AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
AAERT (AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRONIC REPORTERS
AND TRANSCRIBERS) CERTIFICATION EXAM INCLUDES
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED QUESTIONS FOR BOTH THE CET
(CERTIFIED ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIBER) AND CER (CERTIFIED
ELECTRONIC REPORTER) CREDENTIALS.
Describe how to actively adjust tracks for proper audio level - ANSWER-Use the gain pad to
adjust levels on audio channels (on mixer).
Find a "home" position for each control (average amount of gain).
May need to be adjusted by environment.
Discuss Confidence Monitoring - ANSWER-Digital Recording Software MUST provide a method
to monitor the recorded content after it has been written to the computer's hard disc.
Provides the reporter confidence that they are capturing a quality recording.
Identify permanently installed equipment vs mobile equipment - ANSWER-All need the same
thing: assess recording room and take into consideration all elements of the environment.
Permanent- Stuck with what is already there.
Independent- Select own equipment and placement
Describe proper audio recording equipment maintenance - ANSWER-Cords: Make sure no cracks
or bends.
Mixer: Lights properly.
Mics: Proper storage (original packaging or bubble wrap)
CDs: Stored in plastic storage boxes
1|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Describe how to perform playback or read back requested testimony - ANSWER-Find annotation
for what they want played or read back.
(This is to clear up a specific point raised in an objection.
Timestamp each objection to make it easier to find.)
Unplug headset and press play.
Discuss how to effectively set up equipment and software for remote and hybrid proceedings -
ANSWER-Mic placement near the source speaker.
Use high quality speakerphone.
No non-verbal ques.
Discuss conduct during remote/virtual proceedings - ANSWER-Oath by Notary- Face to Face.
If you can't see them, is there a Notary there?
Everyone needs to hear everyone else speak without interrupting.
Define retention of all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by applicable laws, rules,
and regulations - ANSWER-Court Reporters: written and/or audio of proceeding produce
verbatim record (archive recordings).
Clerks: Evidence (documents)
Law Enforcement: Evidence (physical)
Describe Equipment Needed for All Types of Audio Recording Setups - ANSWER-Mics,
Cables/Connectors/Digital Mixer/Computer/Software
Identify Everything Necessary in Order to Create an Accurate Transcript - ANSWER-Equipment
set up and tested.
All parties arrived: business cards received and cells off.
2|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Read certain info into record: name, company address, date, time, location, case caption, party
who ordered, notice or stipulation, witness name, names of parties.
Swear in Witness.
Record and Annotate.
Describe Procedure When an Attorney Certifies a Question - ANSWER-Make annotation
immediately (usually witness refuses to answer question).
Check local rules for specific procedures.
Usually separate document listing these. Sign and give to atty.
Describe Basic Troubleshooting Steps During Video Conference & Telephonic Proceedings -
ANSWER-Sound quality crucial.
Use a high-quality speakerphone.
Speakers identified as they speak (when 2 or more).
Place mics where they pick up best sound.
Describe How to Effectively Work with a Videographer. - ANSWER-Take charge of room upon
arrival.
Be professional and polite but firm.
Explain where you need to set up and why.
Video must frame the witness.
Videographer will have a script to follow that they put on their record. Explain this to attys.
Compare and Contrast Original vs Copy - ANSWER-Only ONE original for signature (by
deponent).
Copies are clearly marked and certified (use Notary Seal).
Keep a copy for file.
3|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Define Importance of an Accurate & Verbatim Record & How it Impacts Judicial System -
ANSWER-Minutes of events as they occur.
Becomes part of the Court's official record.
You are acting as an impartial quasi-officer of the court.
Describe How to Request and/or Research Proper Nouns to Verify Spelling for Transcription -
ANSWER-Ask parties after hearing.
Describe Procedure When an Attorney Strikes Something from the Record - ANSWER-Removes a
portion of the record from consideration by a fact-finder.
The material stricken remains physically in evidence-in case the ruling to strike is found on
appeal to be in error.
Describe procedure when an Attorney marks something confidential - ANSWER-Check State,
Federal, Local Guidelines.
Use a Watermark or Footer on each pg of testimony to clearly show the transcript is subject to
protection.
"Subject to Protective Order" or "Confidential & Sealed"
Describe Chain of Custody - ANSWER-Record showing proper maintenance of REAL evidence as
opposed to mere documents.
Identify types of power sources - ANSWER-Internal battery source
External Power Source (Phantom Power-Mixer, etc)
(Batteries not suggested)
Identify Microphone Types and Sizes - ANSWER-Dynamic
4|Page
AAERT (AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRONIC REPORTERS
AND TRANSCRIBERS) CERTIFICATION EXAM INCLUDES
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED QUESTIONS FOR BOTH THE CET
(CERTIFIED ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIBER) AND CER (CERTIFIED
ELECTRONIC REPORTER) CREDENTIALS.
Describe how to actively adjust tracks for proper audio level - ANSWER-Use the gain pad to
adjust levels on audio channels (on mixer).
Find a "home" position for each control (average amount of gain).
May need to be adjusted by environment.
Discuss Confidence Monitoring - ANSWER-Digital Recording Software MUST provide a method
to monitor the recorded content after it has been written to the computer's hard disc.
Provides the reporter confidence that they are capturing a quality recording.
Identify permanently installed equipment vs mobile equipment - ANSWER-All need the same
thing: assess recording room and take into consideration all elements of the environment.
Permanent- Stuck with what is already there.
Independent- Select own equipment and placement
Describe proper audio recording equipment maintenance - ANSWER-Cords: Make sure no cracks
or bends.
Mixer: Lights properly.
Mics: Proper storage (original packaging or bubble wrap)
CDs: Stored in plastic storage boxes
1|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Describe how to perform playback or read back requested testimony - ANSWER-Find annotation
for what they want played or read back.
(This is to clear up a specific point raised in an objection.
Timestamp each objection to make it easier to find.)
Unplug headset and press play.
Discuss how to effectively set up equipment and software for remote and hybrid proceedings -
ANSWER-Mic placement near the source speaker.
Use high quality speakerphone.
No non-verbal ques.
Discuss conduct during remote/virtual proceedings - ANSWER-Oath by Notary- Face to Face.
If you can't see them, is there a Notary there?
Everyone needs to hear everyone else speak without interrupting.
Define retention of all notes and records of proceedings as stipulated by applicable laws, rules,
and regulations - ANSWER-Court Reporters: written and/or audio of proceeding produce
verbatim record (archive recordings).
Clerks: Evidence (documents)
Law Enforcement: Evidence (physical)
Describe Equipment Needed for All Types of Audio Recording Setups - ANSWER-Mics,
Cables/Connectors/Digital Mixer/Computer/Software
Identify Everything Necessary in Order to Create an Accurate Transcript - ANSWER-Equipment
set up and tested.
All parties arrived: business cards received and cells off.
2|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Read certain info into record: name, company address, date, time, location, case caption, party
who ordered, notice or stipulation, witness name, names of parties.
Swear in Witness.
Record and Annotate.
Describe Procedure When an Attorney Certifies a Question - ANSWER-Make annotation
immediately (usually witness refuses to answer question).
Check local rules for specific procedures.
Usually separate document listing these. Sign and give to atty.
Describe Basic Troubleshooting Steps During Video Conference & Telephonic Proceedings -
ANSWER-Sound quality crucial.
Use a high-quality speakerphone.
Speakers identified as they speak (when 2 or more).
Place mics where they pick up best sound.
Describe How to Effectively Work with a Videographer. - ANSWER-Take charge of room upon
arrival.
Be professional and polite but firm.
Explain where you need to set up and why.
Video must frame the witness.
Videographer will have a script to follow that they put on their record. Explain this to attys.
Compare and Contrast Original vs Copy - ANSWER-Only ONE original for signature (by
deponent).
Copies are clearly marked and certified (use Notary Seal).
Keep a copy for file.
3|Page
, AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certification Exam
Define Importance of an Accurate & Verbatim Record & How it Impacts Judicial System -
ANSWER-Minutes of events as they occur.
Becomes part of the Court's official record.
You are acting as an impartial quasi-officer of the court.
Describe How to Request and/or Research Proper Nouns to Verify Spelling for Transcription -
ANSWER-Ask parties after hearing.
Describe Procedure When an Attorney Strikes Something from the Record - ANSWER-Removes a
portion of the record from consideration by a fact-finder.
The material stricken remains physically in evidence-in case the ruling to strike is found on
appeal to be in error.
Describe procedure when an Attorney marks something confidential - ANSWER-Check State,
Federal, Local Guidelines.
Use a Watermark or Footer on each pg of testimony to clearly show the transcript is subject to
protection.
"Subject to Protective Order" or "Confidential & Sealed"
Describe Chain of Custody - ANSWER-Record showing proper maintenance of REAL evidence as
opposed to mere documents.
Identify types of power sources - ANSWER-Internal battery source
External Power Source (Phantom Power-Mixer, etc)
(Batteries not suggested)
Identify Microphone Types and Sizes - ANSWER-Dynamic
4|Page
