NATIONAL COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION 2014 CHIEF EXAMINER HANDBOOK Compiled by the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
Table of Contents Sponsor Responsibilities 1 Chief Examiner Responsibilities 2 NCRA Responsibilities. 4 Prior to Test Day... 6 The Day of the Test.. 13 Upon Completion of the Test. 21 Appendices. 23 1 The Americans with Disabilities Act 2 Rules and Regulations for RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC, and CCP Skills Candidates 3 What is an Error? Grading Guidelines for the RPR and RMR Skills Tests 4 What is an Error? Grading Guidelines for the CRR, CBC and CCP Skills Tests 5 RPR Instructions for Candidates 6 CRR Instructions for Candidates 7 Procedures for NCRA Chief Examiners: Electronic Cheating and/or Other Violations on the Skills Exams 8(a) NCRA Guidelines: StenoCAT 32 Users (Version 5.X) 8(b) Stenovations/digitalCAT 8(c) Stenograph Writers and Case CATalyst software information
Sponsor Responsibilities Test Site Selection Selected locations must have the appropriate test facilities available for the Chief Examiner to use. NCRA prefers the use of local business colleges, NCRA-certified court reporter training programs, or NCRA-participating programs. Chief Examiner Appointments Chief Examiners are to be selected for each site, and are subject to approval by the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) and the Realtime Certification Committee. Sponsorship Agreement The sponsorship agreement must be returned by the date specified by the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing. Associated Costs The following costs are absorbed by the test site sponsor: o Facility rental o Supplies o Avoidable association exam administration errors o Refreshments (if provided) The Security and Integrity of the Exams It is imperative that the Chief Examiner does not poll candidates, conduct preparation classes, or release test results to anyone. 1
Chief Examiner Responsibilities General Not register for, or take part in, any NCRA certification skills examination. Maintain strict confidentiality and security of the examinations before, during, and after the testing process. Read, understand, and be familiar with the information in the Chief Examiner Handbook. Return the Examination Site Information by the date specified by the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing. Be on site on the day of the skills examinations, from beginning to end. Respond promptly to all NCRA Department of Certification and Testing requests. Return skills examinations transcripts by the deadline specified by the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing. Maintain the tracking number on the UPS label and/or the shipper s copy of the UPS label provided by NCRA when returning test and skills examination materials. Prior to Examination Day Sign and return the Chief Examiner Agreement and Confidentiality Pledge by the date specified by the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing. Select a suitable testing facility, or if the testing facility has been established by the sponsoring organization, tour the facility to ensure that it meets the specifications outlined by NCRA (see section on How to Select a Suitable Testing Facility ). Determine the costs to be absorbed by the site sponsoring organization. Select RPR, RMR and Realtime (CRR, CBC, and CCP) coordinators and all other supporting personnel. Familiarize them with NCRA policies and procedures for the administration of skills examinations. Read and follow the guidelines on how to obtain the proper audio equipment (see section on Audio Equipment Needed to Administer the Skills Examinations ). Arrange for and become familiar with the audio equipment that will be used to administer the skills examinations. Listen to the skills examinations CDs prior to test day. Play the examination dictation material all the way through, from start to finish, to ensure the accuracy and quality of the recordings. 2
On the Day of the Examination Set-up the registration area at least one hour prior to the start of the examinations. Check candidates in, requiring each to provide you with a photo ID and their NCRA Skills Test Confirmation. These two documents are required to verify the candidate s identity and that they are registered for your test site. Make sure each candidate signs their name on the candidate sign-in roster. Set the volume levels of the CD so it is audible and clear in all parts of the examination room(s), and can be heard above the sounds of the candidates equipment. Administer the skills examinations, prepare the candidates for transcription afterwards, and check all envelopes after transcription. Contact the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing if any problems arise by calling (800) 272-6272 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST. After the Examination Return examination materials to NCRA in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this handbook (see section entitled Upon Completion of the Examination ). Maintain the tracking number on the UPS label and/or the shipper s copy of the UPS label provided by NCRA when returning test materials. 3
NCRA Responsibilities Prepare validated tests for each exam administration. Provide coordination between states, provinces, countries and other site sponsoring organizations, Chief Examiners, and candidates. Advertise and market the examinations to: o State associations o NCRA members o State newsletter and magazine editors o Court reporting schools o Industry news media Inform candidates of all certification and testing-related policies and procedures, requirements, rules and regulations and maintain up to date information in the NCRA Candidate Handbook and on the NCRA website. Register all test candidates. Handle candidate questions, problems and special accommodations. Site-specific questions may be referred to the Chief Examiner. Confirm testing facility information, equipment, room capacities, and examination and registration start times with the Chief Examiners for registration purposes. Distribute exam confirmations to candidates and publish site information provided by Chief Examiners and/or test site sponsor organizations. Provide access to the Rules and Regulations for Candidates Taking the RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC, and CCP Skills Tests (Appendix 2) to candidates prior to the examinations. Obtain signed Chief Examiner Security Agreements and Confidentiality Pledges from all Chief Examiners. Ship test materials to the Chief Examiners approximately two weeks prior to the examination date. 4
Ensure examinations and testing materials are returned to the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing by the specified dates. Arrange for the grading of skills examinations by NCRA Qualified Graders. Arrange for the re-grading and verification of transcripts whose initial grades fall within verification range; and/or other test transcripts that may require re-grading. Release test results via U.S. mail to candidates within approximately 6 to 8 weeks of the examination date. Determine the amount owed and mail rebates to state sponsor or other test site sponsor organizations. Mail certificates and continuing education information to candidates who earned certification as a result of passing the skills examinations. 5
How to Select a Suitable Testing Facility Prior to Test Day Select a local business college, NCRA-certified court reporter training program, NCRA participating program, or another facility suitable for testing (see requirements below). Establish a reliable facility contact and arrange to visit the site upon receipt of your Chief Examiner Security Agreement/Confidentiality Pledge. Ask yourself the following questions when you inspect the testing facility: Are the rooms to be used adequately ventilated and lighted? Is there an adequate electrical power supply to support the anticipated number of computer systems, word processors and/or typewriters that may be used? Is there a clock in each room? Is there a desk and chair for the proctor or Chief Examiner? Is there a whiteboard or blackboard with chalk in each room? Is there adequate space between seats to discourage and hinder cheating? Is there a room or closet large enough to store candidate equipment? Are secondary entrances and exits to the room blocked so that candidates cannot leave unobserved? Have appropriate steps been taken to ensure that potential conflicting activities will not interfere with the administration of the examination? Does the facility meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act? Ensure that the following features are included in all rooms that will be used to conduct skills examinations: Free from outside noise such as traffic, class bells, conversations, and other facilityrelated events. Carpeting that will help absorb the stenographic noise during testing. Maximum seating of 30 skills test candidates, and desks spaced no less than 18 apart. Excessive stenographic noise, especially at higher dictation speeds, is generated when more than 30 candidates are testing in the same room. Adequate accommodations for candidates using their own equipment and computers. Seating must be arranged so that candidates cannot easily observe the computer screens of other test takers. Candidates can be seated back-to-back or facing the walls. Having a separate room for computer candidates is recommended due to noise and the additional set-up and removal times. 6
How to Select a Suitable Testing Facility (Continued) Provide an adequate supply of electrical power for candidates bringing their own computers, printers or equipment. Testing rooms should contain individual desks for each candidate, especially if candidates are responsible for bringing their own equipment. Familiarize yourself with the on-site equipment, check to see that it is properly functioning, and obtain the facility contact information (audiovisual department) in the event there are any equipment malfunctions or you need to order additional equipment. Ensure that there is adequate space and electrical power outlets for the proper set-up of the compact disc player, amplifier, and speakers. These should be set-up in the front of the room with the speakers placed towards the sides of the room. Or, if the room will be testing a larger number of candidates, speakers should be placed in the front and the back of the room. NOTE: While all of the aforementioned conditions may not be possible, overcrowding is the greatest threat to a successfully administered exam. Noise from too many machines can easily distract candidates and cause complaints. Please do not try to make up for an overcrowded room by turning up the volume; this will only cause distortion of the recording. Determine individual room capacities, total capacity and examination start times with your facility contact for each of the skills examinations. Important: For the CRR, CBC, and CCP skills examinations, the testing room should be set-up for no more than 30 candidates. The room should have two people per table, with extra space between tables for the steno machines. One power strip per table should be secured to the floor. 7
Determining the Costs to be Absorbed by Your Site s Sponsoring Association or Organization Figure the total cost of the following items and notify your site s sponsoring association or organization: Facility rental: Janitorial services: Miscellaneous office supplies: Total $ $ $ $ Notify your state president or site sponsor contact of your estimated total costs for the administration of the skills examinations. NCRA will reimburse up to $150.00 for audio equipment rental, provided a copy of the receipt is included with the request for reimbursement, and the request is submitted to NCRA within 30 days of the skills examination test date. How to Select Your Assisting Personnel NCRA recommends that you arrange for personnel to handle the following responsibilities on the day of the skills examinations: RPR Room Monitor RMR Room Monitor Realtime (CRR, CBC, and CCP) Room Monitor Skills Test Monitors (1 for every 15 candidates) Monitors for the hallways and bathrooms Registrar NOTE: Depending on the number of candidates at your site, you may act as the RPR and/or RMR Coordinator, and/or the Registrar. It is critical however, that the Chief Examiner be free to move from room to room to address and solve problems. Test candidates may not serve as Chief Examiners or room monitors. Select personnel who are reliable and are willing to familiarize themselves with NCRA's administrative procedures. 8
RPR, RMR and Realtime Room Monitors should: Read and be familiar with the Chief Examiner Handbook. Make certain that the exam room is properly prepared for the Skills Test dictation and to administer and monitor the Skills Tests should the Chief Examiner be unable to administer the test(s). Address candidate concerns about the Skills Tests. Guard against cheating. Ensure that each Skills Test candidate turns in a test envelope. Ensure that all non-transcribed (NT) envelopes are signed by the candidate. Assist the Chief Examiner in printing the skills examinations (CRR/CBC/CCP skills examinations only). The Registrar should: Sign in and verify candidate exam confirmation with photo identification. If candidate does not have these documents, two signature ID's must be presented. Read and be familiar with the Chief Examiner Handbook. Know NCRA examination abbreviations (RPRT, RMRL, etc.) used on the Sign-In Roster to make sure a candidate is registered correctly. Be able to direct candidates to the dictation room and/or the transcription room. Know test reporting and starting times for each test to be given at that facility. Audio Equipment Needed to Administer the Skills Examinations Rental or store-bought test equipment is preferable to using borrowed or personal equipment because all components (compact disc player, amplifiers, speakers) will be compatible. Additionally, should problems occur, equipment can be easily replaced. Most audio rental companies deliver and set up the equipment. NCRA suggests contacting a local audio supply company for the needed equipment. NCRA will reimburse each test site up to $150.00 for the rental of audio equipment. It is best to describe your testing facility fully and the expected number of test candidates per room in order to obtain the proper equipment for your test site. It is suggested that backup equipment be rented in case of problems. Important: To eliminate CD distortion, audio problems and candidate complaints, NCRA requests that you adhere to the following guidelines for selecting and using audio equipment. 9
CD Player A good, reliable CD player is required. It need not be stereo, nor high fidelity, but should be one that would be utilized as part of a component system, rather than a portable player. Please do not use a portable player. The speaker output is not satisfactory for meeting the volume level demand for candidates. The CD player does not have to have recording capabilities, just good playback capacity. The CD player should have a line output that is approximately 0 db. Line level. The jacket type should be a standard RCA phono plug. The output should go to an amplifier device. You should be able to make all amplification and volume adjustments on the amplifier and not on the CD player. This will eliminate any distortion caused by alteration of the original source of sound the CD. If the equipment you plan to use does not have this capability, please arrange for other equipment. Amplifier Your amplifier should be 20 30 watts minimum capacity. Make sure the amplifier has adequate volume and base/treble controls, and that the CD can idle at the proper volume. The goal is for intelligibility and proper sound articulation. Speakers The speakers should be at least eight inches (8 ) in diameter. Anything under eight inches is unsuitable for the reproduction of the professional studio sound desired. Eight-inch speakers, which have been properly set up, will help protect against sound distortion at slightly higher volume levels. Cables and Lines The required lines and hook-up cable should be included in the equipment rental. Make certain your lines are long enough to meet the suggested speaker arrangement. NOTE: Be sure to check the equipment (both test and backup) at the rental location prior to leaving the store. If unfamiliar with the equipment you will be using, please ask store personnel to demonstrate the hook-up and operating procedures. Pre-Test Procedures at the Testing Site The Chief Examiner, together with at least one other assistant, should arrange a dry run of the equipment and test recordings on the day before the test. If your site is a school, the runthrough should be scheduled for a time after all classes at the school have been dismissed. At 10
this time, the equipment is set up and checked. After it is determined that the equipment is operating properly, please take the following steps: Check the Security of Your Operation Make sure no other persons are in the room or near enough to hear the test dictation material you will be playing. Arrange Your Speakers The ideal set-up for a room of up to 20 candidates is a pair of matched speakers placed on a table or stand on each side of the front of the room. The speakers should sit at least two feet above desk level and be tilted slightly downward. This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of paper under the speakers back edge. At a larger site of 20 to 40 candidates, two sets of speakers one pair in the front and one pair in the back can be set up; or desks can be grouped around the speakers in groups of 10. Check the CD and Sound Use one of the actual test CDs to determine if the sound is clear and understandable and that the level, volume, and tone are satisfactory. Keep in mind that there will be additional stenographic noise generated at the higher dictation speeds, so plan on establishing an adequate volume level. NOTE: Each CD should be tested to determine its fidelity and to make certain that there are no operational problems. Determine which setting on the amplifier gives the greatest volume and tonal clarity. One setting should be adequate for playing all the CDs; however, the Testimony sections may need to be adjusted after the warm-up material on test day due to the increased stenographic noise generated by the higher speeds. Turn the machine off. Leave all equipment in place. Do not move anything. This assures that there will be no variance in your playback the next day when the test is given. NOTE: There should be no need to make any adjustments to the equipment on the day of the test. If equipment has been moved, please recheck the settings. Make certain that all plugs and cables are plugged in where they belong. 11
The Supplies You Will Need to Gather in Advance Pens Pens are provided as a courtesy to skills test candidates. They are used to sign their skills test envelopes. NCRA Chief Examiner Handbook You should have this reference on hand at all times on examination day to guide you and answer any questions you, your assisting personnel, or the candidates may have. Test Materials All test materials will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the examination. You are expected to check all of your test materials upon receipt and fax the Materials Receipt Checklist to the Department of Certification and Testing. Once you are sure that everything is in order, bring your test materials with the items listed above. Note: Candidates are to bring their own flash drive. However, you should have one on hand. 12
The Candidates Exam Day Steps The Day of the Test 1. Show up to exam location at the exam report time. 2. Sign-in. 3. Set up equipment. 4. Individual warm-up time (warm-up time may not be available. Warm-up time can vary depending on registration volume). 5. Listen to instructions from Chief Examiner. RPR and RMR per leg: 6. Write 1-minute warm-up. 7. Write 5-minute exam dictation. 8. 10-15 minute break 9. Transcription time Seventy five minutes per leg. 10. Print Transcripts and Notes 11. Remove testing files from machine s memory and computer 12. Submit printed exam CRR, CBC and CCP: 6. Write 1-minute warm-up 7. Write 5-minute exam dictation 8. Save exam file on storage drive (CD or Flash drive) 9. Remove testing files from machine s memory and computer. 10. Submit storage drive The Registration Area Set-up a table and chairs for registration personnel. Make sure all Sign-in Rosters, Candidate Guidelines, and your Chief Examiner Handbook are on the registration table. Absolutely NO on-site registration is allowed. NOTE: The Chief Examiner must be on-site. If for any reason you cannot be on-site, you must notify 13
the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing as far in advance as possible and provide the name and phone number of your replacement. How to Sign In a Candidate You will be signing in candidates for the following four (4) skills tests: RPR skills examinations RMR skills examinations CRR skills examinations CBC/CCP skills examinations Each candidate is required to provide you with the following two forms of identification to verify their identity and that they are scheduled to register at your particular testing location: NCRA Examination Confirmation Letter (which must include your testing site s city and state on it); and A photo ID with their signature Important: If a candidate does not have a photo ID, please call the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing to verify his/her registration status. DO NOT admit anyone to the test who does not have proper identification (photo ID). A candidate is NOT permitted to take any skills examination for which he/she is not registered. If a candidate's name does not appear on the Skills Examination Sign-In Roster, please call NCRA immediately. If a candidate has arrived at the wrong testing site, please call the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing immediately. When you are certain a candidate is registered at your specific testing site, have the candidate sign the appropriate Skills Examination Sign-In Roster. If applicable, direct the candidate to the warm-up area or dictation room and confirm that the candidate knows the correct starting time of their particular skills examination. NOTE: Verify that each candidate who signs in does not have a cellular phone, pager, or any other electronic device that may be disruptive during testing refer to the Exam Site Information for a complete listing of prohibited items. General Information for Registration Desk Personnel 14
Any NCRA member who previously passed either the written knowledge examination or any skills examination retains his/her testing history provided that their NCRA membership has been kept current. Chief Examiners are not allowed to take any portion of any certification skills examination. There is no prearranged seating. Results will be mailed to the candidates approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the examination. Information is not released over the telephone or via e-mail. Candidates should check the NCRA website (http://ncraonline.org/certification/testing/) for updates. How to Administer the Skills Examination Assemble the necessary test personnel in the skills examination room(s). You will need individuals in each room to: Operate the CD player. Monitor the sound and clarity levels of the skills CDs from the back of the room. Lock the door to make sure no one accidentally enters during testing. Monitor all skills examination candidates to guard against cheating. Assemble the test candidates in the designated transcription room(s). Check the Skills Examination Sign-In Roster against persons present in the testing room. Be sure that all candidates have signed the Sign-In Roster. If you are unsure about any particular candidate, ask to again see the candidate s Skills Examination Confirmation issued by NCRA or call the Department of Certification and Testing. Play the professionally recorded instructions to the skills examination candidates. These guidelines are found in Appendix 5 and 6 of this handbook, and also appear on the candidate's Exam Confirmation issued by NCRA. Ask if there are any questions. A complete track listing can be found in this handbook. Read the Rules and Regulations (Appendix 2) to the candidates. All skills examination candidates received this document with their Skills Examination Confirmation. Please ask if there are any questions. Verify that there are no cellular phones, pagers or any other devices that may be disruptive and/or are prohibited. 15
Pass out the appropriate skills test envelopes to the candidates give each RPR and RMR candidate one manila test envelopes, and give the white CRR, CBC, or CCP skills test envelopes to the appropriate candidates. Ask candidates to write their Exam ID Number as it is as printed on their NCRA Skills Examination Confirmation in the upper left hand corner of their test envelope. No candidate names or Social Security numbers are allowed on the envelopes. You may find it helpful to write the following example on your chalk/dry erase board: Exam ID Number: 1234 456789 (Site ID # - NCRA ID #) Begin the Skills Test 1. With the exception of the CRR/CBC/CCP skills examinations, where you will be instructed on the proper names or terms to share with candidates, DO NOT provide candidates with the spelling of any proper names or terms used in the examination. 2. Inform candidates that the skills test will be administered by CD and ask the candidates if there are any questions. A complete track listing for each skills examination CD is listed in this handbook. 3. Explain to candidates that the CD recording first contains instructions that they must listen to carefully. 4. Before you begin the RPR, RMR, CRR or CBC/CCP skills tests, play Part 1 of the instructions (Appendices 5 and 6 of this handbook). When Part 1 of the instructions has been completed, press pause to ensure that the candidates understood the questions, and to allow time for you to answer any questions they may have. 5. Next, explain that each recording contains one minute of warm-up material at the correct test speed, and that it will be dictated by the same person or persons who will dictate the test. This enables candidates to adjust to the speed and the voice used during the actual test. 6. For the RPR and RMR skills examinations, play the Literary practice dictation. Immediately depress the pause button, stopping the recording. Make sure that all candidates can clearly hear the dictation. If a candidate states that they are having trouble hearing the dictation, please make the proper adjustments before proceeding. Should you need to increase the volume level, please make certain that there is no distortion. Be sure to also inform the candidates that no concessions will be made for inaudible recordings if the candidates do not speak up at this time. The practice dictation may be replayed after your adjustments. 16
7. Explain to candidates that the Literary leg of the skills test will immediately follow, and that all candidates should check their machine. Suggest to candidates that they tear off their practice material. 8. Release the pause button and let the Literary skills test play. 9. Follow procedures 4-6 above for the Jury Charge and Testimony recordings. 10. After all three RPR or RMR tests have been played, play Part 2 of the instructions (Appendix 5 and 6). At the conclusion of the instructions, follow the procedures for After the Skills Tests Have Been Played. 11. After Part 1 of the instructions for the CRR/CBC/CCP, play the practice dictation. After the practice dictation has been played, immediately press pause and stop the recording. Make certain that all candidates can clearly hear the dictation. If not, make the proper adjustments. Should you increase the volume level, please make certain that there is no distortion. Inform the candidates that no concessions will be made for inaudible recordings if the candidates do not speak up at this time. The practice dictation may be replayed after your adjustments. 12. After the test has been played, play Part 2 of the instructions (Appendices 5 and 6). At the conclusion of the instructions, follow the procedures outlined in After the Skills Tests Have Been Played. RPR/RMR Exam CD Track Listing: 1: RPR/RMR Instructions Part 1 2 & 3: RPR Literary Warm-up and Exam 4 & 5: RPR Jury Charge Warm-up and Exam 6 & 7: RPR Testimony Warm-up and Exam 8 & 9: RMR Literary Warm-up and Exam 10 & 11: RMR Jury Charge Warm-up and Exam 12 & 13: RMR Testimony Warm-up and Exam 14: RPR/RMR Instructions Part 2 CRR/CBC/CCP Exam CD Track Listing: 1: CRR Instructions Part 1 2 & 3: CRR Warm-up and Exam 4: CRR Instructions Part 2 5: CBC/CCP Instructions Part 1 6 & 7: CBC/CCP Warm-up and Exam 8: CBC/CCP Instructions Part 2 Malfunctions Should the CD or player malfunction in any way, or candidates complain about some portion of the examination, sound quality, etc., immediately call the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing. Phones will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. EST on test day. DO NOT play the test again if more than one (1) minute of the test has been played prior to malfunctioning, and DO NOT suggest or imply that NCRA will provide free examinations to candidates. After the Skills Tests Have Been Played 17
Tell the candidates that are NOT transcribing to: Place their labeled disk (if one was used) in the appropriate skills test envelope(s). Place their test notes in the appropriate skills test envelope(s). Sign the Affidavit of Non-Transcription on the outside of their envelope and hand over their skills test envelope(s) to the room monitor. Do not permit candidates to write NT in the grading box on the front of their test envelope. This can only be done by an assigned NCRA Qualified Grader. Make sure that only those candidates not transcribing sign the Affidavit of Non-Transcription. NOTE: Do not let any candidates who are NOT transcribing leave the room with a skills test. Watch each candidate delete the test from their hard drive, disk or memory in any form following the guidelines in Appendix 7. Ask the room monitor to collect all "NT" skills test envelopes. Ask those candidates who are not transcribing (NT) to please leave the building. For those candidates that are transcribing, please communicate the following: One writer disk may be used for all tests. Candidates should clearly write their 10-digit Exam ID # on their writer disk (if one was used) and on their paper notes. If one was used, candidates need to put their writer disk and their paper notes in their skills test envelope, and turn it in to the NCRA room monitor or Chief Examiner. No transcription is to begin until all candidates are seated. Absolutely no talking is allowed among candidates between the dictation and transcription rooms. General Information About Transcription Procedures You may have candidates transcribing by three different methods: Typewriter 18
Word processor Computer Room monitors must be present in the transcription rooms at all times to make certain that time guidelines are strictly adhered to. General Information About Transcription Procedures (Continued) There should be one room monitor for every 15 skills candidates using a computer. This will reduce the possibility of cheating, ensure that candidates have access to only their own transcripts, and that each candidate receives the correct transcript off the printer. RPR skills test candidates are allowed 1¼ hours per leg. RMR skills test candidates are allowed 1¼ hours per leg. Make it clear to all RPR and RMR candidates that one transcript will be collected every 75 minutes. Do not exceed this time limitation. Allow only one candidate at a time to leave the room for restroom breaks. Do not grade papers. If a candidate is suspected of cheating, you should call NCRA immediately AND note this incident on your 2013 Examination Discrepancy Report (located in the front of this handbook). What Should Happen in Your Transcription Room Redistribute notes and labeled writer disks to the candidates. Inform all computer candidates that the computer file names they use on each leg MUST begin with the LAST SIX DIGITS of their Examination ID # (this is their NCRA ID #) and end with L for Literary, J for Jury Charge, and T for Testimony. You have the option to re-read some sections of the Rules and Regulations for Candidates Taking the RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC and CCP Skills Tests (Appendix 2) at this point if you feel it is necessary. Start the transcription period by noting both the current time and the stop time on the chalk or dry erase board. Then, tell the candidates to begin transcribing. When candidates print rough drafts and/or final transcripts, the room monitors should match the Examination ID # on the top of each rough draft page and/or final draft page to the Examination Confirmation. This ensures that candidates are not using the work of other candidates. 19
After Your Candidates Have Transcribed When a candidate has completed transcription, s/he must place the following items in their skills test envelope(s) and hand them to the NCRA room monitor: Writer disk labeled with 10-digit Examination ID # (if a computer was used, if not erased or reformatted on-site) Final transcript with 10-digit Examination ID # on top of each page Paper notes (notes may be compared with final transcript) DO NOT allow the candidate to seal the envelope. It is important for the Room Monitor to confirm that the envelope contains the aforementioned items, and to match the Examination ID # on the envelope with the candidate's NCRA Examination Confirmation one final time to ensure that you have collected the proper materials. NOTE: No candidate is allowed to leave the transcription room, whether they have transcribed or not, without handing you their test envelope(s). It is the responsibility of the Chief Examiner and/or Room Monitor to ensure that there is a Skills Test envelope for each candidate. If for any reason there is a missing envelope it must be noted on your Examination Discrepancy Report. All rough draft pages must be torn up and thrown away in front of the Room Monitor. Any candidate who used a computer system, a word processor or a typewriter with a memory, must delete all forms of the skills test from their equipment before leaving the transcription room. Computer candidates must also delete all forms of the skills test from their steno machine s RAM. The Chief Examiner and/or Room Monitor must watch each candidate delete this information following the guidelines outlined in Appendix 7. Ask the candidates to be courteous to others who may still be transcribing by leaving the transcription room as quietly as possible. 20
Upon Completion of the Test When You Have Collected All Skills Test Envelopes Put the skills test envelopes in order: Arrange each group of RPR test transcripts (NTs included) in numerical Examination ID # order. Arrange each group of RMR test transcripts in numerical Examination ID # order. Arrange each group of CRR/CBC/CCP test transcripts by certification designation in numerical Examination ID # order. There must be a corresponding skills test envelope for every candidate except no-shows (NS). NOTE: Please do not separate "NT" test envelopes from envelopes to be graded. Complete the Examination Discrepancy Report: List any discrepancies that occurred in the test administration process or with the test materials. Indicate the number of envelopes enclosed for each skills test and the number of noshows. You must make certain the number of used envelopes plus the number of no-shows equals the number registered as indicated on the rosters. If the sum of the numbers does not equal the number registered, please indicate the reason, if known, for the difference on the Examination Discrepancy Report. Discard the following materials: All miscellaneous Chief Examiner correspondence Candidate guidelines 21
Return the following materials to the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing: Paper notes All skills examinations CDs All skills test envelopes (arranged in the order described in When You Have Collected All Skills Test Envelopes ). The Examination Discrepancy Report All Candidate Sign-In Rosters Save the following materials: The UPS label tracking number or Shipper s Copy on the top of the label. It is imperative that you maintain the tracking number for your materials shipment. Any correspondence that might help you with the next NCRA examination administration. Package your test materials and test envelopes for mailing. To prevent test materials from being lost in the mail, return all materials to the attention of the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing using the return label that was enclosed with your test materials. NCRA will subtract the cost of the return postage from your state rebate. NOTE: To earn your state rebate, all of the items listed on the Materials Checklist must be returned to the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing immediately following the exam. Thank you for taking the time to read and familiarize yourself with NCRA's examination administration procedures. Your role in ensuring the integrity, security, legal defensibility and confidentiality of the certification exams is extremely important. Your support and commitment is highly valued and appreciated. Should you have any questions regarding the information you have just read, please do not hesitate to contact the NCRA Department of Certification and Testing at (800) 272-6272 or testing@ncra.org. 22
Appendices 1 The Americans with Disabilities Act 2 Rules and Regulations for RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC, and CCP Skills Candidates 3 What is an Error? Grading Guidelines for the RPR and RMR Skills Tests 4 What is an Error? Grading Guidelines for the CRR, CBC and CCP Skills Tests 5 RPR Instructions for Candidates 6 CRR Instructions for Candidates 7 Procedures for NCRA Chief Examiners: Electronic Cheating and/or Other Violations on the Skills Exams 8a NCRA Guidelines: StenoCAT 32 Users (Version 5.X) 8b Stenovations/digitalCAT 8c Stenograph Writers and Case CATalyst software information 9 What is Expected of a 2012 Chief Examiner? 10 Chief Examiner Agreement for 2012 Appendix 1 For comprehensive information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, please visit www.ada.gov. NCRA adheres to ADA guidelines. Appendix 2 RULES AND REGULATIONS: RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC, CCP SKILLS TESTS Updated: April 5, 2012 The RPR, RMR, CRR, CBC and CCP Skills Tests are the exclusive property of the National Court Reporters Association. Copyright law protects the Skills Tests. No part of these tests may be copied or reproduced in part or whole by any means whatsoever, including memorization, unless previously authorized by NCRA. The theft or attempted theft of a Skills Test is punishable as a crime. 23
Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices of any kind once they have signed in at the test site, with the exception of your writer and computer. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, audio sync, digital recorders, and any other audio recording and/or screen capture tools. Chief Examiners have the right to inspect a candidate s equipment, including computer settings and desktop recycle bin, before and after the test. By registering for the test, you have acknowledged that you understand and agree to abide by these procedures. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL SKILLS TEST CANDIDATES You must bring a photo I.D. with you to gain entrance to the exam. Candidates not arriving with identification will be denied entrance to the exam. Arrive at the reporting time specified on your Exam Site Information Page. Candidates who arrive late will be denied entrance to the exam. Cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices must be turned off, not just muted, and stored until after you leave the testing site. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. If your machine has an SD card, please be sure it is blank. The Chief Examiner may require you to format the SD card if you are unable to delete the specified test files. If you have a mechanical problem during the exam, please remain calm and sit quietly. Do not do anything that may distract the other candidates. If the mechanical problem does not prevent you from writing, please continue to write the exam. You will be instructed how to proceed after the audio portion of the exam has finished playing. Candidates are prohibited from viewing or handling another candidate s test material. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in automatic failure and may result in a limitation of the candidate s further participation in NCRA tests. Candidates are responsible for providing all necessary equipment including steno machines, software, computers, security keys, flash drive, cables, extension cords (minimum 16-foot recommended), adapters, and surge protector/power strips. Use of the candidate s own equipment is strictly at the candidate s own risk. Use of any on-site equipment, if available (RPR and RMR only), is also at the candidate s own risk. Candidates should not expect or receive instruction on how to operate their own or any on-site equipment (RPR and RMR only). The site, the Chief Examiner, and NCRA assume no responsibility should any equipment not perform properly or be dropped, stolen, knocked off a desk, etc. RPR AND RMR CANDIDATES
A. Skills candidates may use a printed Merriam Webster s Dictionary or electronic dictionary (spell-check) installed on their computer. B. RPR and RMR candidates may pass each leg one at a time to earn credit for that leg. C. RPR and RMR candidates are allowed 1 ¼ hours (75 minutes) per leg for transcription. D. Candidates who do not transcribe must sign the Affidavit of Non-Transcription. E. Skills candidates are permitted to use CAT. Refer to your Exam Site Information Page for sitespecific equipment requirements. F. Realtime translation is allowed in the dictation room. The screen must be situated in such a manner so that the display will not be visible to other candidates. G. No audio assist of any kind is permitted during test dictation or during transcription. H. All candidates must follow the rules and regulations on equipment as outlined below. I. All candidates who used a CAT system with a memory must delete all forms of the test before leaving the transcription room. J. All transcripts are graded according to the NCRA Grading Guidelines What Is An Error? K. Headphones are prohibited while transcribing the test. L. Use your NCRA ID number and the following abbreviations as the file names when making your new steno and test files: L for Literary, JC for Jury Charge and T for Testimony. An example is 12345Lnotes and 12345Ltest. M. You must write your NCRA ID at the beginning of your steno notes. N. Use of all capitals or all lowercase will result in an automatic failure of the exam. There will be no exceptions. RPR/RMR EQUIPMENT 1. Additional transcription time will not be allowed for equipment failure, accidental erasing of computer files or forgotten items (e.g., cables, power cords). 2. Candidates are required to delete their note/memory file from their steno machine. If your steno machine does not use a disk, e.g. a RAM memory, eliminate any jobs that may be in your steno machine s memory as you will be asked to reformat your steno machine s memory after
the exam. If you do not reformat your steno machine s memory, your steno machine will be impounded by the Chief Examiner. RPR/RMR TRANSCRIPTS In every sense, the Skills Test transcripts must be the work products of the individual candidate. Candidates are responsible for producing their own transcripts without assistance. Candidates must perform their own translating and editing functions. Each test leg needs to be written as a separate file. CRR, CBC AND CCP CANDIDATES A. In every sense, the CRR/CBC/CCP test must be the work product of the individual candidate. B. Candidates must use their own dictionary. C. Candidates must know how to have their software write an ASCII file double-spaced and with lines no longer than 75 characters. D. Candidates are required to convert their file to ASCII format and produce their own ASCII text file, without assistance. E. Candidates are not permitted to edit their ASCII file. F. Candidates who choose not to transcribe must sign the Affidavit of Non-Transcription. G. Candidates are required to delete all files relating to the test from their computer. H. Candidates are required to delete their note/memory file from their steno machine. Those using systems with flashcards will need to bring the equipment necessary to delete the flashcard or will need to turn in the flashcard to the Chief Examiner with a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailing. Candidates who do not bring a self-addressed stamped envelope will have to forfeit their flashcards. I. All transcripts are graded according to the NCRA CRR/CBC/CCP Grading Guidelines "What Is An Error?" J. Immediately after the dictation has finished, you will be instructed to move away from your equipment.
CRR/CBC/CCP EQUIPMENT 1. The set-up and operation of equipment are integral parts of the CRR/CBC/CCP exam. Therefore, candidates should not expect or receive instruction from NCRA representatives or other candidates on how to operate their own equipment. 2. Additional time will not be allowed for equipment failure, accidental erasing of computer files, forgotten items (e.g., cables, power cords), or related events.
What is an Error? Appendix 3 Grading Guidelines for the RPR and RMR Skills Test Revised January 2005 (style changed August 2007) The RPR skills tests consists of five minutes of professionally recorded audio dictation material at 180 wpm literary (RMR=200 wpm), 200 jury charge (RMR=240 wpm), and 225 testimony (RMR=260 wpm). Passing for all RPR and RMR skills tests is 95%. Allowable number of errors: RPR RMR Literary 45 50 Jury Charge 50 60 Testimony 57 65 The RPR and RMR Skills Test is developed based on the rules of punctuation set forth in The Gregg Reference Manual and Merriam Webster s Dictionary. Automatic Fails: o Handwritten transcripts o Use of all capitals, or all lowercase o Single-spaced transcripts The following list of errors will be used as a guideline for correcting tests. In all cases of dispute, the grader, guided by all the principles set forth herein, will render the final decision, subject to appeal to the Chair of the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Please see the bottom of the page for an explanation of errors. 1. a) Each wrong word. (D): I didn t see the car until we hit. (T): I didn t notice 2 any 2 vehicle 2 until we hit. NOTE: Each wrong and/or substituted word counts as only 1 error not 2. b) Each plural read as singular and vice versa. (D): Let me check the dates. (T): Let me check the date 2. c) Each present-tense verb read as past tense and vice versa. (D): In other words, you acted as a clerk. (T): In other words, you act 2 as a clerk. ERROR GUIDELINES (D=dictated, T=translated) 3Errors 4. Transposition. NOTE: If one or more words are transposed from one part of the sentence to another, each transposed word is an error. (D): Then when he started (T): When he then 5 started (D): Before I went to Chicago, I went home. (T): I 5 went 5 home 5 before I went to Chicago. 5. Each misspelled word (including typographical errors or strikeovers). (D): hospital (T): hotpital 8 3 Errors 2. Each omitted word. (D): I drove and he slept. (T): I drove 7. He slept. NOTE: The essential error is the omission of the word and. No error for the period, no error for the capital H. 3. Each added word. (D): Yes. (T): Yes, sir 9. (D): That doctor is not my doctor. (T): That docter 8 is not my docter 8. (D): It would come in time. (T): It would come in 14 time. (D): It would come in time. (T): It would come come in time. 6. Each wrong name. (D): Mr. Smith followed me home. (T): Mr. Jones 2 followed me home. 2 Errors 0 Errors To assist with grading, the errors listed in this document have been coded as follows: 1. Extra/missing space 4. Replaced word 7. Missing word 10. Capitalization 13. Contraction 2. Wrong word 5. Transposed word 8. Misspelling 11. Untranslate 14. Typographical error 3. Hyphen 6. Missing/wrong punctuation 9. Added word 12. Style
What is an Error? Appendix 3 Grading Guidelines for the RPR and RMR Skills Test Revised January 2005 (style changed August 2007) 7. Each omitted period or comma that is required by the rules of punctuation. (D): I couldn t, I was asleep. (T): I couldn t 6 I was asleep. (D): It results from a misinterpretation of several cases which Brown cites. In Grant v. United the point was made. (T): It results from a misinterpretation of several cases which Brown cites 6 in Grant v. United. The point was made. (D): September 20, 1993, will be the first day of classes. (T): September 20 6 1993, will be the first day of classes. (D): If you read the note, you will see he lied. (T): If you read the note 6 you will see he lied. 8. Each obvious question mark omitted from an interrogative sentence or added to a noninterrogative sentence. (D): Q. What is your name? (T): Q. What is your name. 6 9. Each contraction transcribed as two words and vice versa. (D): I don t know. (T): I do not 13 know. 11. Each incorrect number or money figure represented by a word. (D): May one, nineteen fifty one. (T): May 1, 18 2 15 2,7. 3 Errors rather than 1 (T): May 2 2, 18 2 15 2,7 4 Errors (D): One hundred forty three dollars, sixty cents. (T): _ 6 143.60 (omitted $ sign) (T): $142 2.40 2 (T): $143.06 2 12. Each omitted capital letter clearly needed. (T): cleveland 10, Ohio 13. Corrections made with pen or pencil. 14. Words used in place of an acronym and vice versa. (D): CIA (T): Central 2 Intelligence 2 Agency 2 (D): I have worked for the FBI for three years. (T): I have worked for the C 2 I 2 A 2 for three years. 2 Errors 3 Errors 3 Errors 15. Each compound word written as two words and vice versa. (D): The high school dropout rate has increased the last two years. (T): The high school drop 1 out rate has increased the last two years. 10. Each omission of Q and A. (D): A. Do you mean now? Q. Yes. (T): A. Do you mean now? 6 Yes. (D): A. Do you mean now? Q. Yes. A. That is right. (T): A. Do you mean now? 6 That is right. NOTE: One error for the omitted Q. One error for the omitted Yes 7, one error for the omitted A 7. 3 Errors These Will Not Be Counted As Errors: A. Misplaced commas (except listed in Error No. 7) B. Optional capitalization of certain words (e.g. President, State). C. X-ing out of errors if done by typewriter. (No pen or pencil.) D. In dates, ordinal numbers for cardinal numbers and vice versa: either May 1 or May 1 st ; May 22 or May 22 nd. E. Spelling names that sound alike. (D): Harley Schmidt (T): Hardey Schmitt F. Punctuation which was part of a drop. G. Missing hyphens. H. Placing The Court: at the beginning of the Jury Charge exam. I. Dictated words or phrases not in the dictionary. To assist with grading, the errors listed in this document have been coded as follows: 1. Extra/missing space 4. Replaced word 7. Missing word 10. Capitalization 13. Contraction 2. Wrong word 5. Transposed word 8. Misspelling 11. Untranslate 14. Typographical error 3. Hyphen 6. Missing/wrong punctuation 9. Added word 12. Style
What is an Error? Appendix 4 Grading Guidelines for the CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test Revised January 2007, updated information is in bold italics The CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test consists of five minutes of professionally recorded audio dictation material (straight matter) at 180 words per minute. Passing is 96%. Allowable number of errors is 36. The CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test is developed based on the rules of punctuation set forth in The Gregg Reference Manual. and Merriam Webster s Dictionary. Paragraphing is recommended but not required. Automatic Fails: o Two drops of 10 or more words. o A submitted ASCII diskette that does not contain printable data. o At the conclusion of the dictation, you will be instructed to move away from your equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed to do so by the Chief Examiner will result in an automatic fail. o Single-spaced transcripts. The following list of errors will be used as a guideline for correcting tests. In all cases of dispute, the Chief Examiner, guided by all the principles set forth herein, will render the final decision, subject to appeal to the Chair of the Realtime Certification Committee. Please see the bottom of the page for an explanation of errors. ERROR GUIDELINES (D=dictated, T=translated) 1. Each plural dictated as singular and vice versa. (D): Let me check the dates. (T): Let me check the date 2. 2. Each present-tense verb dictated as past tense and vice versa. (D): In other words, you acted as a clerk. (T): In other words, you act 2 as a clerk. 3. Each misspelled word, each time it occurs. (D): baked (T): bakeed 8 4. Each wrong word, common name, or mistranslated stroke. (D): Mr. Smith followed me home. (T): Mr. Johnson 2 followed me home. (T): Mr. John 2 _son 9 followed me home. 2 Errors (T): Mr. John 2 son 9 -in 9 -law 9 followed me home. 4 Errors (D): I didn t see the car until we hit. (T): I didn t notice 2 any 2 vehicle 2 until we hit.3 Errors (D): I went down the street. (T): I went do 2 you 9 know 9 the street? (D): humanity (T): hugh 2 man 9 it 9 tie 9 (T): human 2 {teu} 11 (D): firsthand (T): first 2 hasn t 9 (T): firsthasn t 2 5a. Each obvious omitted comma that is required by the rules of punctuation and/or grammar. Dates: (D): September 20, 1993, is the date. 3 Errors 4 Errors 2 Errors 2 Errors s (T): September 20 6 1993 6 is the date. 2 Errors 5a. (cont.) Items in a series: (D): The library has books, magazines, newspapers and tapes. (T): The library has books 6 magazines, newspapers and tapes. Direct address: (D): Yes, sir. (T): Yes 6 sir. City and state: (D): I moved to Vienna, Virginia, last year. (T): I moved to Vienna 6 Virginia last year. 5b. Each obvious omitted period that is required by the rules of punctuation and/or grammar. (D): I couldn t. He was asleep. (T): I couldn t 6 he 10 was asleep. (T): I couldn t {FPL} 11 he 10 was asleep. 2 Errors 2 Errors 2 Errors 6. Each obvious question mark omitted from an interrogative sentence or added to a noninterrogative sentence. (D): Who wants to go? (T): Who wants to go. 6 7a. Each incorrect number or money figure represented by a word. (D): May one, nineteen fifty one. (T): May 1, 1815. (18 2 15 2,7 ) 3 Errors (T): May 2 2, 18 15 (18 2,1 15 2,7 ) 5 Errors (D): One hundred forty three dollars. (T): $143.00 or $143 or 143 dollars. 0 Errors (T): 6 143.00 (omitted $ or dollars ) To assist with grading, the errors listed in this document have been coded as follows: 1. Extra/missing space 4. Replaced word 7. Missing word 10. Capitalization 13. Contraction 2. Wrong word 5. Transposed word 8. Misspelling 11. Untranslate 3. Hyphen 6. Missing/wrong punctuation 9. Added word 12. Style
What is an Error? Appendix 4 Grading Guidelines for the CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test Revised January 2007, updated information is in bold italics (T): $134 2.00 or $134 2 2 Errors 7b. Numbers zero through nine (0-9) should be written out. Eleven (11) and above, the numbers should be written as numerals. Ten (10) can be written either way. (D): one hundred fifty (T): one hundred 50 12 (T): one hundred fifty 12 (T): 150 0 Errors (D): one two nine Main Street (T): one twenty 2 nine Main Street (T): 129 Main Street (T): 192 5 Main Street (D): I have five boys. (T): I have 5 12 boys. *NOTE: Ages from 1-10 can be expressed in words or numerals. 0 Errors 7c. Numbers containing six or more consecutive zeros should have the zeros expressed in words. Numbers ten and below can be written out or expressed as a numeral. Numbers 11 and above should be expressed as a numeral. (D): six million (T): 6 million or six million 0 Errors (D): Two hundred forty thousand (T): 240,000 (T): 200,40,000 12 (T): 200 1 40,000 12 (T): 200 1 40 thousand 12 (T): 240 thousand 12 8. Misspelled or noncapitalized names. (D): Harley Schmidt (T): Hardey 2 Schmitt 2 (D): Bill Frank (T): bill 10 frank 10 0 Errors 2 Errors 2 Errors 2 Errors 2 Errors 9. Each contraction written as two words and vice versa. (D) I don t know. (T): I do not 13 know. (D): they are (T): they re 13 10. Each untranslate. (D): Did you stay at the Marriott? (T): Did you stay at the MAR 11 YOT 11? 11. Each omitted apostrophe that designates possession. (D): The dog ate the cat s food. (T): The dog ate the cats 6 food. 2 Errors 12. Each conflict and/or any extra words contained in the conflict translation. (D): I can take only one pair of shoes. (T): I can take only one pear 2 of shoes. (D): If you remember, please give us the time. (T): {fur 9 ; if 9 you 9 are 9 ; if you remember}, please give us the time. 12. (cont.) (D): This drug will alleviate your pain. (T): This drug will a 2 {leave 9 ;leaf 9 } ate 9 your pain. (T): This drug will Aleve 2 ate 9 your pain. 13a. Compound words with a space, changing meaning. (D): I walked away from the ballpark. (T): I walked a 1 way from the ball park. 13b. Two words connected that should not be connected. (D): He is over the hill. (T): He is overthe 1 hill. 4 Errors 4 Errors 2 Errors 14. Acronyms or initialisms should not contain spaces, Hyphens, or words. (D): IRS (T): I.R.S. 0 Errors (T): I-R-S (I- 3 R- 3 S) 2 Errors (T): I R S (I 1 R 1 S) 2 Errors (T): I H S (I 1 H 2 1 S) 3 Errors (T): I are S (I 1 are 2 S 1 ) 3 Errors (T): Iare S (Iare 2 1 S) 2 Errors 15. Stacking errors. (D): I went home. The victim was there. (T): I went home 6 T 2 victim was there. 2 Errors (D): He asked for you. I said you went out. (T): He asked for U 2,6 I said you went out. 2 Errors (T): He asked for. 6 You 10 I said you went out. 2 16. Transposition. (D): She was once a CEO. (T): She once 5 was a CEO. 17. Each omitted word. (D): I drove and he slept. (T): I drove 7. He slept. *NOTE: The essential error is the omission of the word and. No error for the period, no error for the capital H. 18. Each added word. (D): Yes. (T): Yes, sir 9. These Will Not Be Counted As Errors: A. Use of the word dollars instead of the $ symbol. B. Use of the word percent instead of the % sign. C. Omitted sets of quotation marks or parentheses. (If an opening quote or parenthesis is used, a closing quote or parenthesis must also be used.) D. A word that does not translate but forms the correct English word (NOTE: Translation may be in brackets): (D): Hub (T): {HUB} E. Tests in all uppercase. To assist with grading, the errors listed in this document have been coded as follows: 1. Extra/missing space 4. Replaced word 7. Missing word 10. Capitalization 13. Contraction 2. Wrong word 5. Transposed word 8. Misspelling 11. Untranslate 3. Hyphen 6. Missing/wrong punctuation 9. Added word 12. Style
RPR Instructions for Candidates Appendix 5 Please note these instructions are now professionally recorded and are included on the CD. Before RPR and RMR skills test (Part 1): Welcome to the National Court Reporters Association RPR and RMR skills examination. Following is general information and instructions for all candidates. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and the chief examiner will assist you at the end of these instructions. Cell phones, pagers and any other electronic devices must be turned off and stored until after you leave the testing site. Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices of any kind once they have signed in at the test site. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, audio sync, Bluetooth, wireless connections and digital recorders. Candidates must disable their computer s microphone by either changing the settings on their computer or by using an external adapter/plug. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. Chief Examiners have the right to inspect a candidate s equipment, including computer settings and desktop recycle bin, before and after the test. By signing in today, you have acknowledged that you understand and agree to abide by these procedures. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. You must print your notes and transcripts. You file names should be your ten-digit test number, comprised of your four-digit site number plus your six-digit NCRA Member ID. If you are using a diskette in your steno machine, the diskette must be blank prior to starting the exam. If you have a mechanical problem during the exam, please stop and sit quietly. Do not do anything that may distract the other candidates. The following will result in an automatic failure of the exam: Single-spaced transcripts, handwritten transcripts, and use of all capitals or all lowercase. There will be no exceptions. At this time, the chief examiner will address any questions or concerns. Thank you and good luck.
After RPR and RMR skills tests (Part 2): Please sit quietly until the chief examiner or other testing personnel instruct otherwise. Do not ask anyone, including test personnel, to assist you in closing, saving, verifying that a file is on a storage device. These are all integral parts of the examination. Anyone found asking for or receiving assistance from another candidate is subject to an automatic failure. If you did not complete the exam, or you do not want your exam to be graded, please fill out and sign the Affidavit of Non-Transcription that is on the bottom right-hand corner of your envelope. Do not sign this affidavit if you intend for your exam to be graded. After the transcription is completed, please erase all copies of the test from your computer, including text files, note files, ASCII files, and backup files. Please erase the memory in your steno machine. The chief examiner will check your equipment to ensure that all files have been deleted. Candidates who leave the testing site with an electronic copy of the exam will be reported to the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. Please place your printed steno notes and printed transcript in the envelope with your ten-digit NCRA ID number on it. You may either reformat your steno machine diskette or include it in your envelope. Please do not seal your test envelope, unless otherwise instructed by the chief examiner. You are allowed the following number of errors on each exam: RPR Literary 45 errors RPR Jury Charge 50 errors RPR Testimony 57 errors RMR Literary 50 errors RMR Jury Charge 60 errors RMR Testimony 65 errors Please remember that the following will result in an automatic failure of the exam: Single-spaced transcripts, handwritten transcripts, and use of all capitals or all lowercase. At this time, the chief examiner will give you instructions on transcribing your exam.
CRR/CBC/CCP Instructions for Candidates Appendix 6 Please note these instructions are now professionally recorded and are included on the CD. Before CRR skills test (Part 1): Welcome to the National Court Reporters Association Realtime skills examination. Following is general information and instructions for all candidates. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and the chief examiner will assist you at the end of these instructions. Cell phones, pagers and any other electronic devices must be turned off and stored until after you leave the testing site. Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices of any kind once they have signed in at the test site. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, audio sync, Bluetooth, wireless connections and digital recorders. Candidates must disable their computer s microphone by either changing the settings on their computer or by using an external adapter/plug. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. Chief Examiners have the right to inspect a candidate s equipment, including computer settings and desktop recycle bin, before and after the test. By signing in today, you have acknowledged that you understand and agree to abide by these procedures. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. If you opened a realtime practice file, please close it at this time. Upon arriving today, the chief examiner should have provided you with the subject and word list for today s test. Note: these words will be included in the professionally recorded dictation. Please let your chief examiner know if you haven t received and/or entered these words into your dictionary. You must submit your final exam on a data storage device (diskette, CD or flash drive). In the upper left-hand corner of your white envelope, check to see that you have printed your six-digit NCRA ID number. If you are using a diskette in your steno machine, the diskette must be blank. Use your NCRA ID number as the file name when making your new realtime file.
After the realtime file is open, write your NCRA ID number on your steno machine in the realtime file. If taking the exam in upper and lower case, be sure to begin the test with a period to ensure that the first word is capped. Also, be sure to push or force out all buffered steno at the end of the test. You are allowed 36 errors on the test. The following will result in an automatic failure of the exam: single-spaced transcripts, two drops of 10 or more words, submitted electronic media that does not contain printable data, and touching either keyboard before being instructed to do so by the Chief Examiner. There will be no exceptions. If you have a mechanical problem during the exam, please stop and sit quietly. Do not do anything that may distract the other candidates. At the conclusion of the test, you will be instructed to move away from your equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed by the proctor to do so will result in an automatic failure. At this time, the chief examiner will address any questions or concerns. Thank you and good luck. After CRR skills test (Part 2): Please move away from your equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed by the chief examiner to do so will result in an automatic failure. The chief examiner will instruct each of you regarding the ASCII creation and erasing procedures. Do not ask anyone, neither the chief examiner nor any other candidate, to assist you in closing, saving or verifying a file. These are all integral parts of the examination. Anyone found asking for or receiving assistance from another candidate is subject to an automatic failure. If you did not complete the exam, or you do not want your exam to be graded, please fill out and sign the Affidavit of Non-Completion that is on the bottom right-hand corner of your envelope. Do not sign this affidavit if you want your exam graded. When instructed to do so, you will need to make an ASCII of your realtime file. Make certain you have identified your NCRA ID number on your electronic media. Please confirm that the ASCII file is on your data storage device (diskette, CD or flash drive).
After the ASCII file is confirmed, please erase all copies of the test from your computer, including text files, note files, ASCII files, and backup files. Please erase the memory in your steno machine. Candidates who leave the testing site with an electronic copy of the exam will be reported to the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. Place your data storage device in the envelope with your NCRA ID number on it. You may either reformat your steno machine diskette or include it in your envelope. Do not seal the envelope, unless otherwise instructed to do so. Before CBC/CCP skills test (Part 1): Welcome to the National Court Reporters Association Realtime skills examination. Following is general information and instructions for all candidates. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and the chief examiner will assist you at the end of these instructions. Cell phones, pagers and any other electronic devices must be turned off and stored until after you leave the testing site. Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices of any kind once they have signed in at the test site. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, audio sync, Bluetooth, wireless connections and digital recorders. Candidates must disable their computer s microphone by either changing the settings on their computer or by using an external adapter/plug. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. Chief Examiners have the right to inspect a candidate s equipment, including computer settings and desktop recycle bin, before and after the test. By signing in today, you have acknowledged that you understand and agree to abide by these procedures. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. If you opened a realtime practice file, please close it at this time.
Upon arriving today, the chief examiner should have provided you with the subject and word list for today s test. Note: these words will be included in the professionally recorded dictation. Please let your chief examiner know if you haven t received and/or entered these words into your dictionary. You must submit your final exam on a data storage device (diskette, CD or flash drive). In the upper left-hand corner of your white envelope, check to see that you have printed your NCRA ID number. If you are using a diskette in your steno machine, the diskette must be blank. Use your NCRA ID number as the file name when making your new realtime file. After the realtime file is open, write your NCRA ID number on your steno machine in the realtime file. If taking the exam in upper and lower case, be sure to begin the test with a period to ensure that the first word is capped. Also, be sure to push or force out all buffered steno at the end of the test. You are allowed 36 errors on the test. The following will result in an automatic failure of the exam: single-spaced transcripts, two drops of 10 or more words, submitted electronic media that does not contain printable data, and touching either keyboard before being instructed to do so by the Chief Examiner. There will be no exceptions. If you have a mechanical problem during the exam, please stop and sit quietly. Do not do anything that may distract the other candidates. At the conclusion of the test, you will be instructed to move away from your equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed by the proctor to do so will result in an automatic failure. At this time, the chief examiner will address any questions or concerns. Thank you and good luck. After CBC/CCP skills test (Part 2): Please move away from your equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed by the chief examiner to do so will result in an automatic failure. The chief examiner will instruct each of you regarding the ASCII creation and erasing procedures.
Do not ask anyone, neither the chief examiner nor any other candidate, to assist you in closing, saving or verifying a file. These are all integral parts of the examination. Anyone found asking for or receiving assistance from another candidate is subject to an automatic failure. If you did not complete the exam, or you do not want your exam to be graded, please fill out and sign the Affidavit of Non-Completion that is on the bottom right-hand corner of your envelope. Do not sign this affidavit if you want your exam graded. When instructed to do so, you will need to make an ASCII of your realtime file. Make certain you have identified your NCRA ID number on your electronic media. Please confirm that the ASCII file is on your data storage device (diskette, CD, flash drive). After the ASCII file is confirmed, please erase all copies of the test from your computer, including text files, note files, ASCII files, and backup files. Please erase the memory in your steno machine. Candidates who leave the testing site with an electronic copy of the exam will be reported to the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRA-administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature of the violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. Place your data storage device in the envelope with your NCRA ID number on it. You may either reformat your steno machine diskette or include it in your envelope. Do not seal the envelope, unless otherwise instructed to do so.
Procedures for NCRA Chief Examiners: Electronic Cheating and/or Other Violations on the Skills Exams To aid in the detection and prevention of cheating by candidates during NCRA s national certification exams, the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) developed this document for chief examiners to follow when administering the skills exams. Ensuring a secure testing environment during the exams is crucial to maintaining the highest quality of standards in the certification process. Important Issues: The following technologies are not permitted at the testing site: audio sync, Bluetooth, wireless connections, digital recorders and other electronic devices. No internet access is permitted. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. Candidates were instructed in their confirmation letters that audio assist must be disabled and that recording of the exam dictation is prohibited. Candidates were instructed to disable their computer s microphone by either changing the settings on their computer or by bringing an external adapter/plug. If you suspect a candidate has not disabled audio capability, check the candidate s settings by referring to vendor guidelines. If you suspect a candidate of cheating, document the circumstances and contact NCRA immediately. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, steno notes, transcript, written statements of what was observed, etc. The dictation and transcription should proceed without interruption. If your testing site has a wireless connection, request that the site administrator disable the connection the day of the test. If this is not possible, please instruct all candidates to remove their wireless adapters and/or disable their internal wireless modem. If there is not a WiFI button on the laptop itself that can be turned off, follow these instructions: go into the control panel in Windows and look for the network connections icon. Double click on the icon and locate the wireless connection. Right-click on the wireless connection and select "disable." Candidates must delete all test files from their steno machine, laptop and travel drives. To ensure that all files have been deleted by the candidates on their equipment, please refer to vendor guidelines. Ensure that all candidates include their steno notes in the test envelopes. If a paperless writer is used, make certain that the candidate prints the steno notes. This is crucial in case NCRA needs to compare the steno notes to the final transcript. Use of headphones or earpieces in the transcription room is prohibited. Walk around the room often while candidates are transcribing. The following must be read to all candidates prior to administering the skills dictation: Appendix 7 Note to all skills candidates: Candidates are prohibited from using electronic devices of any kind once they have signed in at the test site. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, audio sync, Bluetooth, wireless connections and digital recorders. Candidates must disable their computer s microphone by either changing the settings on their computer or by using an external adapter/plug. If a steno machine has a test mode, the test mode must be used. Chief Examiners have the right to inspect a candidate s equipment, including computer settings and desktop recycle bin, before and after the test. By signing in today, you have acknowledged that you understand and agree to abide by these procedures. Failure to follow these or any NCRA procedures may result in your automatic failure and being barred from taking NCRAof the administered tests for a minimum of three (3) testing cycles or permanently depending on the nature violation. NCRA members may also be suspended or expelled from the association. Please contact NCRA at testing@ncrahq.org or (800) 272-6272 with any questions or concerns. 1
Appendix 8A NCRA GUIDELINES: STENOCAT 32 USERS (VERSION 5.X) 1) How does a Chief Examiner detect audio sync? For example, are there icons that appear on the candidate's screen, etc. Answers: Three places to determine this. Look at the Stenocat32 Editor Toolbar on top of screen, The Volume meter on the bottom of the screen, and the icons on the left of the transcript. See examples below. (Fig. 1 Red Record button is pressed means it is recording.) (Fig. 2 Insync volume meter on the status bar (bottom of screen. When it is recording, it will show the volume level. When not recording, it will say Stopped. ) (Fig. 3 Insync (speaker) icons on the far left side of the screen indicate it is recording.) 5
NCRA GUIDELINES: STENOCAT 32 USERS (VERSION 5.X) (continued) 2) Instructions on how to disable audio sync. Appendix 8A a) Click on the BLUE stop button to stop the recording. b) Total disablement would require that they don t have that feature installed in the first place. 3) How can Chief Examiners ensure that exam files are deleted from the candidates' laptops and steno machines? What should they look for and where they should look? a) Location of job files: i. C:\Program Files\StenoCAT 32\Users\NAME\Jobs b) There are 3 files to consider: i. Jobname.trn (actual transcript) ii. Jobname.trn.bak (backup of transcript) iii. Jobname.wav (audio file) c) We will not address the issue of steno machines since we do not sell any. 4) Does the use of the software automatically generate files other than what the candidates create? Not quite sure what you re looking for here, but no, it does not generate extra files except for the backup (.bak) file mentioned above. NOTE: Provided by Gigatron Software Corporation, based on recent versions of 32-bit Stenocat 32 software. This was compiled specifically for NCRA Chief Examiner s use in testing. Linda Rombaut Vice President March 29, 2007 6
Appendix 8B Instructions on how to detect audio sync: STENOVATIONS/digitalCAT The audiosync is detected at the toolbar at the top of the Transcript Editor. At the top of the screen are the drop-down menus, then directly underneath, the toolbar with icons. At the far right of the icons is a rectangular box. When it is in record mode but not recording, it will be black. When it is in record mode and recording, there is a series of green-to-orange lights which start at the left-hand side and work up to the right-hand side. When it is not in record mode, it will not appear at all. Instructions on how to disable audio sync: On the drop-down menus, go to Options and choose General. There are columns of lists with check boxes. The following boxes on the right list should have no check mark in them: Auto Unpause Audio During Realtime and Auto Record Audio During Realtime. A caution: A user can have a realtime stroke which starts the audio recording. It is under Translator, Commands AND/OR can be an entry in a dictionary (any dictionary). Under Translator, Commands, the function is called Soundsync Record. In a dictionary, it is called the same thing; but it could reside in any dictionary. In either case, invoking the command will start audio recording. I imagine it could be accidentally stroked. I sometimes misstroke and end up invoking a command which I do not intend. You could caution them to delete this command from both their Commands file and dictionary for testing. I have a separate dictionary with my realtime commands, but some users have them in their main dictionary. I'm not sure how you could regulate this as a dictionary entry. It will, however, show up in the steno notes. And if it is invoked, the colored bar indicator at the right side of the toolbar will light up. To ensure that exam files are deleted from a candidate s laptop: All of digitalcat's file management is in Windows Explorer in this path: C:/ProgramFiles/DigitalCAT/Transcripts. This is the default path and can be checked by going to drop-down menu Options, and choose General. Underneath the columns of check boxes, you will find some paths which are browse-able. The second one is named Transcript Folder. It will give you the path in which the files reside. It conceivably could say any folder the user wanted, including thumb drives and zip drives. There could be a separate backup file created. To see if there is one, go to Translator, then choose Steno Source. About two-thirds of the way down there is a box titled Realtime Backup. The first one, Transcript Folder, should be checked, and that is the above-mentioned file. The choice below it is Other Location, and there is a Browse button. A user can choose just about anywhere for this other backup. I use a thumb drive, so mine says F:/, but it could be on the C: drive as well. If it is checked in conjunction with the Transcript Folder, it will create a steno notes file on the backup. If Transcripts Folder is NOT checked, all of the files created will be in this location. To go to the Transcripts folder in Windows Explorer, go to Tools, Windows Explorer. This will open the Transcripts folder in Windows Explorer without the user having to manually find the path. 7
Appendix 8B STENOVATIONS/digitalCAT (continued) There are a number of files created with a realtime file:.trn -- transcript file.dm -- audio file.bak -- backup file.bk2 -- second backup file.bk3 -- third backup file (The second and third backup may not be created, depending on the user's setting for autosave.).glb -- global file, which would be created if the user did a dictionary define or a replace from their machine, which is what the Realtime Commands are.stn -- steno file Does the use of the software automatically generate files other than what the candidates create? A job dictionary file could be created, depending on the user's settings. It would be in this path: C:/Program Files/digitalCAT/Dictionaries. A user can set the job dictionary to be created automatically with each job. Entries they made from their machine during testing would be in that file. You can find which dictionaries are being used in the transcript by going to Translator, Dictionaries. There will be a list of dictionaries at the top of the pop-up window. It is not unusual to have several dictionaries. I have my personal dict, a realtime commands dict, sometimes a speakers dict, and a case or job dictionary. 8
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Stenograph Writers and CAT software Audio Capabilities, Storage Methods and Sources: Steno Machine/CAT AudioSync AudioSync Indicator Test Mode Memory Removable media Diamante Y Y Y Y Y - 2 SD cards audio on both élan Mira A3 Y Y Y Y (RAM) Y - 2 SD cards audio on Data SD card only élan Mira /G2 N/A N/A Y* Y (RAM) Y - Diskette & CF card Stentura Fusion Y Y Y* Y (RAM) Y 1 SD card audio on SD card Cybra N/A N/A Y Y (RAM) N Cybra Pro & Student N/A N/A Y Y (RAM) N Protégé N/A N/A Y Y (RAM) N Case CATalyst 3.x Y (optional) Y N/A N/A Y Case CATalyst V4-11 Y Y N/A N/A Y * Updated software required CF Compact Flash SD Secure Digital The following pages include steno machine capabilities and step by step instructions on how to put the steno machine in Test mode, if available, and how to delete files from internal Memory /RAM and/or removable media. 1 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Contents Diamante... 3 élan Mira A3... 5 Stentura Fusion... 7 élan Mira G2 and élan Mira... 9 élan Cybra Professional, Student & Stentura Protégé... 11 élan Cybra (original model)... 13 Case CATalyst versions 4 11... 14 Case CATalyst version 3.x... 18 2 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Diamante The Diamante entered the market in 2009. The Diamante provides triple protection of steno notes with 2 SD cards and internal memory. Back view of Diamante Normal Operation: Steno, timestamps & audio (optional) on Data SD card Steno, timestamps & audio (optional) on Backup SD card Steno in Memory SD Card Test Mode: Backup SD card disabled (nothing will be written to the Backup SD card) Memory disabled (nothing will be written to Memory) Reopen disabled (previously written files cannot be reopened) Audio recording disabled (audio is not recorded to the Data or Backup SD cards) Steno & timestamps are written to the Data SD card. Title bar and Status Bar display in red. Once Test mode is turned On, the Diamante remains in Test mode until changed or the machine is turned Off. Diamante screen in Test mode 3 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C To enable Test mode on the Diamante: 1. Turn the Diamante On. 2. At the Opening menu (no steno outlines are displayed on the screen), press the soft gray buttons associated with Setup, More and then Test Mode. 3. Press the soft gray button associated with On. 4. Press the soft gray button associated with OK. The Diamante remains in Test mode until disabled or the machine is turned Off. 4 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C élan Mira A3 The élan Mira A3 entered the market in 2006. The élan Mira A3 provides triple protection with 2 SD cards and RAM memory. Back view of élan Mira A3 élan Mira A3 SD card Normal Operation élan Mira A3: Steno, timestamps & audio (optional) on Data SD card Steno and timestamps on Backup SD card Steno written to RAM Memory 5 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Test Mode: Backup SD card disabled (nothing will be written to the Backup SD card) RAM disabled (nothing will be written to RAM memory) Reopen disabled (previously written files cannot be reopened) Audio recording disabled (audio is not recorded to the Data SD card) This mode is available on 1.04 or higher. Steno & timestamps are written to the Data SD card. Title bar and Status Bar display in red. Once Test mode is turned On, the élan Mira A3/Stentura Fusion remains in Test mode until changed or the machine is turned Off. To enable Test mode on the élan Mira A3/Stentura Fusion: 1. Turn the élan Mira A3/Stentura Fusion On. 2. At the Opening menu (no steno outlines are displayed on the screen), press the soft gray buttons associated with Set Up, More and then Test Mode. 3. Press the soft gray button associated with On. 4. Press the soft gray button associated with OK. The élan Mira A3/Stentura Fusion remains in Test mode until disabled or the machine is turned Off. 6 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Stentura Fusion The Stentura Fusion entered the market in 2006. The Stentura Fusion provides triple protection with 1 SD card, RAM memory and paper tape. Stentura Fusion Front view of Stentura Fusion SD Card Normal Operation Stentura Fusion: Steno, timestamps & audio (optional) on Data SD card Steno written to RAM Memory Steno written to paper 7 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Test Mode: RAM disabled (nothing will be written to RAM memory) Reopen disabled (previously written files cannot be reopened) Audio recording disabled (audio is not recorded to the Data SD card) This mode is available on 1.04 or higher. Steno & timestamps are written to the Data SD card. Title bar and Status Bar display in red. Once Test mode is turned On, the Stentura Fusion remains in Test mode until changed or the machine is turned Off. To enable Test Mode on the Stentura Fusion: 1. Turn the Stentura Fusion On. 2. At the Opening menu (no steno outlines are displayed on the screen), press the soft gray buttons associated with Set Up, More and then Test Mode. 3. Press the soft gray button associated with On. 4. Press the soft gray button associated with OK. The Stentura Fusion remains in Test mode until disabled or the machine is turned Off. 8 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C élan Mira G2 and élan Mira The first release of the élan Mira entered the market in 2003. The élan Mira G2 entered the market in 2004. The élan Mira and élan Mira G2 provide triple protection with a diskette, a CompactFlash card and RAM memory. Normal Operation: Steno & timestamps on Diskette card Steno and timestamps on Backup CompactFlash card CompactFlash (CF) Card Steno written to RAM memory 9 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Test Mode: Backup CF card disabled (nothing will be written to the Backup CF card) RAM disabled (nothing will be written to RAM memory) Reopen disabled (previously written files cannot be reopened) This mode is available on 3.04 or higher. Steno & timestamps are written to the Diskette. Title bar and Status Bar display in red. Once Test mode is turned On, the élan Mira remains in Test mode until changed or the machine is turned Off. To enable Test mode on the élan Mira: 1. Turn the élan Mira On. 2. At the Opening menu (no steno outlines are displayed on the screen), press the soft gray buttons associated with More, Set Up, and then Test Mode. 3. Press the soft gray button associated with On. 4. Press the soft gray button associated with OK. The élan Mira remains in Test mode until disabled or the machine is turned Off. 10 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C élan Cybra Professional, Student & Stentura Protégé The élan Cybra Professional, Student, and Stentura Protégé were released to market in 2006. élan Cybra Professional élan Cybra Student Stentura Protégé élan Cybra Professional, élan Cybra Student, and Stentura Protégé Normal mode: Steno is stored in RAM Test mode: Steno is only written to the realtime screen and no steno is written to RAM. This mode is available on all versions of the Cybra (Professional and Student models) and Stentura Protégé. 11 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C To set the élan Cybra Professional, Student & Protégé in Test Mode: 1. Turn the steno machine On. 2. Press the 3rd and 5th button at the same time. The file folder and RAM icons on the LCD flash to indicate that the Stentura Protégé is in Test mode. 3. To exit Test mode, turn the steno machine Off. To manually clear RAM: 1. Press the 3rd and 4th gray buttons at the same time to access the clear memory mode. 2. Release the buttons. There is a short beep when you release the buttons and the RAM icon flashes. (If you do not want to continue and clear the memory, press any other gray button on the writer to exit the clear memory mode.) 3. Clear the memory. Press and release the 3rd and 4th gray buttons again. The writer clears the memory and confirms this action by: a. Sounding three rapid beeps. b. Displaying the memory blocks. c. Changing the flashing RAM icon to a solid display. 12 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C élan Cybra (original model) Steno is stored in RAM. There is no Test mode, you must manually clear the RAM. To clear the RAM on a Cybra: 1. Press the 3rd and 4th gray buttons at the same time to access the clear memory mode. The writer beeps. 2. Release the buttons. The beeping stops and the RAM icon flashes. (If you do not want to continue and clear the memory, press any other gray button on the writer to exit the clear memory mode.) 3. Clear the memory. Press the 3rd and 4th gray buttons again. The writer clears the memory and confirms this action by: a. Sounding three rapid beeps. b. Displaying the memory blocks. c. Changing the flashing RAM icon to a solid display. 13 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C The following pages include CAT software audio capabilities and step by step instructions on how to confirm audio setup, recognize the audio indicator and how to delete audio subfiles from the hard drive. Case CATalyst versions 4 11 Audio input: Internal or external microphone will work. Translation options: 1. At Manage Jobs, press Ctrl + t. The Translate dialog box will display. In the upper right hand corner of the dialog box, the user has the ability to start the realtime job with Audio. Make sure Record Audio is deselected. (If selected, audio will record if a microphone is present and connected.) 2. If audio is being recorded, the user has the option to select where the Audio file will be saved. Click Options (lower left hand corner) and then click the Realtime tab. Check the Audio settings to see where Audio is set to record. In the example below, if audio was recorded, it would be an Audio subfile of the current job. 14 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C 3. When translation is started, a user can still start the recording for AudioSync with a realtime command to Resume Audio. If audio is being recorded, you will see the following level bars in the lower right hand corner of the realtime screen. 4. Once realtime is started, a reporter can stop audio recording by writing steno defined as {Pause Audio}, or he/she can stop realtime and restart realtime without audio selected. (There is a default dictionary entry for pausing audio, /PAUS/PAUS in the CATalyst4 Realtime Commands Dictionary). When audio is paused, the audio level indicator bars will be gray. 15 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Manage Jobs Audio subfile: If AudioSync is set to record to the current directory, the audio subfile will be the same name as the current file name. You will either see an Audio subfile or the job name.wav. See below: Icon view Subfile view To delete all subfiles except Text (transcript) and Steno (note file): 1. Highlight the file name and press Del. 2. In the Delete dialog box, click the Text (or filename.sgngl) and Steno (or filename.sgstn) subfiles (which will remove the checkmark). 16 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Show subfiles option deselected Show subfiles option selected 3. Click OK. All selected subfiles, except Text and Steno, will be deleted. 17 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Case CATalyst version 3.x Audio input: Internal or external microphone will work. Translation options: 1. At Manage Jobs, press Ctrl + t. The Translate dialog box will display. In the upper left hand segment of the dialog box, the user has the ability to start the realtime job with Audio. Make sure Record is deselected. (If selected, audio will record if a microphone is present and connected.) 2. The user also has the choice to record the audio to a different drive. Make sure the current Drive is set to C:\. If audio is recorded, it will be an Audio subfile of the current job. 3. When translation is started, a user can still start the recording for AudioSync with a realtime command to Resume Audio. If audio is being recorded, you will see the following in the lower right hand corner of the realtime screen. When AudioSync is active, in the lower right hand corner of the realtime screen, you will see the following red indicator flashing: 4. Once realtime is started, a reporter can stop audio recording by writing steno defined as the pause audio command, or he/she can stop realtime and restart realtime without audio selected. (There is a default dictionary entry for pausing audio, /PAUS/PAUS in the RTJOBDCT job dictionary.) When audio is paused, the red indicator will turn black. 18 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved
Stenograph writers and Case CATalyst software information Appendix 8C Manage Jobs Audio subfile: If AudioSync is set to record to the current directory, the audio subfile will be the same name as the current file name. You will either see an Audio subfile or the job name.wav. See below: VM14 job highlighted in Icon view VM14 job highlighted in List view To delete all subfiles except Text (transcript) and Steno (note file): 1. Highlight the file name and press Del. 2. In the Delete dialog box in the Subfiles section, click the Text and Note subfiles (which will remove the highlight). 3. Click OK. All selected subfiles, except Text and Notes, will be deleted. 19 Vickie M. Main Rev. 3 1.22.10 All Rights Reserved