Certifying digital court reporters guarantees professional standards, accuracy, and reliability, making digital reporting a trusted method of capture and a vitally-needed solution in states where stenographers are in increasingly short supply.  The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers offers professional certifications that are recognized as the leading certification for many courts and businesses throughout the United States. Receiving and holding an AAERT certification designation demonstrates a continuous dedication and knowledge of the digital court reporting and transcription profession.

A growing shortage of stenographers across the United States due to increased retirement rates and failed recruitment efforts has led to increased case delays, jeopardizing access to justice when a court reporter is not available to administer a proceeding. AAERT-certified digital court reporters provide a scalable, cost-effective solution to maintaining accurate legal records. States like Tennessee that have expanded digital court reporting options have successfully reduced backlogs and improved access to timely legal proceedings.

Certification Types:

AAERT offers three professional certifications:

1. Certified Electronic Reporter (CER)
   • The most widely held certification.
   • Tests competency in capturing legal proceedings using digital audio technology in both court and non-court settings.
   • Ensures proficiency in equipment operation, note-taking and handling the official record.
   • Monitors audio in real-time to address any technical issues, cross-talk or other concerns to ensure quality of the audio record (i.e. “confidence
     monitoring”).
2. Certified Deposition Reporter (CDR)
   • Focuses specifically on digital reporting for depositions outside of court.
   • Evaluates skills in managing deposition recordings, ensuring accurate and clear audio capture, and adhering to legal standards.
   • Monitors audio in real-time to address any technical issues, cross-talk or other concerns to ensure quality of the audio record (i.e. “confidence monitoring”).
3. Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET)
   • Tests the ability to create accurate transcripts from digital audio recordings captured by CERs and CDRs
   • Ensures high standards for transcription accuracy
   • Ensures high standards for transcription accuracy

Each certification is built on a comprehensive exam blueprint developed through industry-standard best practices, similar to those followed by other national associations for court reporting, transcription, and similar fields. You can find more detailed information about AAERT certifications on the Certification Exams page.

The Importance of Certification in Digital Reporting

For the Legal System:

• Ensuring Accuracy and Professionalism: Certification verifies that digital court reporters are trained to capture high-quality, admissible records of legal proceedings.
• Addressing Workforce Shortages: With a declining number of stenographers, certified digital court reporters provide an effective alternative method of capture to meet growing demand when stenographers are not available for a proceeding.
• Maintaining the Integrity of the Legal Record: Certified digital court reporters and transcribers follow strict protocols to ensure recordings and transcripts meet legal standards.

For Court Reporters and Transcribers:

• Career Advancement: Certification enhances earning potential and job opportunities.
• Marketability: Law firms, courts, and agencies prioritize hiring certified professionals.
• Professional Development: Ongoing certification requirements ensure that digital court reporters and transcribers stay current with evolving industry practices.