Court Reporters Board votes to change skills exam format, offers dual testing during transition

The Court Reporters Board voted to seek legislative authority to change the licensed skills exam format from the current California four-voice/200 wpm structure to a universal format of three 5-minute tests (literary at 180 wpm; jury charge at 200 wpm; two-voice testimony at 225 wpm). The motion passed on a roll call vote.

Yvonne Fenner told the board that legislative change is required before the board can adopt the new format. Board members emphasized the change will affect reporting schools and students and said implementation will not be immediate. Fenner and members discussed offering both formats during a transition period so students preparing under the old format could still test while the schools rework curricula.

Members of the public, including representatives of the California Court Reporters Association and local instructors, asked the board to coordinate closely with schools and consider phased implementation. The board approved the proposal and instructed staff to proceed with the legislative language.

Implementation notes: Fenner estimated schools could need up to two years to adjust curriculum depending on when legislation is enacted; the board agreed to accommodate both testing formats during the interim if authorized by law.