GA Court Reporter exam-day guide
GA Court Reporter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current, unexpired photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name on the ID should match the name on your registration. If the names differ (for example, after a name change), confirm with the provider in advance what documentation they will accept before test day.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save your registration confirmation, appointment time, and test-center address. Some providers require a printed admission document; confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is acceptable. Verify the reporting time, which is often earlier than the start time.
Knowledge of what is prohibited in the testing room
Most testing rooms bar phones, smartwatches, notes, study materials, and often outerwear or bags beyond a locker. Confirm with the provider the exact prohibited-items list and whether lockers are available, so you do not lose time at check-in.
Arrival plan with buffer time
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your reporting time to allow for check-in, ID verification, and security screening. Check local traffic, parking, and transit the day before. Confirm with the provider how late arrival is handled, since many programs deny entry after a cutoff.
Rest and nutrition plan for the testing block
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the test. Avoid trying new caffeine doses or heavy meals on test morning. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the testing room or only during scheduled breaks.
Break policy review
Find out in advance how many breaks are offered, whether they are timed, and whether you may leave the room during them. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are permitted and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Scoring and results timeline
Know how the exam is scored (for example, a scaled passing score) and when results are released. Confirm with the provider the current passing standard, score-report timeline, and retake policy, since these change and should not be assumed.
Accommodations confirmation
If you requested testing accommodations, bring your approval letter or confirmation. Confirm with the provider the check-in process for accommodated testing and any separate arrival time, well before test day.
Calculator and reference-material policy
Determine whether any calculator, reference sheet, or scratch paper is provided or permitted. Do not bring your own unless explicitly allowed. Confirm with the provider which aids, if any, appear on screen versus being supplied at the test center.
Practice under timed conditions
In the final days, complete at least one full-length timed practice set using the same question format and pacing you expect on test day. Review errors for patterns rather than memorizing individual items.
Logistics for personal items
Decide in advance what you will do with keys, wallet, and phone. Many centers require phones to be powered off and stored. Confirm with the provider whether secure storage is provided or whether you should leave valuables at home or in your vehicle.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test provider's contact number and your appointment details in case of a delay or emergency. Confirm with the provider the procedure for rescheduling or reporting an emergency on test day.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, test-center address, and reporting time. Re-read the provider's candidate handbook or rules page for prohibited items, ID requirements, and break policy. Verify that your photo ID is unexpired and that the name matches your registration; contact the provider immediately if there is a mismatch. Complete a final full-length timed practice set and review only high-level error patterns, not new material. Prepare your bag with ID, confirmation, and any approved accommodation letter. Stop intensive cramming and protect your sleep schedule.
Do a dry run of the route or check transit and parking options. Lay out your ID, confirmation, and clothing for the next day. Confirm whether the center provides lockers or scratch materials. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Do a light review of format and timing strategy only. Set two alarms and confirm your wake-up time accounts for check-in buffer.
Eat a light breakfast and hydrate moderately. Leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle where possible. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your reporting time. Present your ID and confirmation at check-in, store personal items as directed, and use the restroom before entering the room. Take a few slow breaths and review your pacing plan, not content details.
Follow the proctor's instructions exactly. Read each question fully and watch your per-question pace against the clock. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the format allows. Use scheduled breaks as intended and return promptly. If equipment or software fails, raise your hand and ask the proctor to document the issue rather than troubleshooting alone. At the end, confirm that your answers submitted before leaving.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration. If the names differ, confirm with the provider in advance what documentation is accepted.
Arrive by the reporting time stated in your confirmation. Many programs deny entry to candidates who arrive after a cutoff; confirm with the provider how late arrival is handled.
Leave prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials outside the testing room. Confirm with the provider the exact prohibited-items list and whether lockers are available.
Follow all proctor instructions and testing-room conduct rules. Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or remove test content; doing so can void your score.
Use only breaks that are permitted and timed as described by the provider. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Understand how the exam is scored and what the current passing standard is before test day. Confirm with the provider the passing score, score-report timeline, and retake policy, as these can change.
If you requested accommodations, follow the provider's approved process and bring any required confirmation. Do not assume accommodations will be available without prior approval.
If a technical or equipment problem occurs during the test, notify the proctor immediately and ask that the incident be documented. Confirm with the provider afterward how such incidents are handled.