Licensing by state / New York

Court reporter licensing in New York

New York does not require a state license to work as a court reporter.

State credential required

No

Credential

Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR), voluntary title certification

Issued by

New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Certified Shorthand Reporting

How you qualify

Pass the NCRA Written Knowledge Test and three skills legs of the RPR exam (literary 180 wpm, jury charge 200 wpm, testimony 225 wpm), plus 1,300 hours of shorthand reporting study with three years of full-time verbatim reporting experience, or five years of experience in lieu of the education.

NCRA RPR accepted

Yes

Fees

Licensure fee $173 (NYSED Office of the Professions, 2026; fees subject to change).

Renewal

Certified shorthand reporters must reregister every three years.

Continuing education

None required by the state

Only the title is protected. NYSED: Only individuals certified by the Board of Regents may use the CSR title, but anyone may offer reporting services, even those who are not licensed. Court reporters in New York may or may not have state certification. Applicants must be at least 21 and of good moral character. A reporter licensed in another state must still meet all New York requirements. NCRA lists New York as Voluntary. No continuing education requirement appeared on the NYSED pages opened.

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.