Certifications / Qualifications
The NCRA Speed Contest and Melanie were featured in the
Chicago Tribune in July 2008.
Click here to view the video
The credentialed professionals of Sonntag Reporting Service, Ltd., have objectively demonstrated our skills, meeting the highest standards of competency. All NCRA certification holders are required to attain 30 hours of continuing education every three years to ensure our consistent level of proficiency.
Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR)
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
The Registered Diplomate Reporter represents the top tier of achievement in the National Court Reporters Association. This certification was designed to recognize the experience and knowledge of the profession's elite. Only the top 1 percent of reporters nationwide have achieved this distinction, among them the professionals of Sonntag Reporting Service.
Registered Merit Reporter (RMR)
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
The Registered Merit Reporter is an attainment of distinction. Having first attained their Registered Professional Reporter certification, RMR candidates, in addition to passing a comprehensive written examination, must also demonstrate their proficiency by reporting and transcribing material dictated at speeds up to 260 words per minute with 95% accuracy.
Several of Sonntag Reporting Service's affiliated reporters have achieved RMR status, joining the top 5 percent of reporters nationwide.
Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
NCRA's entry-level certification, Registered Professional Reporter, requires candidates to pass a rigorous four-leg examination that includes speed, accuracy, and a written knowledge test.
Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
conferred by the State of Illinois
The Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 mandates that all individuals practicing court reporting in Illinois must first pass a written knowledge exam and then demonstrate shorthand proficiency at speeds up to 225 words per minute and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Each of our reporters is certified by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Specialty Certifications
Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR)
Realtime Systems Administrator
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
Advances in technology now make it possible for a highly skilled reporter to instantaneously translate the spoken word into English via computer and transmit the text to an attorney's computer by a process known as interactive realtime reporting. This method is especially useful for hearing-impaired litigants or when instant access to the record is necessary for impeachment, clarity, or summarization.
Through testing, Certified Realtime Reporters exhibit the superior concentration ability necessary to differentiate homonyms and correctly transcribe technical terms and proper names at speeds up to 3.5 words per second, producing a highly accurate instantaneous text feed.
Our Certified Realtime Reporters possess technical knowledge and experience in on-site realtime hookup and realtime via the Internet, in addition to communication access realtime (CART) for the hearing impaired.
As a Realtime Systems Administrator, Melanie will apply technical knowledge and troubleshooting skills as you and your clients reap the benefits of realtime, including increased efficiency, verbatim note taking, and multitasking.
Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS)
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
A Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) is an individual who has the proven ability to professionally conduct videotaping services for the legal community.
Sonntag Reporting's CLVSs have participated in an intensive seminar, passed a written knowledge test addressing video production, judicial procedures, and professional ethics, and successfully completed a hands-on production examination in a mock deposition setting, assuring you of a high-quality, professionally conducted video experience.
Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters (FAPR)
conferred by the National Court Reporters Association
Fellowship in the Academy of Professional Reporters is a professional distinction conferred upon a person of outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of shorthand reporting. Candidates for Fellow are required to have been in the active practice of reporting for at least 10 years and have attained distinction as measured by performance, which includes publication of important papers, creative contributions, teaching, or service on committees or boards.
Gary L. Sonntag and Melanie L. Humphrey-Sonntag have earned this prestigious designation.
