uscrapresident@gmail.com
8449 East Culver St, Mesa, AZ
Join / Renew
P.O. Box 1154, Chicago, IL 60690
FCRR CERTIFICATION

Certification & Testing

Earn your Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR) designation
About FCRR

FCRR Certification Overview

The Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR) certification is the premier credential for federal court reporters. It demonstrates your mastery of realtime reporting and is recognized by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for salary increases. USCRA offers two FCRR testing opportunities per year, providing ample chances to earn this distinguished certification. The exam consists of dictation at 200 words per minute with a 96% accuracy requirement.

200

WPM Dictation

96%

Accuracy Required

2

Tests Per Year

Register for the Next FCRR Exam

Next Exam: October 10, 2026 - San Diego, CA

Registration is open to all current USCRA members.

Register for FCRR Exam
Process

Exam Details & Registration Process

1

Register for Exam
Sign up for one of the two annual testing opportunities.

2

Prepare
Use USCRA practice materials to prepare for the 200 WPM exam.

3

Take the Exam
Complete the one-minute warm-up and two five-minute tests.

4

Receive Results
Results are evaluated based on the grading guidelines.

Exam Format

Exam Structure
  • One-minute warm-up dictation
  • Two five-minute test dictations
  • Dictation speed: 200 WPM
  • Subject matter and proper nouns provided in advance
Passing Requirements
  • 96% accuracy
  • Evaluated per official grading guidelines
  • Results provided after grading period
  • Certificate awarded upon passing
Grading

Grading Guidelines & FAQ

Candidates must achieve 96% accuracy

The FCRR examination is dictated at 200 words per minute.

Accuracy is calculated based on the number of correct words versus total words dictated, following the official USCRA grading guidelines.

Yes, USCRA offers two testing opportunities per year. You may register for subsequent exams.

Yes, the FCRR certification is recognized by the AO and may qualify you for a salary increase.
Congratulations

Recent FCRR Recipients

USCRA’s Reporter Testing Committee is pleased to announce the following reporters have attained FCRR certification through the examination administered May 2, 2026, in Rosemont, Illinois in conjunction with USCRA’s Midyear Convention.
Tony Esparza - Noblesville, IN
Nancy Reinke - Eagle, MI
Ruth Levy - Henrico, VA
Cheryl Rylant - Edmond, OK
Lisa Mayo - Germantown, TN
The United States Court Reporters Association is the premier professional organization for federal official court reporters, dedicated to advancing the profession since its founding.
Quick Links
Membership Certification & Testing Events & Convention Training & Practice Leadership Resources
Company
Circuit Rider Magazine Job Vacancies Private Library Bylaws & Policies About USCRA Contact Us
Contact

Copyright © 2000 - 2026. United States Court Reporters Association®. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy Terms of Use Accessibility Disclaimer

WANTED: FINGERS THAT ARE FAST AND ACCURATE!!

THE HONORABLE JOHN R. TUNHEIM ANNUAL REALTIME SPEED CONTEST

It’s time to cross one of the items off your bucket list!  It’s time to set aside your fears and trepidations and make the decision that this is the year you are going for it!  Or, it may be time to focus on some writing time before you are sitting for the FCRR examination – especially since there is prize money involved!  Whatever your reasons, we would love for you to help us kick off the USCRA Annual Convention by participating in USCRA’s annual realtime speed contest.

The USCRA Board of Directors has approved a prize of $300 for the highest scoring test that qualifies with the requisite score. The first place qualifier will also take home the contest’s traveling trophy to display in your home or office for one year.

The Realtime Speed Contest is five minutes of recorded two-voice Q&A material at 230 words per minute. A score of 96% accuracy is required to qualify. Candidates who qualify may be eligible to receive .25 PDCs from NCRA (allowed once per three-year CEU cycle). The top three contestants are recognized on Saturday.

Entry fee is $75. USCRA membership and convention registration are required to compete. A minimum of seven registrants are required for the contest to be held. For more information, e-mail Anne Bowline, Reporter Testing Committee Chair, at fcrr.uscra@gmail.com.