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Realtime Systems Administrator

FAQ - Realtime Systems Administrator Workshop

Why is this a certificate program and not a certification program? 

In order to ensure that your credential will be recognized by the public and truly distinguishes you as an exceptional professional, NCRA strictly adheres to the rigid standards for credentialing programs established by the National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  Under those standards, programs like the Realtime Systems Administrator program are considered certificate programs because they test competency in a particular skill set used within a profession, whereas certification or licensure programs (like the RPR, for example) test on the full range of skills and knowledge needed to perform all the varied tasks required of a member of a more broadly defined profession. 

This distinction (certificate versus certification) does not diminish the status of the credential in any way.  Your NCRA Certificate in Realtime Systems Administration is backed by the same standards of credibility, validity, legal defensibility and public assurance.  It is merely a credential of a different category.

Can I use the initials RSA after my name once I complete the program?

Because NCRA adheres to rigid credentialing standards, NCRA cannot award an acronym or letters to certificate holders for use after their names.

However, by successfully completing the workshop and passing the test afterwards, candidates are not only awarded a frameable certificate but are also authorized by the National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA) to use the following terminology on letterhead, in advertising, or in other marketing materials such as:

  • Credentialed as an NCRA Realtime Systems Administrator
  • NCRA Realtime Systems Administrator Certificate Holder
  • NCRA Realtime Systems Administrator 
  • Realtime Systems Administrator


Other seminar and software vendors don’t make this distinction, why does NCRA?

Not all credentials are the same. Nor are all credentials backed by the same standards of excellence and quality assurance.

NCRA chooses to adhere to the highest standards established by nationally and internationally recognized accrediting and credentialing authorities for its certification, certificate and continuing education programs.  This assures NCRA members who earn these distinctions that their accomplishment means something and will stand up to any public or legal scrutiny.  This assures the public who chose you to provide court reporting and related services that they can rely upon the credential as a valid, independently verified and objective assessment that you possess the skills and competencies you claim to and that you are a professional committed to ongoing continuing education to maintain that competency.  

Certificate Renewal Requirements

All certificate holders maintain their credential every three years by obtaining technology-related training and paying a renewal fee ($25 member, $60 non-member).  There are two options to meeting the training requirements:

  • Complete 10 hours of technology-related training every three years, or
  • Attend the Realtime Systems Administrator workshop again within three years.

What constitutes technology-related training?

NCRA’s Technology Evaluation Committee sponsors technology-related seminars at NCRA’s Midyear and Annual Conferences.  Any of these seminars, as well as other technology-related education that keeps you on the cutting edge of the profession, are acceptable.

When do I pay my renewal fee?

Renewal fees are due when you renew your certificate. 

How do I submit my renewal fee and training hours at the end of my three-year cycle?

Certificate holders will need to submit the Realtime Systems Administrator Certificate Renewal Form at the end of their three-year term.  Once you obtain your 1.0 CEU, please download the form and return it to NCRA:

Mail: NCRA                                        Fax: (703) 556-6291                           Email: testing@ncra.org
8224 Old Courthouse Rd.
Vienna, VA 22182

If I attend the workshop, but I do not take or do not pass the assessment exam, do I still receive a certificate?

Attendees who opt not to take or who do not pass the assessment exam will not receive a certificate.  However, those attendees requiring continuing education for other certifications will receive 1.0 CEUs for attending the workshop.  To obtain a copy of your transcript, please contact the Member Services and Information Center at (800) 272-6272, or msic@ncrahq.org.

I cannot take the assessment exam immediately following the seminar.  What are my options?

You must take the assessment exam within two years of attending the seminar.

Retesting Policy

Candidates are not permitted to retest/sit for the same certification or certificate exam during a given test administration period. This includes, but is not limited to, the following programs: RPR, RMR, RDR, CRR, CBC, CCP, CLVS, Realtime Systems Administrator, Trial Presentation Professional.

Unless the retest is required due to an NCRA technical malfunction or other extenuating circumstances deemed appropriate by the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters, candidates must wait until the next test administration to retest, and all expenses to retest (registration fee, travel expenses, etc.) will be covered by the candidate.

For additional questions, please contact (800) 272-6272 or testing@ncra.org.