Certified Shorthand Announcements
Upcoming Testing Dates and Events
Iowa Written CSR Exam:
- November 1, 2019
- December 6, 2019
- January 3, 2020
- February 7, 2020
- March 7, 2020
- April 3, 2020
- May 1, 2020
- June 5, 2020
- July 10, 2020
- August 7, 2020
- September 19, 2020 or September 18, 2020 if skills test is not held
- October 2, 2020
- November 6, 2020
- December 4, 2020
Above dates are subject to change depending on closure of Judicial Branch Building
Iowa Skills Tests:
- March 7, 2020
- September 19, 2020 Due to the pandemic this date is tentative and the test may not be held. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the NCRA's online RPR skills test instead. Due to the circumstances, the Board will recognize the NCRA skills tests as the equivalent of the Iowa skills tests, so passing the NCRA online tests will fulfill the Iowa skills test requirement. Applicants still need to take the Iowa Written Test, however.
**Iowa also recognizes the NCRA's RPR designation. So if you pass their skill test and written test, all you will need to do is take the Iowa Written Test to become licensed in the State of Iowa. The NCRA has on-going, on-line testing at their website.
Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters Meetings:
- March 6, 2020 - 4 pm
- September 18 2020 - 4 pm Likely to be on-line. Notice will be posted.
Certified Shorthand Reporters
The Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters administers the examination and certification process for shorthand reporters in Iowa. The board also administers continuing education requirements and disciplinary actions with respect to shorthand reporters. The board advises the court on policies regarding shorthand reporting in Iowa. For more information contact: BoardofExaminers.ShorthandReporters@iowacourts.gov
Court Rules Governing Certification
Rules pertaining to certified shorthand reporters now appear at chapter 46 of the Iowa Court Rules. Fees payable with respect to reports and several kinds of applications were changed in 2008. The complete chapter 46 is available here: Chapter 46 (PDF)