MO Court Reporter exam-day guide
MO Court Reporter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) in the name that matches your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required; do not assume a photocopy or digital ID will work.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or download the confirmation showing your test date, time, location or online link, and any candidate number. Review it the night before for last-minute room or time changes. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Your own stenotype machine and cables
Bring the writer you will use on the job, plus a backup cable or connection method if your setup allows. Label the machine and case with your name. Confirm with the provider whether a backup writer is permitted in the room and whether equipment is supplied.
Backup storage media
Bring extra steno paper or your usual digital storage (SD card, USB drive) formatted and tested in advance. Confirm with the provider what media are allowed and whether files must be submitted in a specific format.
Dictionary and job definitions loaded and tested
Load your personal dictionary and any case-specific job definitions onto the machine before test day and run a short practice dictation to confirm they write correctly. Confirm with the provider whether personal dictionaries are allowed and whether the machine must be reset to factory settings.
Power and comfort supplies
Pack spare batteries or the charger, a power strip if one is permitted, a quiet keyboard or writer cover, and layers for a cold room. Confirm with the provider which items may be brought to the desk.
Earplugs or permitted hearing protection
If you use earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs to focus during dictation, bring them. Confirm with the provider whether they are allowed and whether they must be inspected.
Watch or silent timer
A simple silent watch helps you track time during practice and breaks. Confirm with the provider whether watches are allowed and whether smartwatches are prohibited.
Water and a light snack
Bring water in a closed container and a snack for scheduled breaks, subject to room rules. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at the desk.
Practice dictation plan
Prepare a short warm-up routine (finger drills, briefs, and a 2-3 minute dictation at test speed) to use before the exam starts. Confirm with the provider whether warm-up time or a practice dictation is offered.
Transportation and arrival plan
Map the route, check parking or transit, and plan to arrive with buffer time before check-in. For online delivery, test your internet, camera, and microphone in advance. Confirm with the provider the arrival time and check-in cutoff.
Review of scoring and format rules
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for the number of legs, dictation speeds, error thresholds, and break policy. Confirm with the provider any rule you cannot find in writing; do not rely on secondhand accounts.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook and confirm the test format: number of dictation segments, speeds, length, and scoring method. Print or save the confirmation and ID requirements. Run a full timed practice test on the machine you will use, then clean and service the writer, check cables, and load your dictionary. Pack the equipment bag and label everything.
Do a light practice session only, focusing on warm-up drills and briefs rather than new material. Charge batteries and pack spares, water, snack, layers, ID, and confirmation. Confirm the location, parking, and travel time, or test your online setup. Set two alarms, get a full night's sleep, and avoid last-minute dictionary changes that could introduce errors.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early with buffer time, and complete check-in and ID verification. Set up the machine, confirm the paper or storage is loaded, and run a short warm-up dictation if permitted. Silence phones and watches, place permitted items at the desk, and listen carefully to the proctor's instructions before the first dictation begins.
Write steadily at the dictation speed, keep breathing, and do not stop to fix a dropped word; keep moving and recover at the next phrase. Use briefs you have practiced, watch the time during breaks, and follow the proctor's signals for start, stop, and breaks. If equipment fails, raise your hand immediately and follow the proctor's instructions rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Bring original, unexpired government-issued photo ID in the name on your registration; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all proctor instructions on seating, equipment setup, and start and stop signals. Confirm with the provider in advance whether personal dictionaries, backup writers, or external storage are permitted.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other devices silenced and stored as directed. Confirm with the provider what is prohibited at the desk and the consequences of a violation.
Breaks are usually scheduled between dictation segments; confirm with the provider the number and length of breaks and whether unscheduled breaks are allowed. Return promptly so you do not miss a segment.
Scoring is based on the provider's published error thresholds and speed requirements; confirm with the provider the exact passing standard and whether errors are counted per segment or cumulatively.
If equipment fails or you lose your place, raise your hand and continue writing if possible; confirm with the provider the policy on equipment failure, retakes, and make-up segments.
Do not discuss or share exam content with other candidates during or after the test; confirm with the provider the confidentiality rules that apply to you.