How to Get a License

Court Reporting Program

For details on obtaining a professional license, refer to the list of specific vocations below.

NOTE: Failure to remit fees by the expiration date will result in a penalty fee being assessed. All penalties are strictly enforced and are never waived. Additionally, no refunds will be processed for fees paid as a result of a failure to follow directions listed within the licensure requirements.

Court Reporter

If applying via reciprocity, you will need to provide your license from one of the reciprocating states that require the national exams. Tennessee reciprocates with the following states: California (CA), Louisiana (LA), Michigan (MI), Mississippi (MS), and Texas (TX).

If this is your first time obtaining a court reporter license, you must submit proof of passing one of the three national exams based on the type of court reporting you offer.

Final processing of your application is subject to administrative review.

Requirements

Licensing Requirements

1. Proof of passage of one of the three national examinations – NCRA, NVRA, or AAERT

2. Proof of education

3. Documentation showing certified reporting method (i.e., Electronic, Machine Shorthand, Hand Writer, and Voice Writer)

4. Copy of identification (i.e., Driver’s License or other state-issued ID)

Application & Fees

Complete the “Initial/Reciprocal Court Reporter Application” online at core.tn.gov. The fee for an initial application is $250.

Temporary Court Reporter

The temporary licensure is available to a court reporter who has completed their education and has registered for one of the three national exams. The temporary license is only good for three (3) months. You must reapply if you need an additional three (3) months.