 1, 2026: Delivery (Skills Tests) changed to Online via Realtime Coach with ProctorU/Record+ proctoring (previously Online via Realtime Coach and ProctorU/Record+).^[4]
• Nov 1, 2026: Exam fee (Skills Tests) changed to $110 member / $90 student / $144 non-member (single); $165 / $135 / $216 (dual) (previously $110 member / $90 student / $144 non-member per leg ($165 / $135 / $216 dual)).^[3]
• Nov 1, 2026: Number of questions (Skills Tests) changed to 3 five-minute dictation legs: Literary 180 wpm, Jury Charge 200 wpm, Testimony/Q&A 225 wpm (previously 3 five-minute dictation legs: Literary (180 wpm), Jury Charge (200 wpm), and Testimony/Q&A (225 wpm)).^[1]
• Nov 1, 2026: Score release (Written Knowledge Test) changed to Preliminary pass/fail at test; official scores emailed within 2–4 weeks of window close (previously Preliminary pass/fail at testing; official scores emailed within 2–4 weeks of window close).^[2]
• Nov 1, 2026: Testing window (Written Knowledge Test) changed to Jan. 4–25, 2027 (next: Apr. 5–23, Jul. 1–19, Oct. 1–18, 2027) (previously Jan. 4–25, 2027 (subsequent: April 5–23, July 1–19, Oct. 1–18, 2027)).^[2]
• Nov 1, 2026: Delivery (Written Knowledge Test) changed to Schedule with Pearson VUE only after registering with NCRA (previously Pearson OnVUE online proctoring or Pearson Test Center).^[5]
• Nov 1, 2026: Number of questions (Written Knowledge Test) changed to 120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored) (previously 120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest items)).^[2]
• Nov 1, 2026: Eligibility changed to Current or aspiring stenographic reporters; NCRA membership not required (previously Current or aspiring stenographic reporters; NCRA membership not required to test).^[1]
• Nov 1, 2026: Exam fee (Written Knowledge Test) changed to $220 reporter member / $181 student member / $253 non-member (previously $220 reporter member / $181 student / $253 non-member).^[2]

According to National Court Reporters Association, “You have to pass three five-minute Skills Tests (SKT), which evaluate your skills level in three areas:|Literary at 180 wpm|Jury Charge at 200 wpm|Testimony/Q&A at 225 wpm”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through RPR questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which skill is most crucial for an RPR when performing literary dictation?

1. Fast typing speed
2. Strong memory
3. Excellent listening and concentration
4. Analytical thinking

Answer: C. Excellent listening and concentration

Explanation:

The correct answer is excellent listening and concentration. Literary dictation is read aloud at a steady pace with varied vocabulary and sentence structure, so the limiting factor is how well you stay locked onto what is being said while your hands keep writing.

Fast typing speed is wrong because stenographers write on a steno machine, and raw speed without close attention only produces fast errors. Strong memory is wrong because you cannot store and replay a passage later; you must capture it as it arrives. Analytical thinking is wrong because it helps when you edit and proofread afterward, not while you are taking the dictation live.

Rule to remember: in live capture, sustained attention comes first, and speed and accuracy follow from it.

Example 2

Question: What is one common challenge an RPR might face during literary dictation, and how can they overcome it?

1. Unfamiliar vocabulary - overcome by increasing their reading of diverse literature
2. Fast speaking rate - overcome by practicing with high-speed dictation exercises
3. Background noise - overcome by using high-quality noise-cancelling equipment
4. Emotional content - overcome by maintaining professional detachment

Answer: B. Fast speaking rate - overcome by practicing with high-speed dictation exercises

Explanation:

The keyed answer is a fast speaking rate, overcome with high-speed dictation practice. The challenge is mechanical: the speaker moves faster than your writing, and the remedy that matches it is timed drills at a gradually increasing pace.

Unfamiliar vocabulary can certainly occur, but reading diverse literature builds general knowledge rather than the writing speed this question is about, so it is the weaker pairing. Background noise is wrong because dictation is normally delivered through prepared audio, and noise-cancelling equipment does not address the core skill. Emotional content is wrong because professional detachment is a mindset, and it does not close a speed gap.

Rule to remember: match the remedy to the actual gap. Speed problems are solved with progressive speed practice, not with general reading or equipment.

Example 3

Question: What does the term 'voir dire' refer to in US court proceedings?

1. A preliminary examination of a witness or juror to determine competency
2. The reading of charges to a defendant
3. A motion to dismiss the case
4. The closing arguments of counsel

Answer: A. A preliminary examination of a witness or juror to determine competency

Explanation:

The correct answer is a preliminary examination of a witness or juror to determine competency. Voir dire is a French phrase often translated as to speak the truth, and in US courts it is the questioning used to decide whether a person is suitable to serve or testify. Jury selection is its best-known use.

The reading of charges to a defendant is wrong because that describes an arraignment. A motion to dismiss is wrong because it is a request that asks the court to end the case, not an examination of a person. The closing arguments of counsel is wrong because those come at the end of a trial, after the evidence, and are statements by the lawyers rather than questions put to a juror or witness.

Rule to remember: voir dire is about questioning people before they serve or testify, not about charges, motions or summations.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official NCRA RPR page so you know what each part asks of you, then use the practice sets to find where you are weakest. Take a set cold first, without notes, and write down every question you miss along with the reason: a vocabulary gap, a rule you did not know, or a careless read.

Work through the sets on legal terminology and courtroom procedures, deposition procedures and notarial duties, and the code of ethics until your misses are mostly careless ones. Use the grammar, punctuation and transcript formatting set and the medical and scientific vocabulary set as short daily sessions, because this material sticks better with frequent repetition than with long cramming.

Keep your dictation practice separate from the written sets. The Skills Tests are about writing accurately at the stated speeds, so use the literary dictation and speed and accuracy sets for the thinking behind the skill, but build your actual speed with timed audio practice on your own machine. Try the online testing platform requirements early so a technical problem does not cost you an attempt.

In the last stretch, retake the sets you missed most, read the explanations aloud, and check the NCRA pages again for current windows and fees before you register.

Key Takeaways:

Free RPR Practice Test Online

• Becoming a Registered Professional Reporter improves your court reporting career.
• This certification validates your skills and credentials.
• RPR certification sets you apart from other court reporters.
• It increases your earning potential and opens up new opportunities.
• Continuous learning is crucial in the field of court reporting.

The Role of a Registered Professional Reporter

In the legal field, court reporters play a crucial role in accurately documenting spoken words during legal proceedings. Among these skilled professionals, Registered Professional Reporters (RPRs) stand out for their extensive training and certification.

A RPR, also known as a certified shorthand reporter or stenographer, possesses the expertise to capture spoken words in real-time and produce accurate transcripts. Using specialized stenography machines, RPRs are trained to record spoken words phonetically, allowing them to transcribe at remarkable speeds.

One of the key responsibilities of a RPR is to provide real-time reporting services. This involves converting spoken words into written form instantaneously, enabling attorneys, judges, and other stakeholders to follow proceedings in real-time. Real-time reporting plays a vital role in courtroom settings, allowing for immediate review, clarification, and analysis of witness testimonies and arguments.

The Certification That Sets RPRs Apart

What sets RPRs apart from other court reporters is their certification, which showcases their high level of skill, expertise, and professionalism. To become a Registered Professional Reporter, individuals must undergo rigorous training and successfully pass the certification exam.

The certification exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in stenography, understanding of legal terminology, and ability to transcribe accurately and efficiently. Obtaining the RPR certification is a testament to a court reporter’s dedication and commitment to their craft.

For legal proceedings, having an RPR on board ensures the production of accurate and reliable transcripts that are indispensable in courtrooms, depositions, and other legal settings. Their expertise reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures the integrity of the legal record.

The value that RPRs bring to the legal profession cannot be overstated. Their ability to provide real-time reporting services and produce high-quality transcripts is invaluable in facilitating smooth and efficient legal proceedings.

Educational Requirements and Stenography Certification

Becoming a Registered Professional Reporter

If you aspire to become a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), there are specific steps you need to take to achieve this professional milestone. To begin, you must fulfill the educational requirements and obtain a stenography certification. Let’s explore the journey to becoming a skilled court reporter with the esteemed RPR title.

Obtaining a stenography certification is a crucial step towards becoming a Registered Professional Reporter. Aspiring court reporters must complete a comprehensive stenography training program, which typically includes coursework in shorthand writing, legal terminology, and transcription techniques. These programs provide individuals with the necessary skills to accurately record spoken words during legal proceedings.

Once the stenography training is complete, individuals are required to pass the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) examination. This examination evaluates their proficiency in capturing court proceedings, transcription accuracy, and knowledge of legal terminology. Successfully passing the RPR examination demonstrates your commitment to excellence in court reporting and enhances your credibility as a professional in the field.

Career Opportunities for Registered Professional Reporters

Obtaining the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification opens doors to various career opportunities in the court reporting industry. Registered professionals have a broader range of expertise and are sought after for critical legal proceedings. Some of the career paths available to RPR-certified court reporters include:

• Providing deposition services: Registered Professional Reporters often work closely with attorneys to document and transcribe depositions, ensuring accurate and verbatim records for later use in legal proceedings.
• Legal transcription: RPR-certified court reporters excel in the field of legal transcription, efficiently transcribing court proceedings, testimonies, and other legal documentation.

Becoming a Registered Professional Reporter not only provides you with a competitive edge in the court reporting field but also expands your career possibilities. With your stenography certification and RPR credentials, you can make a significant impact in the legal industry and contribute to the administration of justice.

With the demand for accurate and reliable court reporters growing, now is the perfect time to start on the journey of becoming a Registered Professional Reporter. Take the necessary steps to acquire your stenography certification and unlock a world of opportunities in the court reporting profession.

Sources & last verified

1. National Court Reporters Association — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake policy (official source). “You have to pass three five-minute Skills Tests (SKT), which evaluate your skills level in three areas:|Literary at 180 wpm|Jury Charge at 200 wpm|Testimony/Q&A at…” Verified Nov 1, 2026.
2. National Court Reporters Association — number of questions, exam fee, registration opens, testing window (official source). “Written Knowledge Tests have 120 questions but only 100 are used to calculate a candidate's official score.” Verified Nov 1, 2026.
3. National Court Reporters Association — exam fee, registration opens, registration deadline (official source). “Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)|Member|$110|$165|Student|$90|$135|Non-Member|$144|$216” Verified Nov 1, 2026.
4. National Court Reporters Association — delivery, score release (official source). “Online skills testing provides a platform for candidates to test for the RSR, RPR, RMR, CRR, and CRC Skills Tests using the advanced technologies of…” Verified Nov 1, 2026.
5. pearsonvue.com — delivery (official source). “You cannot schedule your Written Knowledge Exam with Pearson before registering with NCRA and submitting your test fees.” Verified Nov 1, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.