(Jan. 22, 2014) A Waldorf woman has earned the nationally recognized Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) certification, having demonstrated her ability to produce a high-quality verbatim record, according to the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Shawna Browne, from Waldorf, is a member of NCRA and has worked as a court reporter for 17 years. She also holds the professional certification of Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR). Browne is currently a court reporter for the Calvert County Circuit Court.
RMR credentials distinguish stenographic court reporters and captioners as being among the top contributors to the profession in terms of reporting skills, transcript production, operating practices, and professionalism, according to the NCRA.
“Earning the RMR credential is quite a step forward in a court reporter’s career, especially given the amount of preparation and knowledge that successful candidates must possess to pass,” says Jim Cudahy, CEO and executive director of NCRA. “RMRs are among the top stenographic court reporters in the profession, and are often offered greater opportunities for challenging and lucrative job assignments. NCRA currently has about 3,000 members who hold this prestigious certification.”
To be recognized as a RMR, candidates must pass a skills test that evaluates both speed and accuracy of various portions of court proceedings, including literary, jury charge, testimony, and questions and answers.
“Earning the RMR is the capstone of my career. It really is a highlight to know I have achieved this certification. NCRA encourages and supports court reporters to never stop learning and motivates us to keep improving our skill. This exam is incredibly challenging, but I knew if I kept working towards it, it would come,” Browne said.