Licensing by state / Pennsylvania

Court reporter licensing in Pennsylvania

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

State credential required

No

Credential

None. No state credential exists.

Issued by

No state board; courts and agencies set their own hiring standards (see notes).

How you qualify

No state exam. Employers commonly ask for an NCRA or NVRA credential.

NCRA RPR accepted

Not applicable

Fees

None

Renewal

None

Continuing education

None required by the state

No state license or certification. NCRA's state table lists Pennsylvania as No Certification, License Required: No. For reporters employed or utilized by a court, Pa.R.J.A. 4004 requires approval by the president judge or designee and sets minimum skills of literary 180 wpm, jury charge 200 wpm, and testimony or two-voice Q&A 225 wpm at 95 percent accuracy (stenographic and voice-writing reporters); reporters who hold and maintain a professional certification are exempt from the skills criteria. Court-utilized reporters requalify at least every three years by completing 30 hours of continuing professional education accredited or certified by NCRA. The rule does not reach freelance deposition reporters working outside the courts.

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.