CER Certified Electronic Reporter
CER® - Certified Electronic Reporter (AAERT)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) designation is issued by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT), an association that, in its own words, "provides education and certification for professionals engaged in digital reporting, transcribing, and associated roles." AAERT describes its certifications as recognized by many courts and businesses throughout the United States, with growing uptake in Canada and internationally, and it frames certification as evidence of continued dedication to and knowledge of the digital court reporting and transcription field. The CER is aimed at professionals who capture the record electronically rather than by stenotype - digital reporters, electronic court reporters, and transcribers moving into reporting work - as well as candidates entering the field who want a credential rather than only on-the-job training. Because AAERT does not publish the CER content outline, item count, time limit, or passing score on its registration page, candidates should treat those specifics as unconfirmed until they read AAERT's own Exam Instructions and Exam Resources pages. Preparation typically combines that official material with AAERT's Best Practices Guide and, where available, approved-school coursework. This independent guide is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AAERT; always confirm requirements and fees directly with the association before registering.
What you'll study
About CER Certified Electronic Reporter preparation
How much does it cost to register for the CER exam?
AAERT lists the Exam Registration Fee at $275.00. If you need to sit the Knowledge Exam again after an unsuccessful attempt, a Knowledge Exam RETAKE Fee of $175.00 applies. Discount codes can be entered at registration. Confirm current amounts on AAERT's Fees and Deadlines page before you pay, since published fees can change.
Are exam fees refundable if I fail or change my mind?
No. The registration terms state that exam fees are non-refundable and that failure to pass the exam for any reason is not grounds for a refund. By completing registration you authorize the charge and agree to AAERT's payment, refund, and dispute policies, so budget for the possibility of a retake fee.
What happens if I miss my appointment or need to reschedule?
Online exams and practice exams must be rescheduled at least 24 hours before the appointment; in-person exams at least 48 hours. Missed appointments without the required notice are a no-show and incur a $75.00 fee, payable before a new appointment can be scheduled. If the exam was never launched, no additional registration fee is required.
What identification do I need on exam day?
You must present a government-issued photo ID to the proctor, and the name on your exam registration must exactly match the name on that ID. AAERT flags this as important, so register under your full legal name rather than a nickname or a preferred name, or you risk being turned away.
How many questions are on the exam, and how long do I get?
AAERT's CER registration page does not publish the item count or the time limit. Those details are covered in AAERT's Exam Instructions, so read that page before scheduling. Treat any specific number you see elsewhere, including older study guides, as unverified until AAERT confirms it.
What score do I need to pass?
No passing score is published on the registration page. AAERT separately references a CET Practical Exam Passing Score Update and maintains Exam Instructions and Exam Resources pages. Verify the current passing standard with AAERT directly rather than relying on secondhand figures, and note that a CET practical score is not the same as a CER knowledge exam score.
Is the exam taken online or in person?
Both options exist. AAERT's registration terms refer to proctored exams and proctored practice exam sessions, with separate rescheduling deadlines for online versus in-person appointments. Because the two delivery modes carry different notice requirements, decide which you are booking before you schedule or cancel anything.
In what order should I study?
Start with AAERT's Exam Instructions to learn the format and rules, then work through the Exam Resources page. AAERT's Best Practices Guide underpins its testing and professional development, so read it closely, and consider approved-school coursework if you want structured instruction. Confirm the content outline with AAERT before building a topic-by-topic plan.
What are the most common avoidable mistakes candidates make?
Administrative slips cost more attempts than content gaps. The documented pitfalls are registering under a name that does not match your photo ID, missing the 24-hour online or 48-hour in-person reschedule deadline, and skipping the $75.00 no-show fee payment, which blocks you from booking a new appointment.
Does this guide come from AAERT?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AAERT. Fees, deadlines, and exam rules described here are drawn from AAERT's public pages, but AAERT is the only authoritative source. Always verify requirements directly with the association before registering or making travel plans.