The Importance of Certification in Illinois

The accuracy and integrity of the legal record are critical in any proceeding. In Illinois, the Illinois Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 ensures that only Certified Shorthand Reporters (CSRs) are permitted to practice. This certification guarantees that court reporters meet the highest standards of skill, professionalism, and ethical responsibility.

Illinois Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 Highlights:

• Certification Required:

“No person may practice shorthand reporting…in this State without being certified under this Act.”

• Protected Titles:

Only certified professionals may use titles such as “Certified Shorthand Reporter”, “Court Reporter”, or “C.S.R.”

For more information, visit ILCRA.org.

Certifications Matter: Illinois and National Standards

When choosing a court reporter, certification levels can give you confidence in their ability to provide an accurate record.

Illinois Certifications:

• CSR (Certified Shorthand Reporter) – 225 words per minute (wpm)

National Court Reporters Association Certifications:

• RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) – 225 wpm

• RMR (Registered Merit Reporter) – 260 wpm

• RDR (Registered Diplomate Reporter) – 260 wpm

These certifications reflect the rigorous training and testing court reporters undergo to ensure excellence in their field.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Court Reporter

Hiring the right professional begins with asking the right questions. Here are key questions to ensure your court reporter is qualified:

1. What certifications do you hold?

• Look for the Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) certification, which is mandatory in Illinois.

2. What is your highest certification speed?

• Professional court reporters should meet speeds of 225–260 wpm for testimony accuracy.

3. Will you be able to read back the record from your stenographic notes?

• A certified reporter should always be able to read back notes; relying solely on audio playback is unacceptable.

4. Who will be transcribing this record?

• Transcripts should be handled by the CSR, possibly with assistance from a scopist or proofreader.

• Records should never be outsourced overseas or uploaded to artificial intelligence platforms.

5. What is your Illinois CSR license number?

• Always verify their license number through the official Illinois certification website. Proceedings should be halted if the individual is not certified.

Why Certification Protects Your Legal Proceedings

Certified court reporters uphold the integrity of the record, ensuring that:

• Testimonies are accurately captured.

• Confidential information is safeguarded.

• Legal disputes have an undisputed record to rely on.

Trust a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) to provide the professionalism and expertise your legal proceedings require.