Licensing by state / New Hampshire

Court reporter licensing in New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires a state credential to work as a court reporter.

State credential required

Yes

Credential

Licensed Court Reporter (shorthand reporting or voice writing designation)

Issued by

New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Executive Director with the Advisory Board of Court Reporters

How you qualify

No state exam. RSA 310-A:169 issues the license to an applicant who holds the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) from NCRA or the Certified Voice Reporter (CVR) from NVRA, and Plc 1204.01 and 1204.04 require a copy of the current RPR or CVR certification with the application.

NCRA RPR accepted

Yes

Fees

Table Plc 1002.10 (effective July 1, 2025): court reporter license, voice or shorthand, application processing and licensing fee $220 for a 2-year license; the same $220 applies to renewal and to reinstatement after expiration. A surety bond with a $1,000 penal sum is also required (Plc 1204.04(e)).

Renewal

Biennial. RSA 310-A:173: licenses run 2 years and expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month; a license lapses if not renewed within 12 months after expiration. Plc 1204.08 and 1206.08: initial and renewal licenses are valid for 2 years.

Continuing education

Licensees must comply with the continuing education requirements of NCRA or NVRA, whichever applies to their reporting method (RSA 310-A:178; Plc 1205.05). OPLC audits 10 percent of licensees each year (Plc 1205.06).

The rule applies to anyone engaging in, offering to engage in, or appearing to engage in court reporting (RSA 310-A:168); the statute does not distinguish official from freelance reporters. Voice writing is licensed on equal footing with shorthand reporting (RSA 310-A:162, amended 2022). Licensees must use a seal reading Licensed Court Reporter, State of New Hampshire that shows the reporting method (RSA 310-A:172) and may administer oaths without a separate notary commission (RSA 310-A:181). The old Board of Court Reporters rules (Rep 100 to 500) were repealed in 2023 and replaced by OPLC Chapter Plc 1200 (readopted effective August 1, 2023). Applicants must be at least 18, legally able to work in the US, of good moral character, and have a high school education (RSA 310-A:170).

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.