AAERT CET Certified Electronic Transcriber

It has two parts taken on different days. First is an online proctored multiple-choice knowledge examination of 157 questions with a 120-minute limit. After passing, you schedule the practical examination, where you transcribe a mock court proceeding recorded on four-channel digital software. You must pass the knowledge portion before sitting for the practical.

The knowledge examination requires a score of 80 percent or higher. The practical examination requires 95 percent accuracy on the transcript you produce. Both portions must be passed to be awarded the CET certificate.

You have 180 minutes to complete the transcript, which will run approximately 10 to 20 pages. It must use federal formatting and include a title page, an index page, and a certification page. You are required to complete all audio files supplied to you at the time of your exam.

If you do not pass the knowledge portion, you must retake it before moving on to the practical exam. If you pass knowledge but not the practical, you only need to retake and pass the practical portion to receive certification. Retake fees are listed separately from the initial registration fee.

AAERT lists a $275 exam registration fee, with separate retake fees for the knowledge and practical portions. Fees are non-refundable, and failing the exam for any reason is not grounds for a refund. Check AAERT's Fees and Deadlines page for the current schedule before registering.

Start with AAERT's exam blueprint, since questions are developed from it. Self-assess against the five knowledge domains, then spend most time on your weakest areas. Practice federal transcript formatting early using AAERT's templates and sample transcript with answer key, because formatting errors and proofreading slips are costly on the practical.

Common causes are skipping the exam instructions, not testing equipment through the proctoring service beforehand, and attempting the practical without practicing federal format. On the practical, the 95 percent accuracy standard leaves little room for dropped words, speaker misattribution, or inconsistent formatting, so proofreading your transcript before time expires matters.

You do not need to be a member to take the exam, but if you pass you must become a Professional Member within 30 days to receive your certification. You must be eligible for a notary public commission and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience or a course of study is recommended but not required.

Certification renewal happens every three years, when you submit your continuing education units and pay the certification renewal fee. Membership renewal is a separate annual process. You are responsible for earning CEUs and keeping your membership active to maintain the credential.

Online exams and practice exams must be rescheduled at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time. Missed appointments without the required notice are treated as no-shows and incur a fee that must be paid before a new appointment can be scheduled. Exam fees themselves remain non-refundable.