The Board does not track items received and therefore would be unable to confirm receipt of items sent to the office. The following options are available to you:

track the money order you sent to see if it's been cashed, or
send it by certified mail (to allow for tracking on your end).

Once your papers have been received and reviewed you should, in turn, receive one of two items from the Board:

notification indicating any corrections to be made (including any additional fees that may be due) notifications are generally sent via email if an address is available; otherwise they're sent via, mail, or fax, or
your new license, registration, CE approval notice, or exam eligibility confirmation (via list posted online), etc. Please be advised that calling to check on statuses significantly slows down the processing of applications as staff cannot process applications while conducting status checks; therefore, status checks will not be conducted unless deemed necessary by staff. For example, if it has been more than 2-3 weeks since you submitted your paperwork to us. Additionally, inquiries for status checks will only be accepted by one of the following methods: mail, email, or fax. Responses to inquiries will submitted by mail, email or fax.

Why must we type our forms?

This requirement is primarily due to the difficulty of deciphering many individuals handwriting, which can slow down the processing of applications. Additionally, per section V (A) of the Standards & Rules Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, "Applications shall be typewritten on forms furnished by the Court Reporters Certification Board". Furthermore, now that many entities (and individuals) are utilizing computers more often (for email, producing transcripts, correspondence, etc.) we feel the typing requirement can easily be met. The forms can be downloaded from our website and the information typed in prior to printing them. If you don't have a typewriter, or a computer, and no access to the internet you can handwrite the info onto the forms but it must be legible. If it is not legible the form will be returned and you will be required to submit a typed version at that point. Deadlines cannot be extended to allow for additional time to resubmit forms/make corrections.

What pitch must I use on my transcripts?

9 or 10.

Where can I get information on Financial Aid for college/school?

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board offers this useful website for assistance on various programs: www.collegefortexans.com.

How do I change my address with the Board office?

You must notify us in writing, preferably within 30 days of the change. FYI: Notifying the post office of your address change is not equivalent to notifying the CRCB. You can also download Change of Address and/or Name Form from our website. Additionally, as we're moving to a paperless environment, it is essential for CSRs to provide a current email address, and notify us when your email address changes as well. ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR CSR # ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THE BOARD OFFICE.

How can I change/update my name with the Board office?

Name changes are to be reported by completing the Change of Name and/or Address Form. Additionally supporting documentation shall be required (e.g., copy of marriage license, divorce decree, or court order).

I want to overnight my forms but need a physical address. Can I send my fees (for renewal, exam, etc.) directly to the Board office, there's only a PO box in the form(s)?

All forms with fees must go to: P O BOX 13122 Austin, TX 78711-3122. You may overnight items to this box by going through the post office as FEDEX and UPS will night overnight to PO boxes. Additionally, the only payment forms we currently accept are as follows: Money Orders, Bank Certified Checks, and Cashiers Checks. The Board office does not accept personal checks, business checks, or cash.

What is the #1 reason for applications being rejected?

PROCRASTINATION. If you wait until the last minute to submit your forms/documentation to the Board office, you will not have an opportunity to correct any errors that may exist and your application/documents will be rejected. Please try to send in forms/documents as soon as possible. Examples of errors include, but are not limited to: not signing forms, not notarizing forms/documents, not sending in originals, not enough money, etc.

Why the strict deadline(s)?

The deadlines are established in the Supreme Court rules, CE Rules, and/or Chapter 52 Government Code, etc.; therefore, staff is simply enforcing the rules already in place. Additionally, staff has deadlines that they too must meet. In order for us to meet our deadlines it is imperative that the applicants meet theirs.

Is a court reporter's home address or home or personal telephone number available to the public if requested?

No. This information is exempt from disclosure to the public under Rule 12.5 (d) of the Rules of Judicial Administration. Additional information regarding Rule 12 and the public's right of access to judicial records may be accessed from OCA's website at http://www.courts.state.tx.us/rules/openrecstate.asp.

When something is mailed to PO Box 13122, how long before you receive it?

Box 13122 is the lockbox for our payment processing center. All items with fees must go to this address. Examples of items that must go to this box are Renewal applications, Continuing Education applications, Exam applications, Penalty Remittances, etc. It is usually a few days from when payments are received/processed at the lockbox until they are routed to/received by the Board office. For timeline purposes it is best to estimate 1 week from when you mail it until the time it is received at the Board office.

Will the Board contact me to let me know my paperwork has been processed? May I contact the Board to find out if my paperwork has been processed? (or other variations of these questions.)

When applications are received standard procedure is to review them. If no issues are outstanding (such as missing documentation, incomplete/incorrect papers submitted, fees underpaid, etc.) the applications are processed. Please note that standard procedure does not include phone calls, emails, faxes, or other variations for a heads up on the status of your paperwork. (FYI: To check the status of your renewal you must refer to the renewal lists on our homepage. to check the status of your exam paperwork please refer to the list of applications on the CSR Exam Information page, to check the status of your firm registration please refer to the list of newly registered firms on our homepage, etc).

How long must we keep our notes?

3 years for civil (see section 52.046 of Government Code). 15 years for criminal (see TRAP rule 13.6)

Can I certify transcripts if my license has expired?

Per section (I) (A) of the Standards and Rules as Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, no person "may engage in the practice of shorthand reporting for use in litigation in the courts of this state unless that person is certified as a shorthand reporter by the Supreme Court of Texas". There are no provisions in rule for certifying a transcript when you are not certified.

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CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Does Texas offer reciprocity or endorsements for out-of-state reporters?

Effective June 1, 2004 the Board began allowing licensees from other states to become certified in Texas without the requirement of passing the skills portion of the certification examination. They will, however, be required to take and pass the written knowledge portion of the certification exam. The Board will not be implementing procedures for reciprocity. Additionally, the process of certification by endorsement does not extend to RPR's/RMR's, nor does it extend to those reporters in states where certification by examination is not required. The endorsement process is not applicable to those whose state certification requirements are not equivalent to that of the State of Texas. If you're a licensed out-of-state reporter who would like to apply for certification in Texas, please go to the "Forms" section of our website and download/complete the endorsement application. To apply for Certification by Endorsement, the process is two-fold. First, the applicant must complete the Application for Eligibility of Certification by Endorsement. After review of the application, the Board will notify the applicant in writing once their eligibility status has been determined. Second, upon receipt of their eligibility status, the applicant will complete and submit the Application for Certification along with the appropriate exam registration papers and any applicable fees.

My license has lapsed, how can I reinstate my CSR license?

Effective 09/01/03. New legislation establishes the following procedure for those whose licenses expired (i.e., lapsed). Licenses renewed less than 90 days after expiration shall owe 1½ times the original renewal fee. Licenses renewed more than 90 days but less than one year after expiration shall owe twice the original fee. You are strongly urged not to submit renewals at the last minute as has been done historically. The sooner you submit your renewals the more time you will have to correct any errors that may have been made. If your license is not renewed within a year of expiration, you will be required to sit for the public CSR exam. Exceptions will not be granted and fees will not be waived. Please refer to the current Reinstatement Policy on our website for details.

If I am out of state, but choose to maintain my Texas CSR license , what must I do?

In order to maintain your license you must renew it every two years. You must also pay the required renewal fee(s) and acquire the necessary 1.0 CE points, inclusive of .25 in ethics/rules. We currently do not have separate procedures for in-state and out-of-state reporters. All CSR's are subject to the same rules.

Am I required to attend court reporting school to become a CSR?

The Board does not require attendance at a court reporting school to become a CSR. How you choose to learn the profession is entirely up to you; however, you must qualify to take the state test. (See FAQ above on how to qualify for the exam.)

How do I know I need to register my firm; what is the definition of a firm?

A firm shall be defined as any person or entity that employs Certified Shorthand Reporters and/or engages independent contractors to provide court or shorthand reporting services. A firm shall be required to register any affiliate office under a separate registration number and pay a registration renewal fee. Please be advised that firms who meet this definition must register with the Board office. Those who do not meet this definition are not required to register with the Board office.

Are Texas CSR's also required to be notaries?

No.

If I have a criminal history, minor or major, can I be a court reporter?

If there is an incident in your past that you feel may cause a problem with your becoming a Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter, you would need to submit an application for certification (found on our website at the Forms link) and the $85 application fee. Additionally you would need to provide copies of any documentation that relates to this incident (or incidents). You would mail everything to the Board office at P O Box 13122 Austin, TX 78711. Your application would be considered by the Review Committee anda determination would be made as to whether to approve or deny your eligibility to become a CSR. You would then be notified in writing of this determination. Please refer to Conditions that May Negatively Affect Certification on our website for more information. If you wish to sit for the exam before a determination has been made you may do so, with the understanding that even if you pass the exam a license will not be issued until the Board makes a determination of your eligibility status, and that a refund of the exam/application fees would not be issued.

What are the requirements to become a Texas court reporter?

In order to become certified in this state you must either take and pass the state certification exam, or be certified by endorsement. The exam consists of part A (the skills portion) and part B (the written knowledge portion). Texas does not allow passing the skills exam in legs; i.e., the literary, jury charge, and Q&A must all be passed at the same time. For the endorsement option you must be certified by a state whose certification requirements are substantially equivalent to those of Texas. If deemed eligible for certification by endorsement you may become certified in Texas by passing only the written knowledge portion of the exam. Please refer to the 'CSR Exam Information' link on our homepage for details on the exam and certification. Refer to the 'Endorsements Log' link on our homepage for a list of states that are eligible or ineligible for endorsement.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION

Can you tell me how many points I have? I need to know how many points I need to be in compliance.

The Board office does not track CE points and therefore would not know how many points you have until you report them when you renew. That is part of the renewal process (reporting contact info and CE info). Per section (f) (2) of the CE Rules..."These records verifying CE compliance shall be maintained by the renewal applicant for a minimum of two consecutive renewal periods or four years."

Can you tell me if the course I'm taking will count towards the CE requirements?

Staff does not pre-approve seminars/sessions. In order to get approval you must submit an application for course approval to the Board office and the Chair of the CE Committee will review it to determine if (based on the CE Rules) it would be approved or not and, if so, for how many points. You may obtain the CE approval form from the 'Forms' link on our homepage. If you do not have acrobat reader on your computer there is a link to a free reader at the top of the forms page. Also, on the main page of our website there is a link to CE Seminars. This contains a current list of courses/seminars that have been approved by the Board office. This is not a complete list of all courses/seminars in the State of Texas. This is just a list for those applications which were submitted to us for approval

Do the Ethics/Rules seminars or courses we take have to cover Texas rules?

No, they do not have to cover Texas rules.

If I have more than the required hours, can the extra ones be carried over to the next renewal period?

No, they do not carry over.

If a course/seminar is approved by NCRA will the Board accept it?

We will not automatically accept it. If you wish to use an NCRA approved seminar towards your CE requirements you will need to complete/submit an application for course approval. Applications for approval are located on the 'Forms' page of our website . The Board will, however, accept NCRA sponsored seminars as long as they are consistent within the scope of approval by the Court Reporters Certification Board as set forth in the Continuing Education Rules for Court Reporters. Please review the CE Rules on our website for more information.

Do course approval applications need to be submitted before attending the course?

No. Attendees can submit their applications prior to or after the seminar/course.

Once a course approval application is received by the Board office, how long before it is approved?

This process can (approximately) take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Also, please remember that course approvals must be submitted prior to the submission of your renewal papers.

How many hours of CE are required to renew?

Per the CE Rules 10 hours are required, of that 2 1/2 must be in Ethics/Rules.

Can I have the continuing education (CE) requirement waived for my upcoming renewal?

The requirement to obtain continuing education may be waived given the appropriate circumstances. Please refer to section (m) (1) of the CE Rules for details. Requests for waivers shall be submitted between January 1st and September 30th of the year your certification expires.

Are articles and/or books accepted for TX CE requirements?

No. Please refer to the Continuing Education Rules for details on what is and is not acceptable for TX CE requirements.

If I take an online NCRA program will I receive full CE credit for my Texas certification?

It is possible that you may not receive full credit. Per section (a) (3) of the CE Rules credit can only be given for actual attendance time. If the program is only 1.5 hrs in duration, but NCRA gives you 3 hrs (.30 CEUs) of credit for it, only 1.5 hrs will be eligible to apply towards your Texas certification.

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CSR Examination

Who administers the Certified Shorthand Reporters (CSR) examination?

Effective September 1, 2008, the CSR examination is administered by the Texas Court Reporters Association (TCRA) on behalf of the Court Reporters Certification Board (CRCB). Please refer to TCRA's website for questions regarding exam registration, exam fees, scores, etc.

What dictionary is used for grading the exam?

Currently the Eleventh Edition.

What do I do if I need special accommodations per the American's with Disabilities Act?

Accommodations are made according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You must submit written notification to the Texas Court Reporters Association, at the time you register for the exam; however, you'd need to submit your registration paperwork as early as possible to allow time to research and make any necessary accommodations prior to the exam. Documentation from your physician relating to your disability will be required. This documentation must include the type of disability and the recommended accommodations.

Can I use a paperless steno machine?

Yes. You are not required to use paper notes. However it is strongly encouraged in the event you have equipment failure and can no longer access your notes electronically. Please be advised only the final paper transcript is accepted for grading purposes. If you cannot turn in a transcript you will receive a failing grade.

If I want to test under two methods, machine and stenomask for example, what are my options?

1) You would need to submit an application ($85 fee included) per method, along with the required exam forms and fees, per method. You would also provide an SOP (statement of proficiency) per method, which means testing at school for each method. This would give you two licenses when you pass the exam. One under machine, and one under oral stenography. Each license would have a separate number meaning you would need to take and pass the oral exam twice, once for each license. If you have previously taken and passed the written exam you do not need to retake it, but you do need to note on your paperwork that you have passed it, when you passed it, and the file # you tested under when you passed it. The license we issue will reflect the method pertaining to that specific license number.

2) Upon certification, you're looking at a double workload as well. By this we mean you would pay two renewal fees (one per license). You'd also be required to get CE points for EACH license (so that is 2.0 total=1.0 per license) if they expire in different years.

Where is the CSR exam held?

Please refer to the website for the Texas Court Reporters Association for this information as they administer the certification exam on behalf of the Board.

How do you qualify to take the exam?

The only two options for qualification are as follows:

(1) If you're an RPR, you may submit a letter from NCRA, as an attachment to your application. The letter must be an original, it must be notarized, and it must be on their letterhead. It must attest to the fact that you have passed the RPR/RMR exam and are currently a certified RPR or RMR in good standing. Said letter must be current on the test date applied for in order to be a substitute for the S.O.P. If you're a member of NVRA, you may submit a letter as well, following the same guidelines as listed for RPR's.

(2) If you're not an RPR, or are an RPR by way of grandfathering, you must have 2 proficiency tests given to you by an instructor at a court reporting school (these can be done in any state). It must consist of new material and be given all at one time. (Meaning each test must consist of 180 wpm literary, 200 wpm jury charge, and 225 wpm Q&A.) Proficiency tests cannot be given/passed in legs. You must receive a score of 95% accuracy or better. The proficiency is only good for one year and must be valid on the exam date for which you are applying.

When a request for a regrade is received by the Board how long is it before the results are sent to the examinee?

Regrades are done as quickly as possible; however, there are no guarantees that results would be provided before the registration deadline of the next CSR examination. It would be advisable not to wait on the regrade results if you're planning to sit for the next exam.

When will I receive my exam packet, or how will I know when I am eligible to sit for the exam?

Applicants must confirm their exam eligibility by referring to the list of eligible applicants on our website. This list is posted on the CSR Exam Information page of our website. Additionally, should there be any problems regarding the eligibility of applicants staff will send written notification (via email) to the applicant(s), if no email address is available notices will be sent via fax or regular mail.

Can examinees write in realtime?

Yes.

If the exam dates change will the rules of the proficiency change as well?

No. According to the rules, the proficiency is valid for one year from the last test date and must be valid on the exam date. Therefore, even if the exam dates change, the proficiency rules would remain the same.

A school told me that they could not administer the proficiency test to me since I was not a student at their school. They were concerned about their stats if I didn't pass the test. If I failed would it hurt their stats?

Not as far as our statistics are concerned. The statistics are based on the school "attended" not the school of proficiency. Your failing would not present a problem, unless they are referring to statistics other than those generated by the Board office.

Can I use a copy of my RPR test results in lieu of a Statement of Proficiency (SOP)? Can I use a copy of my CSR test results or license from another state in lieu of the SOP? (or other variations of these questions.)

No. We must have a letter from NCRA stating that you are a current RPR member in good standing. The letter must be on their letterhead, it must be notarized, and it must be an original. It must also indicate that you passed the exam to become an RPR. It must also be current on the test date. Copies of certificates are not accepted. NVRA equivalents are accepted as well. Those who were grandfathered in as RPR's cannot use their RPR in lieu of the statement of proficiency.

When will I know my exam results? When will I get my license? Can I call to find out when the test results will be available and/or names posted on the website?

The test results will be provided according to the timeline established in section 52.0231 of the statute. Test results are not provided by phone, fax, email, or to third parties. Additionally, be advised that inquiries to check on the status of test results can significantly slow down processing. Please keep in mind the results cannot be provided until after the Supreme Court certifies the names of the successful examinees. Names of the successful examinees will be posted to the Exam Statistics page of our website and will receive their licenses in the mail. Licenses are mailed approximately the same time that results are posted online.

Where can I obtain the application packet for the exam? Can I receive exam registration forms from my school?

Applicants are required to receive their packets from the Board office. Application packets/items for exam eligibility are to be obtained from the Forms page of our website. For exam registration forms please refer to TCRA's website.

If I passed part of the exam before do I need to take it again?

No. Section III (F) of the Standards and Rules as Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas states the following:

"An applicant who has passed Part A or Part B of the examination but who has failed the other part, will not be required to be re-examined on the part passed by such applicant."

How do I request a regrade or review of my exam?

To request a regrade you must submit the Regrade Remittance Form which is located on the 'Forms' page of the our website. The rules regarding regrades and reviews are located in section VIII of the Standards & Rules as Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas which is also located on our website. You may also request a review of your skills exam; however, per rule, a review cannot take place until after the exam has been regraded.

Can the notes from my dictation be used when grading my exam?

They can be viewed in circumstances when something is in question and to determine if someone cheated, but they cannot be considered when determining grades. The final (printed) exam is the only documentation that is used to determine pass or fail of the CSR exam.

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RENEWALS

Can I submit my course approval applications at the same time I submit my renewal?

No. Courses must be approved prior to submitting your renewal. This is the procedure throughout the year and it does not change during the renewal period.

Why do you make the renewal process so difficult?

The renewal process runs smoothly if you read/follow the instructions and familiarize yourself with the Rules. Doing so helps ensure you do not take ineligible courses and that you complete your forms correctly, which (in turn) expedites the renewal process. If you are not familiar with the rules you are more inclined to run into problems.

Why was my renewal fee refunded? I still intend to renew my license?

The Board office does not hold onto fees indefinitely. If a license was not renewed timely, the fees will be refunded. If your fee is refunded, you may still renew; however, you will need to resubmit your renewal papers/fees.

My license has expired. I have been living out of state. How do I become recertified in Texas?

Per the Statute, located in the Rules section, you may become recertified without examination only if you meet the following criteria:

you were certified in Texas prior to moving out of state, and;
you are currently certified in the other state; or,
you have been practicing court reporting in the other state for at least 2 years (preceding the date of application for recertification in Texas).

If you meet the above criteria you may become recertified in Texas by following the procedures below:

Downloading the Renewal Form, Continuing Education Reporting Form, and Penalty Remittance form (for $200) from the Forms page of our website; and
complete all forms and mail them to the Board office (along with documentation confirming the above three items) with a money order for the appropriate fee (i.e., renewal fee and penalty fee). Please refer to the current Reinstatement Policy on our website for details.

I expire the end of this year, but am not able to renew at that time. Is there any way to extend my expiration date into the following year when I am able to renew? If not, what are my options for renewing my license?

The expiration date is established in legislation (i.e. law) in Chapter 52 of the Government Code. There are no provisions for extensions. Additionally, due to legislation which became effective 09/01/03, there is no longer a grace period to renew. Any licenses not renewed by December 31st of the year they expire will lapse into inactive status. Unfortunately we are unable to make exceptions to this law.

Your only options would be as follows: (1) Licenses which have been expired for 90 days or less may be renewed but the licensee shall be required to pay 1½ times the renewal fee; (2) Licenses which have been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year may be renewed but the licensee shall be required to pay twice the renewal fee; (3) Licensees which have been expired for one year or longer shall be required to sit for the public CSR exam; or, (4) Request a waiver for having to obtain CE points. (Note this must be requested no later than 09/30 of the year you expire . If the waiver is denied you must obtain the required points to renew your license, leaving you with the first 3 items as your only options.)

Why did you send me a Cease & Desist Notice, I have not been working as a CSR for a long time?

Letters are automatically sent to anyone who did not renew by their expiration date. If you received a Cease & Desist Notice and you wish to notify us of your status (retired, etc.), please do so in writing via mail, email or fax. We would appreciate the information.

Can I put my new expiration date on my certificates even though I have not received my new license? (I mailed everything/used the online renewal site and am just waiting for my card).

No. Until a new license is issued your expiration date shall remain the same.

Where can I get the forms to renew my license?

The Board office no longer mails renewal packets. Legislation is encouraging agencies to move towards a paperless environment as much as possible; therefore, it will be the sole responsibility of the court reporter or court reporting firm to obtain the items they need from the Forms page of our website. Another option would be to use the online renewal website: http://texasonline.state.tx.us/.

Friendly reminder: It is your obligation and responsibility as a certified shorthand reporter or court reporting firm to keep your certification and your contact information current with the Board office. Notification from this office is sent merely as a reminder. Additionally, since we're moving towards a paperless environment, it is essential that all CSRs provide a current email address to the Board as well as notify us when your email address changes as the Board now sends most of our notifications via email whenever possible.

How do I know when my license expires?

Check your license to see the expiration date. Note: This is also the date that you should be putting on your transcripts.

Can I use my credit card to pay my for my renewal and just email or fax my renewal documents?

Only if you renew via Texas Online. If you do not renew online you must mail your forms/fees to PO Box 13122, Austin, TX 78711-3122. The online renewal process is only available 09/01-12/31. If you have expired, you must renew by mail.

When renewing, can I just send in my renewal form and my fees? Can I send my CE documentation with my renewal forms and you can verify approval by reviewing my documents, or complete the forms for me? Can I send in half of my renewal information and the rest at a later date (to ensure I meet the 12/31 deadline)? For example, send in my renewal and payment and then send the CE info later, or perhaps a partial payment of fees? (or other variations of these questions..)

No. The Board office will not process incomplete paperwork. If all required items are not submitted your license or registration will not be renewed.

What is the #1 reason for CSR's not receiving their renewal notices?

Not notifying the Board of address & email changes. It is imperative that you submit (in writing) notification to the Board office anytime there is a change in your contact information. Also, notify us of any name changes. You can send in the changes at any time; however, we prefer to have them by 06/31 as that will help to ensure the address label we use to mail your renewal notice is correct. This timeline applies to email address changes as well. If you're about to send your renewal forms you do not need to submit a change of address form or name change letter w/your renewal papers. The renewal process is two-fold: (1) Renewal form (to report current contact info and/or any name changes), and (2) Continuing Education Reporting Form (to report your continuing education points).

FYI: Notifying the post office of your address change is not equivalent to notifying the CRCB.

Will you accept a check from my county for my renewal fees?

Yes. If your county pays your renewal fees, we will accept their checks; however, your paperwork must accompany the payment and they must list (on the check, not the stub) the name(s) of who the payment is for.

I received notice that I am being reviewed for CE compliance. What must I send and when must I send it?

If you renew by mail: the CE documentation, Renewal Form, CE Reporting Form, renewal fee, and a copy of this notice must be submitted to the Board office at the following address: Court Reporters Certification Board, Attn: Renewals-CE Review, P O Box 13122, Austin, TX 78711-3122.

If you renew online: the CE documentation, online payment receipt, and a copy of this notice must be submitted to the Board office by mail or fax. Our fax # is 512/463-1117. Examples of acceptable documentation would be a copy of your certificate of attendance, a transcript from TCRA or a transcript from NCR

You can also contact the sponsor (seminar provider) directly to see what they can provide that will give us the information we need to process your renewal. CRCB staff cannot provide pre-approvals of courses. You must submit a CE Course Approval application to get approval on a course (if you are not sure it'll be accepted.) We can, however, say that the 'Participation Verification and Credit Request' form from NCRA is not sufficient and therefore would not meet the CE review requirement. Please do not submit such items to the Board office. CE documentation must provide us with the following information: Name of seminar, date(s) of seminar, sponsor # (or indicate if NCRA sponsored), and how many points you earned for the seminar. How many points the seminar was worth is not the same thing as how many points you actually earned for attending the program. Documentation must be submitted with your renewal papers and fee. Documentation should not be submitted separately.

Is there a timeline for renewing online?

Yes. The online renewal window is from 09/01 to 12/31. After December 31st anyone who hasn't renewed will lapse and be issued a cease & desist order and won't be able to provide court reporting services until they become re-certified. The online application is only available for those whose licenses are active. Per new legislation regarding penalty fees, once you expire you will be required to renew by mail and your only options would be as follows: (1) The first 90 days after it expires you may renew your license at 1 1/2 times the normal renewal fee; (2) From the 91st day through the end of the year you may renew license at 2x the normal renewal fee; or, (3) If you have not renewed by the end of that year, you must sit for the CSR examination and meet all requirements normally established for obtaining a new license (such as application & $85 fee, Statement of Proficiency from a court reporting school unless you're an RPR, and etc.).

Why was I selected for review of my CE?

Per the CE Rules, the CRCB conducts random computer-generated CE reviews. They have nothing to do with complaints, or whether someone requested we check on a specific individual, etc. The reviews are random, and are typically conducted during the renewal period; however, even those who didn't receive a notice of CE review could still be subject to review. Please review the CE Rules to ensure you are up-to-date on current procedures, requirements, etc.

Is it possible to be selected for a continuing education review for consecutive renewal periods?

Yes. Per section (f) (6) of the Continuing Education Rules a random computer-generated screening is conducted to review continuing education. Due to the small pool of licensees to pull from, it is entirely possible for an individual to be selected for review for consecutive renewal periods. A random selection process means that each person has the exact same chance of being chosen as anyone else on the list. Please be advised that should you receive a notice of CE review you shall be required to comply even if you have previously been reviewed.

I am trying to complete the continuing education portion of my renewal and am unsure of what to put for the name of seminar field. I can't tell what the name is. Can you tell me the name of the seminar I attended?

If you are unsure of the name of a seminar, or any other items on your certificate of attendance, you must contact the seminar provider directly as they would have this information.

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Updated: 17-Sep-2009

Frequently Asked Questions

Court Reporters Certification Board

Miscellaneous/Other

Certification/Registration

Continuing Education

CSR Examination

Renewals

MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER

CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

CONTINUING EDUCATION

CSR Examination

RENEWALS

Standards for Court Reporters

Standards Governing the CRCB

Associations