Licensing by state / Michigan

Court reporter licensing in Michigan

Michigan requires a state credential to work as a court reporter.

State credential required

Yes

Credential

Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR); related designations Certified Electronic Recorder (CER), Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) and Certified Voice Writer / Stenomask Reporter (CSMR)

Issued by

Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review, Michigan Supreme Court (staffed by the State Court Administrative Office)

How you qualify

The Board tests knowledge and speed at least twice a year, normally March and November (MCR 8.108(G)(3)). CSR applicants must be 18, a high school graduate, not under a felony sentence within two years, must have completed an approved post-high-school court reporting program, and must have passed the NCRA Registered Professional Reporter skills exam and documented it before testing (SCAO Manual for Court Reporters and Recorders, Section 3). NCRA's table describes the Michigan skills test as 'Done through NCRA' with the RPR as the required credential.

NCRA RPR accepted

Yes

Fees

Certification fee $60; annual renewal $30; additional $100 late fee for a renewal filed after August 1 (MCR 8.108(G)(3)(f) and (G)(6)(a)). The examination fee is not stated in the rule.

Renewal

Annual; renewal applications are due August 1 and the Board may require proof the reporter used the skill during the preceding year (MCR 8.108(G)(6)).

Continuing education

Not yet verified

MCR 8.108(G)(1)(a) provides that only certified reporters, recorders or voice writers may record or prepare transcripts of proceedings in Michigan courts or of depositions taken in Michigan, so the requirement covers official and freelance work. The certification number must appear on transcript title and certificate pages, stationery and business cards, and proof of certification must be shown before a deposition. An uncertified reporter cannot sue to collect fees. Reporters certified in another state may apply for reciprocity (G)(4) and a one-time temporary certification is available until the next exam results (G)(5). The Board's manual states it does not mandate continuing education for renewal (Section 3, item R). Voice writing (CSMR) is a certified method; CEO operators may record but not prepare transcripts.

Exam speeds and legs for the national credentials are on the certifications page; the path from school to the exam is in how to become a court reporter.