Trial Presentation Certificate FAQs
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 Trial Presentation 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 Trial Presentation 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 TP 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 to use the following terminology on letterhead, in advertising, or in other marketing materials such as:
- Credentialed as an NCRA Trial Presentation Professional
- NCRA Trial Presentation Certificate Holder
- NCRA Trial Presentation Professional
- Trial Presentation Professional
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.
How does the online program work?
The Trial Presentation Professional Certificate Program can be purchased on the NCRA Learning Center under Individual Programs and Certification Education. To obtain the Trial Presentation Professional certificate you will watch an eight-hour workshop and then pass a comprehensive written exam. After viewing the entire workshop, you will receive immediate access to the exam. There is a 90-day viewing window upon purchase to watch the entire workshop and attempt the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, click on "VIEW/PRINT YOUR CERTIFICATE" to retrieve your certificate and for the 0.8 CEU credit to be posted to your NCRA transcript.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass it?
Attendees who do not pass the exam have the option to retake the exam for a fee of $10. Please contact learningcenter@ncra.org.
For additional questions, please contact learningcenter@ncra.org.