RPR RPR Certification Requirements and Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a prerequisite for sitting for the RPR examination?
- Holding a valid Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) or Provisional RPR status OR completing an approved court reporting program (Correct answer)
- Five years of active court reporting experience
- A bachelor's degree in a legal field
- Passing the Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR) exam first
Correct answer: Holding a valid Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) or Provisional RPR status OR completing an approved court reporting program
Candidates must meet NCRA eligibility requirements including approved education or provisional status.
Question 2: In the RPR context, what does 'jury charge dictation' refer to in the skills exam?
- Instructions delivered by a judge to the jury read at a faster formal pace (Correct answer)
- Legal arguments made by attorneys during closing statements
- A witness giving testimony about jury service
- Questions posed by jurors to witnesses
Correct answer: Instructions delivered by a judge to the jury read at a faster formal pace
The jury charge leg simulates a judge reading legal instructions to the jury, which is dense and precise dictation.
Question 3: 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 (Correct answer)
- Reporters may accept gifts from attorneys of less than $50 in value
- Reporters can work for one law firm exclusively without disclosure
- Reporters need not disclose relationships unless directly asked
Correct answer: Reporters must disclose any financial or personal interest in the outcome of a proceeding
The NCRA Code requires reporters to disclose any conflict of interest that could compromise their impartiality.
Question 4: Is a court reporter permitted to provide legal advice to a deposition witness under the NCRA Code of Ethics?
- No — reporters must remain neutral and may not provide legal advice (Correct answer)
- Yes — if the witness appears confused about the process
- Yes — if no attorneys are present
- Only if the reporter is also a licensed paralegal
Correct answer: No — reporters must remain neutral and may not provide legal advice
Court reporters must remain strictly neutral and are prohibited from offering any legal guidance.
Question 5: When must an RPR-credentialed reporter notify NCRA of a felony conviction?
- Within 30 days of the conviction (Correct answer)
- At the next renewal period
- Only if the conviction is work-related
- There is no requirement to disclose criminal convictions
Correct answer: Within 30 days of the conviction
NCRA bylaws require credentialed members to report felony convictions promptly, within 30 days.
Question 6: 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 (Correct answer)
- They receive a written warning for a first offense only
- No formal action is taken unless a judge files a complaint
- The matter is referred to state bar association review
Correct answer: They may face suspension or revocation of their NCRA credential
Violations of NCRA's Code of Professional Ethics can result in credential suspension or revocation.
RPR RPR Certification Requirements and Professional Standards 2
Which of the following is a prerequisite for sitting for the RPR examination?