Certified Broadcast Captioner

For testing dates, location, costs, etc., please visit the Certification Test Center.

Prove you're on the cutting edge. Become a Certified Broadcast Captioner and take advantage of the growing number of opportunities becoming available to realtime practitioners. As one of the top national programs that certifies your ability in realtime captioning, attaining the CBCSM designation commands instant respect and the immediate attention of potential employers.

Who is eligible to sit for the CBC Exam?

You must be a member in good standing of NCRA.

How to register for the CBC Exam

Effective with the fall 2007 exams, the NCRA written knowledge and skills tests are being offered on separate days and at separate testing centers.  Please visit the Certification Test Center for more information.

Because the tests are being offered separately, candidates must register for the written knowledge and skills tests separately.  For registration dates and deadlines, please visit the Certification Test Center for frequent updates.

What does the CBC exam consist of?

The CBC is a two-part exam consisting of a Written Knowledge Test (WKT) and a Skills Test (SKT). The CBC is an entry level exam that measures the knowledge, skill, and ability of the candidate to produce an accurate, simultaneous translation and display of broadcasts utilizing realtime translation software.

A CBC Job Analysis which is the blueprint for this certification program is available at no charge online in Adobe Acrobat Format or by calling 1-800-272-6272.

What it takes to pass the CBC Written Knowledge Test

The WKT is a 90-minute, 100 question, multiple-choice test based on, but not limited to, the following four areas of knowledge needed to perform the duties of a broadcast captioner. A candidate must pass with a scaled score of 70 or higher.  A list of references can be found here.

• Writing Realtime
• Language Skills
• Realtime Writing in the Broadcast Environment
• Research

What it takes to pass the CBC Skills Test

The CBC Skills Test consists of three steps:

1. Setting up and operating your equipment
2. Accurately writing realtime for five minutes at 96% accuracy from professionally recorded literary material at the speed of 180 words per minute.
3. Converting your file to an ASCII text file. You are only graded on your final submitted text file.

How you maintain your CBC Certification

Once you pass both portions of the CBC, you'll need to maintain it by participating in NCRA's Continuing Education program. You must maintain your NCRA membership and earn a minimum of 3.0 CEUs over a three-year period.

Recognition of your achievement

After you've earned your CBC you'll receive a handsome certificate to display in your home or office. You'll also be recognized in the Journal of Court Reporting, the Court Reporter Sourcebook, and on NCRA's Web site.