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Verified by KY Board of Business

Court Reporter Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for court reporter in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Court Reporter in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: 21 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  3. 3

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS No person shall be eligible to be appointed or appear on any election ballot for the office of circuit clerk who has not successfully completed the examination in the year of such election, and been so certified except no incumbent circuit clerk shall be required to be recertified.

  4. 4

    A multiple-choice examination consists of five tests covering the content areas of Reading, Mathematics, Personnel Policies, Accounting Procedures and General Procedures.

  5. 5

    Each candidate will be notified of the examination results by letter.

  6. 6

    CONTINUING EDUCATION RE.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified except no incumbent circuit clerk shall be required to be recertified

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Kentucky Court of Justice • Administrative Office of the Courts

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,990 median (29% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 49 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS No person shall be eligible to be appointed or appear on any election ballot for the office of circuit clerk who...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (CONTINUING EDUCATION RE.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Kentucky Court of Justice~Administrative Office of the Courts and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $47,990, Court Reporters in Kentucky earn 29% below the national median of $67,310. Kentucky ranks #49 among 49 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$47,990

Hourly estimate

$23.07
29% below national median

Difference: -$19,320

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,810
  • P2525th percentile$46,720
  • P50Median$47,990
  • P7575th percentile$48,470
  • P9090th percentile$51,660

State vs National Median

State: $47,990
National: $67,310

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Court Reporter Salary Ranking

#49 of 49 statesfor Court Reporter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$109,220
#2Texas$105,550
#3California$103,640
#4Washington$102,620
#5Iowa$89,290

Nearby States Comparison

Court Reporter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$47,990Varies by state boardState exam required21 years
Indiana$50,910No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$60,620Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$52,230Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$52,490Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$67,310Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$70,260Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$76,030Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Tennessee60MediumState-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

Kentucky Court of Justice • Administrative Office of the Courts

1001 Vandalay Drive, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5025732350ext50010

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$93,230Degree requiredVaries by board
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Civil Engineer$100,200No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Court Reporter in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Court Reporters in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Court Reporters.

What is the typical Court Reporter salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Court Reporters in Kentucky is $47,990. Salaries range from $38,810 (10th percentile) to $51,660 (90th percentile).

How does the Court Reporter salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Court Reporters in Kentucky earn 29% below the national median of $67,310, with a state median of $47,990.

Can I transfer my Court Reporter license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Kentucky Court of Justice / Administrative Office of the Courts. Review agency details at http://courts.ky.gov/aoc.

How often do you renew a Court Reporter license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.