NVRA Realtime Verbatim Reporter exam-day guide
NVRA Realtime Verbatim Reporter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Registration and appointment confirmation (needs_review)
Carry the confirmation email or letter with your candidate ID, exam date, check-in time, and provider contact. Confirm whether a printed copy is required; some providers accept digital copies.
Government-issued photo ID (needs_review)
Use the exact name on your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and whether an expired ID is allowed. A name mismatch can delay or bar entry.
Stenotype writer and backup writer (needs_review)
Test both before exam day. Confirm whether a backup writer is allowed at the workstation and whether it must be registered in advance.
Laptop with licensed CAT/realtime software
Update software and confirm the license is active offline. Bring the charger and any required dongle. Confirm supported operating system and software versions with the provider.
Cables, adapters, and power strip (needs_review)
Pack the exact cable for your writer, a spare, USB adapters, and a power strip if permitted. Label each cable. Confirm facility power and table setup.
Backed-up personal dictionary and settings
Export your dictionary, job definitions, and configuration. Keep one copy on the laptop and one on a labeled USB drive only if removable media is allowed; otherwise use an approved offline backup.
Headphones or earpieces (needs_review)
Confirm whether you may use your own headphones for dictation audio or whether the provider supplies them. Test volume and fit.
Comfort and break supplies
Bring water, a snack, layers, and any permitted medication. Confirm food and drink rules at the workstation and during breaks.
Printed candidate handbook and personal checklist
Include proctor contact, check-in time, equipment rules, break policy, and scoring questions. Confirm whether notes may be brought into the exam room.
Timekeeping device (needs_review)
A simple watch may be allowed; phones and smart watches usually are not. Confirm what is permitted for tracking test segments.
Accommodation approval, if applicable (needs_review)
Bring the provider approval letter and confirm how accommodations are activated on exam day.
Plan the day
Contact the provider to confirm check-in time, location or remote platform, ID rules, allowed equipment, software requirements, break policy, and scoring or retake rules. Get answers in writing if possible.
Run a timed mock at or above the expected test speeds. Verify realtime translation, accuracy, audio quality, and your dictionary. Note exact failure points.
Add only high-value briefs and dictionary entries. Avoid major theory changes late in the week.
Charge laptop, writer, backup writer, headphones, and phone. Pack ID, confirmation, cables, charger, dictionary backup, and comfort items. Re-test the full setup.
Read the provider exam-day rules on ID, equipment, breaks, scoring, and prohibited items. Prepare a short list of questions for check-in.
Set two alarms, confirm travel or remote-room plan, and get normal sleep. Avoid last-minute software updates.
Eat a normal meal, arrive or check in early, and allow time for equipment setup and a test transcription.
Place writer and laptop securely, connect power, silence phone and smart watch, adjust chair, light, and audio. Run a short warmup dictation if permitted.
Listen for start and stop instructions, monitor audio level, use planned briefs, and keep breathing. If audio drops or equipment fails, signal the proctor immediately; do not silently troubleshoot.
Use only designated breaks. Check power and connections, hydrate, and avoid discussing exam content with other candidates.
Confirm files or submissions are saved or transmitted per instructions. Keep your dictionary backup and note any incident for follow-up.
Rules to check
Bring ID in the exact registered name and confirm accepted ID types with the provider before exam day. A mismatch or missing ID may prevent you from testing.
Use only equipment and materials the provider has approved. Phones, smart watches, notes, and recording devices are generally prohibited in the testing room unless explicitly allowed; confirm with the provider.
Follow the proctor instructions at all times, including start, stop, and break signals. Do not continue writing after time is called.
Do not share, photograph, record, or reproduce exam content. Treat dictation passages and test materials as confidential.
Confirm the break policy in advance. Leave the workstation only during designated breaks and with permission; the clock may not stop during unscheduled breaks.
Report equipment failures or audio problems immediately. The provider, not the candidate, determines whether a remedy, retest, or score adjustment applies.
Confirm scoring requirements before test day: speed, accuracy, realtime translation, and any minimum passing standard. Do not assume a retake policy; ask the provider.
Request accommodations in advance and bring the approval letter. Confirm how and when accommodations will be activated.