RPR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. How should a reporter handle a word they could not hear during testimony? → Insert a phonetic spelling in parentheses or mark as [inaudible]
2. When must an RPR-credentialed reporter notify NCRA of a felony conviction? → Within 30 days of the conviction
3. What is an 'electroencephalogram' (EEG) used to measure? → Electrical activity of the brain
4. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(e), who has the right to review and sign a deposition transcript to note any changes? → The deponent (witness)
5. What is 'hearsay' evidence in US federal court? → An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
6. What is a key ethical responsibility of an RPR when handling confidential information? → Keeping it secure and not disclosing it without authorization
7. What is 'tachycardia'? → An abnormally fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute
8. The phrase 'res ipsa loquitur' is used in what type of legal argument? → Negligence cases where the accident itself implies fault
9. What is the NCRA's policy on a reporter who fails to maintain impartiality during proceedings? → They may face suspension or revocation of their NCRA credential
10. How should a transcript reflect simultaneous crosstalk between two attorneys? → Note '(Simultaneous crosstalk.)' and then report what could be discerned
11. How long is the RPR certification valid before continuing education is required? → Three years, with 30 CE credits required for renewal
12. In a deposition, a 'read-back' request asks the reporter to do which of the following? → Re-read a portion of testimony already given in the proceeding
13. What does 'fingering' refer to in stenographic practice? → The consistent assignment of specific fingers to specific keys for stroke efficiency
14. What is 'realtime' reporting in the context of court reporting? → The instantaneous display of a stenographic translation on a screen as the reporter writes
15. What is the expected course of action if an RPR discovers they made an error in a transcript? → Correct the error and notify the relevant parties
16. What does the prefix 'brady-' mean in medical terminology? → Slow
17. What is a 'glob' or 'phrase' in stenographic writing? → A single stroke that represents an entire phrase or multi-word expression
18. According to NCRA guidelines, what is the recommended minimum retention period for a court reporter's stenographic notes? → 5 years
19. What is the recommended method for a reporter to handle a word they do not know how to stroke during a proceeding? → Write it phonetically and flag it for later dictionary resolution
20. What is the primary function of Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) software for an RPR? → To convert stenographic notes into readable text
21. What is one of the best practices for ensuring the accuracy of a transcript? → Proofreading and verifying the transcript against the audio recording
22. What does 'hematology' study? → The study of blood and blood-forming tissues
23. What is the recommended procedure when a reporter discovers a material error in a certified transcript? → Notify all parties, prepare an errata or corrected transcript, and re-certify it
24. Which skill is most crucial for an RPR when performing literary dictation? → Excellent listening and concentration
25. What is the function of a 'personal dictionary' in CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software? → A reporter-specific database mapping steno outlines to words for accurate translation
26. What is the NCRA's 'TRAIN' program in the context of reporter professional development? → A mentorship and continuing education platform for court reporters
27. What does the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics require regarding conflicts of interest? → Reporters must disclose any financial or personal interest in the outcome of a proceeding
28. In a court transcript, how should a verbatim interjection such as 'uh-huh' be rendered? → Exactly as spoken: 'Uh-huh.'
29. When a witness corrects themselves mid-sentence, how is this reflected in the transcript? → Transcribe exactly as spoken, including the self-correction
30. What does 'MRI' stand for in medical imaging? → Magnetic Resonance Imaging