NY Court Reporter exam-day guide
NY Court Reporter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver's license or passport. The name must match your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission ticket or confirmation
Print or save your scheduling confirmation and any candidate number. Some testing centers require a printed copy, so confirm with the provider whether digital copies are accepted.
Steno machine and cables
Bring your own writer if the exam requires it, plus all connection cables (USB, serial) and a backup cable. Confirm with the provider whether machines are supplied or whether you must bring your own.
Laptop or tablet for CAT software (if applicable)
If the exam allows computer-aided transcription, bring your own device fully charged and with your CAT software licensed and tested. Confirm with the provider whether personal devices are permitted and what software versions are supported.
Backup storage media
Bring a USB flash drive to save your transcript files. Some exams require submitting a digital copy; confirm with the provider the accepted file format and media.
Paper and pens/pencils
Bring a few pens and pencils for notes or for any handwritten portions. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper is provided or must be brought.
Printed reference materials (if allowed)
If the exam permits a dictionary or reference sheet, bring a printed copy. Confirm with the provider the exact list of permitted materials and whether annotations are allowed.
Comfort items: water, snack, layers
Testing rooms can be cold and sessions long. Bring water in a clear container and a quiet snack for breaks. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at the workstation.
Review exam logistics and site rules
Re-read the candidate handbook for arrival time, security screening, and prohibited items. Confirm with the provider the address, parking, and check-in window.
Practice a full timed run
Complete at least one full-length timed practice session under exam conditions in the final 72 hours. Use the same equipment and software you will use on exam day.
Plan your route and backup transportation
Know the travel time to the test center and identify a backup route or transit option. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the reporting time; confirm with the provider the latest arrival time.
Confirm accommodations (if needed)
If you requested extended time or a separate room, confirm approval in writing before exam day. Confirm with the provider how accommodations are arranged and what documentation to bring.
Plan the day
Do a full timed practice exam using your actual steno machine, cables, and CAT software. Note any equipment issues and fix them now. Re-read the candidate handbook for prohibited items and check-in rules. Confirm your test center location, reporting time, and parking. Gather all documents and equipment in one bag. Stop heavy new learning; focus on accuracy drills and reviewing your personal error patterns.
Charge all devices and pack spare batteries or cables. Do a light practice session only. Prepare clothes and layers. Confirm transportation and set two alarms. Avoid alcohol and late screen time. Get a full night's sleep. Double-check that your ID and admission ticket are in your bag.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the reporting time. Present your ID and admission ticket. Store prohibited items in a locker if provided. Set up your equipment and run a quick test of your machine and software before the exam begins. Follow the proctor's instructions exactly.
Read all instructions before starting each section. Pace yourself and watch the clock; do not spend too long on any single question or dictation. If you make an error, keep going and focus on the next segment. Use breaks only as allowed, and return on time. If equipment fails, raise your hand immediately and follow the proctor's procedure. Save your work frequently if the format allows.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration. Confirm with the provider the accepted ID types and whether a second form is required.
Arrive before the reporting time. Candidates who arrive after the cutoff may be denied entry and lose their fee. Confirm with the provider the exact cutoff and re-entry policy.
Leave prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, and notes in a locker or at home. Possession of unauthorized materials during the exam can lead to dismissal. Confirm with the provider the full prohibited-items list.
Follow the proctor's instructions on breaks. Unauthorized breaks or leaving the testing area may end your exam. Confirm with the provider the break schedule and whether you can access notes or devices during breaks.
Use only equipment and materials approved for the exam. Unapproved software, remote assistance, or communication with others is prohibited. Confirm with the provider what software and devices are allowed.
Scoring is based on the exam's published criteria, which may include accuracy, speed, and transcript format. Do not assume partial credit. Confirm with the provider how each section is scored and what passing standards apply.
If you believe there is an exam-day problem, notify the proctor immediately and follow the provider's appeal or incident-report process. Confirm with the provider the deadline and procedure for filing a report.