AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

What type of reporter primarily uses shorthand during reporting?

1. Stenographer

2. Digital Reporter

3. Transcriptionist

4. Independent Medical Examiner

The correct answer is: Stenographer

A stenographer primarily uses shorthand during reporting, making this the correct answer. Stenography is a writing method that allows a reporter to transcribe spoken words quickly and accurately. Stenographers are trained to use specialized machines that record speech in real-time through shorthand symbols, enabling them to create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, meetings, or any spoken dialogue efficiently. In contrast, a digital reporter utilizes electronic recording devices to capture audio, and may not employ shorthand at all, focusing instead on post-event transcription. A transcriptionist generally works from written or audio materials to create transcripts, but they typically do not record events in real time using shorthand. An independent medical examiner conducts evaluations and reports on medical issues but is not focused on shorthand or recording procedures. This context clarifies why the other roles do not align with the use of shorthand reporting techniques.