In this chapter:
(1) "Certified shorthand reporter" is an individual who has demonstrated by examination administered by the board of examiners that such individual has achieved proficiency in shorthand equivalent in the discretion of the board to the standard of the National Court Reporters Association for the earned designation of Registered Professional Reporter or the National Verbatim Reporters Association for the earned designation of Certified Verbatim Reporter, namely, the demonstrated ability to write dictated tests at 180 words per minute (question and answer - technical dictation), 200 words per minute (multivoice dictation for transcription or readback), and 225 words per minute (question and answer dictation), or such equivalents thereof as the board may select, each at 95 percent accuracy or better, and demonstrated written knowledge of the reporter's duties, Iowa legal procedure, and correct English usage at 70 percent accuracy or better. Individuals who hold the designation of Registered Professional Reporter from the National Court Reporters Association or the earned designation of Certified Verbatim Reporter from the National Verbatim Reporters Association and are in good standing with such association, may, upon application to the board of examiners, become certified shorthand reporters upon successfully passing a written examination concerning a reporter's duties, Iowa legal procedure, and correct English usage at 70 percent accuracy or better.(2) "Shorthand" is a method of writing rapidly with stenographic machine by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols for letters, words, or phrases or by making a verbatim record of a proceeding using a closed microphone voice dictation silencer, stenomask, or similar device using oral shorthand and voice notes.(3) "Shorthand reporting" is the professional skill, the practice of which by official shorthand reporters and freelance shorthand reporters serves the judicial branch of state government in courts of record, references by such courts or the law, depositions taken by shorthand reporters, or proceedings of like character, with the end in view of ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the record upon which courts rely for evidence, trial, and appellate review. R. Brd. Exam. Short. Report. 46.2
Court Order June 5, 2008, effective 7/1/2008; 12/18/2014; 10/15/2015; 12/13/2017, effective 1/1/2018; court order November 13, 2023, effective 1/1/2024.