AL Court Reporter exam-day guide
AL Court Reporter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver's license, state ID, or passport. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Admission or scheduling notice
Bring any printed or electronic confirmation the provider issues. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a phone screen is acceptable.
Approved writing instruments
Bring several pens and pencils in case the venue supplies none. Confirm with the provider whether any materials are provided or restricted.
Silent, non-smart watch or small clock
Many testing rooms lack a visible clock. Confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are permitted and whether smartwatches are banned.
Comfort items permitted by the venue
Water in a clear container, tissues, and layers for temperature control. Confirm with the provider what may be brought to the desk.
Machine and stenographic supplies
If the practical portion requires your own writer, bring your steno machine, cables, tripod or stand, paper or media, and a backup battery if applicable. Confirm with the provider exactly what equipment is furnished versus candidate-supplied.
Backup media and tools
Spare steno paper or SD card, extra batteries, and a small tool kit. Confirm with the provider whether personal equipment must be inspected or approved beforehand.
Travel and parking plan
Scout the route and venue entrance in advance. Confirm with the provider the exact building, room, and check-in time, since these details are often venue-specific.
Rest and hydration plan
Plan for a full day with limited breaks. Confirm with the provider the expected session length and break policy so you can prepare accordingly.
Leave valuables at home
Most testing rooms provide no secure storage for bags, phones, or jewelry. Confirm with the provider whether lockers or a secure area are available.
Review the provider's candidate handbook
Read the current rules on prohibited items, electronics, and conduct. Confirm with the provider that you have the latest version, as policies change.
Plan the day
Confirm the venue address, room number, check-in time, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the candidate handbook for prohibited items and equipment rules.
Do a full equipment check: test your steno machine, cables, and backup media; charge batteries; pack spare paper and tools. Confirm with the provider if any equipment must be pre-approved.
Shift to light practice only: short dictation at test speed to stay sharp, then stop. Prioritize sleep over cramming in the final days.
Lay out ID, admission notice, pens, watch, and packed equipment bag by the door. Charge your phone and any devices you rely on for travel.
Confirm your travel and parking plan and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and get a full night's sleep; avoid new foods or heavy caffeine.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive early enough to absorb any check-in delays. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival buffer.
Do a brief warm-up of fingers and hands only if it relaxes you; avoid tiring practice. Recheck that your equipment bag contains everything on your list.
Follow the proctor's instructions exactly. Set up your equipment quietly and verify it works before the timed portion begins.
Pace yourself, keep breathing, and if you fall behind, recover calmly rather than chasing every word. Note any equipment problem immediately and raise your hand.
Use only breaks the proctor authorizes. After the session, confirm with the provider how and when results will be released.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID and present it at check-in; confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether the name must match your registration.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's written conduct rules; prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, and notes are typically restricted in the testing room, so confirm the current list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the timed portions, and do not share or record test content; treat all exam materials as confidential.
Breaks are generally limited and proctor-controlled; confirm with the provider the break policy and whether leaving the room affects your time.
Scoring criteria, passing thresholds, and any transcription or accuracy standards are set by the provider; confirm the current standards and how each portion is weighted before test day.
Request any accommodations you need well before the exam date; confirm with the provider the deadline and documentation required.
If equipment fails or you believe a testing condition was unfair, notify the proctor immediately and confirm with the provider the procedure for filing a report.