Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Business
Court Reporter Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for court reporter in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Court Reporter in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdemeanor that reflects adversely on the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a reporter. 4) State Criminal background check required 5) Must demonstrate the ability to make a verbatim record of court proceedings. 6) Must pass the Certified Court Reporter Examination consisting of five minutes of one-voice dictation of literacy at 180 words per minute, five minutes of one-voice dictation of jury charge at 200 words per minute, five minutes of two-voice dictation of questions and answers at 225 words per minute.
- Must transcribe all dictation with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy and pass a written knowledge test with a minimum of 70 percent accuracy.
- Written and oral exams: $75.00 in-state applicants, $150.00 out-of-state applicants, Renewal of Certification
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdemeanor that reflects adversely on the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a reporter. 4) State Criminal background check required 5) Must demonstrate the ability to make a verbatim record of court proceedings. 6) Must pass the Certified Court Reporter Examination consisting of five minutes of one-voice dictation of literacy at 180 words per minute, five minutes of one-voice dictation of jury charge at 200 words per minute, five minutes of two-voice dictation of questions and answers at 225 words per minute.
- Must transcribe all dictation with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy and pass a written knowledge test with a minimum of 70 percent accuracy.
- Written and oral exams: $75.00 in-state applicants, $150.00 out-of-state applicants, Renewal of Certification fee: $50.00 per year.
- Criminal Background Check: $25.00
- 3
Education: No educational requirements.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
Certification: Certification required.
- 8
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 9
4) State Criminal background check required 5) Must demonstrate the ability to make a verbatim record of court proceedings.
- 10
6) Must pass the Certified Court Reporter Examination consisting of five minutes of one-voice dictation of literacy at 180 words per minute, five minutes of one-voice dictation of jury charge at 200 words per minute, five minutes of two-voice dictation of questions and answers at 225 words per minute.
- 11
Written and oral exams: $75.00 in-state applicants, $150.00 out-of-state applicants, Renewal of Certification fee: $50.00 per year.
- 12
Criminal Background Check: $25.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written and oral exams
- $75
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Court Reporters use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Criminal Background Check | $25.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Judiciary • Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$54,730 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 49 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdem...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdem...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Written and oral exams: $75.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdem...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must not be a convicted felon or have been convicted of a misdem...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Criminal Background Check: $25.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Judiciary~Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $54,730, Court Reporters in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $67,310. Arkansas ranks #42 among 49 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$54,730Hourly estimate
$26.3119% below national median
Difference: -$12,580
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCourt Reporter Salary Ranking
#42 of 49 statesfor Court Reporter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $109,220 |
| #2 | Texas | $105,550 |
| #3 | California | $103,640 |
| #4 | Washington | $102,620 |
| #5 | Iowa | $89,290 |
Nearby States Comparison
Court Reporter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $54,730 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18 years |
| Missouri | $70,260 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $67,310 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $65,060 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $61,960 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $105,550 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $62,800 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Judiciary • Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners
Arkansas Justice Building, 625 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5014255995
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $84,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $38,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,180 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $81,930 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Court Reporter in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Court Reporters in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Court Reporters.
What education do you need to become a Court Reporter in Arkansas?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Court Reporter licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Court Reporter salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Court Reporters in Arkansas is $54,730. Salaries range from $33,670 (10th percentile) to $70,550 (90th percentile).
How does the Court Reporter salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Court Reporters in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $67,310, with a state median of $54,730.
How many Court Reporters work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 170 Court Reporters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Court Reporter license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Court Reporters in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Judiciary / Arkansas Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.arcourts.gov/boccre.
How often do you renew a Court Reporter license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.