Court Reporting Licensure Requirements

A person may not engage in shorthand reporting in this State or be appointed an official court reporter or deputy court reporter unless that person is certified as a shorthand reporter by the Supreme Court of Texas.

Certification must be for one or more of the following methods of shorthand reporting:

1. Written shorthand;
2. Machine shorthand;
3. Oral stenography; or
4. Any other method of shorthand reporting authorized by the Supreme Court.

To qualify for full certification, a person must pay all required fees, comply with the application procedures, and comply with the following requirements:

• Pass the CSR Examination (see below for details)  
• Have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.     
• Provide their state and national criminal histories.

In order to apply to become a fully certified shorthand reporter (CSR), you must:

1. Submit the Application for Certification. Apply for certification via the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) online licensing and certification system.
   • Do not apply for the exam using the JBCC online licensing system. You can only apply for the exam with Texas Court Reporters Association (TCRA). Refer to Exam Procedures for additional information.
2. Submit the application fees.
   • Examination Fees (due to TCRA) 
     • Oral Exam - $175.00
     • Written Exam - $100.00
     • Regrade Fee - $35.00
   • Application Fees (due to JBCC)
     • Application Fee - $200.00
       All fees are non-refundable.
       JBCC Fees
       TCRA Fees
3. Pass a criminal history background check by DPS and the FBI.
   • All new applicants and those renewing their certifications are required to obtain one-time electronic Fingerprinting through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Fees for these services are paid at the time your fingerprints are taken. The results of the DPS and FBI fingerprint searches will be sent directly to JBCC.
   • JBCC’s Certification & Licensure Criminal History FAQs
4. Pass the required CSR examination.

JBCC’s Court Reporters Certification FAQs