Overview
NCRA approval and court-reporting education
The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is not an accrediting agency — it approves court reporting programs through its Council on Approved Student Education (CASE) against the General Requirements and Minimum Standards (GRMS). All NCRA-approved programs are also independently accredited by USDE-recognized agencies.
The Credentials
NCRA certification and state licensure
The profession runs on certification. NCRA offers the RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) and higher credentials (RMR, RDR, CRR, and the captioning CRC). Many states also require a state license (often called a CSR — Certified Shorthand Reporter), which frequently accepts the RPR. Confirm your state’s specific requirement.
- NCRA-approved programMeets the CASE/GRMS standards, and is also institutionally accredited.
- RPRThe entry NCRA certification; higher credentials follow (RMR, RDR, CRR).
- State license (CSR)Required in many states, often satisfied by the RPR.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits court reporting programs? The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is not an accreditor; it approves programs through its Council on Approved Student Education (CASE). NCRA-approved programs are also independently accredited by USDE-recognized agencies.
- What is NCRA approval? Recognition that a court reporting program meets NCRA's General Requirements and Minimum Standards through the CASE review process.
- What certifications do court reporters earn? NCRA offers the RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) and higher credentials (RMR, RDR, CRR) plus the captioning CRC.
- Is court reporting licensed? Many states require a state license, often called a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR), which frequently accepts the NCRA RPR. Requirements vary by state.
- Do I need an NCRA-approved program? It is a strong quality signal, and NCRA-approved programs are also independently accredited. Confirm your state's specific licensure path.
- Is NCRA an accrediting agency? No. NCRA approves programs; the institutions themselves are accredited by USDE-recognized accreditors.
- What is the RPR? The Registered Professional Reporter, NCRA's entry-level certification and a common basis for state licensure.
- How do I verify a court reporting program? Check NCRA's list of approved programs and confirm certification and state licensure requirements.