RDR Registered Diplomate Reporter cheat sheet

Realtime pipeline: steno keystrokes are converted through a translation dictionary into displayed text; untranslated strokes remain as raw steno until a dictionary entry is created.

Dictionary hierarchy decision rule: a job or case dictionary overrides the personal dictionary, which overrides the main dictionary; test a new outline before merging it permanently.

Audio-to-text alignment rule: assign a timestamp at the start of each speaker or exhibit and use one clock source across devices to prevent drift during synchronization.

Backup formula: keep 3 copies on 2 media types with 1 offsite; verify restore capability, not only that a backup job completed.

Archival format rule: retain native files plus a non-proprietary export such as TXT or RTF; use PDF/A when a fixed-layout archival output is required.

Confidentiality control: encrypt files at rest and in transit, use unique passwords and least-privilege access, and securely delete files at the end of retention.

Verification rule: search names, numbers, and technical terms globally, then confirm each hit against synchronized audio rather than relying on context alone.

Certification rule: sign only after full proofing; any post-certification change must be documented and traceable to the original record.

Subject-verb agreement: locate the true subject and ignore prepositional phrases; and makes compound subjects plural, while or/nor agrees with the nearer subject.

Who/whom test: substitute he or him; who matches he for a subject, and whom matches him for an object.

That/which rule: a restrictive clause uses that and takes no commas; a nonrestrictive clause uses which and is set off by commas.

Semicolon decision: use between independent clauses without a conjunction or between complex list items that already contain commas.

Colon rule: use after a complete clause to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation; avoid placing a colon after a verb or preposition.

Apostrophe rule: singular possessive adds apostrophe plus s; plural possessive ending in s adds only an apostrophe; it's means it is.

Hyphen rule: hyphenate a compound modifier before a noun, as in well-known author; do not hyphenate after an -ly adverb or after the noun.

Number style: spell out one through nine and use numerals for 10 and above unless consistency, dates, or technical measurements require numerals.

Party roles: the plaintiff sues; the defendant answers; the appellant appeals; the appellee defends the judgment on appeal.

Sworn roles: a deponent testifies at a deposition; an affiant signs an affidavit.

Voir dire refers to jury-selection questioning and also to a preliminary examination of a witness.

Prima facie means sufficient on its face to proceed unless the opposing party rebuts it.

Medical suffix rules: -itis means inflammation; -ectomy means surgical removal; -otomy means incision; -ostomy means creating an opening.

Prefix rules: brady- means slow; tachy- means fast; hyper- means high or excess; hypo- means low or deficient.

Directional terms: proximal means nearer the body center or attachment; distal means farther; anterior means front; posterior means back.

Cardiovascular terms: myocardial infarction is heart muscle death from blocked blood flow; tachycardia is over 100 beats per minute; bradycardia is under 60 beats per minute.

Confidentiality rule: disclose case information only as authorized by law, court order, or client instruction; secure notes, audio, and transcripts.

Impartiality rule: record all speakers and testimony accurately; do not edit to favor a party or omit unfavorable material.

Conflict rule: disclose any interest that could affect objectivity or confidentiality, and withdraw if safeguards cannot eliminate the conflict.

Certification rule: certify only work personally performed or verified; preserve the original and document all corrections.

Errata rule: use the deponent's signed errata or a court-approved correction process; never silently change the transcript.

Fee rule: quote or itemize charges in advance; avoid contingent fees, undisclosed markups, and payments for referrals.

Retention rule: follow the contract, court rules, and statutes for storage and destruction; document access and destruction actions.

Independent contractor test: control of method, equipment, and schedule generally distinguishes a contractor from an employee; tax treatment follows the classification.