AB 3252: A New Chapter for California Court Reporting Licensure
- Regal Court Reporting
- May 15
- 2 min read
California’s court reporting industry is on the verge of a major shift. Assembly Bill 3252 (AB 3252) proposes important changes to the structure of the state licensing exam, aiming to improve accessibility, flexibility, and fairness for future court reporters.
At Regal Court Reporting, we believe in staying ahead of industry updates that affect both seasoned professionals and the next generation of Certified Shorthand Reporters (CSRs). Here’s what you need to know.
What Is AB 3252?
AB 3252 is a California Assembly bill introduced to amend the current format of the Certified Shorthand Reporter licensing examination, overseen by the Court Reporters Board of California (CRB).
The proposed change?
The bill would require the exam to be offered in three divisible parts:
English
Professional Practice
Dictation/Transcription (Machine/Skill)
This updated format mirrors the approach used in many professional licensure exams across the country, such as those for nursing, law, and accounting.
Why Dividing the Exam Matters
Under the current system, failing one section of the CSR exam often means re-taking the entire test—even if you’ve already passed other sections. This structure has caused undue stress and delays for countless talented court reporting students.
By allowing test-takers to pass each part separately, AB 3252 offers:
Improved flexibility
Faster reentry for retests
Better alignment with modern test structures
It also mirrors how the NVRA and NCRA (national certifying bodies) handle exams for voice writers and stenographic reporters.
Why This Bill Matters to the Industry
With a growing court reporter shortage in California and across the U.S., regulatory updates like AB 3252 help modernize access to the profession while still maintaining rigorous standards.
AB 3252 benefits include:
Encouraging more students to persist through the licensing process
Reducing burnout and barriers during exam prep
Maintaining the quality and integrity of California CSRs
Promoting diversity and career accessibility
What’s Next?
AB 3252 is currently under legislative review and supported by many advocates for the court reporting profession, including the Deposition Reporters Association (DRA). If passed, it would mark a meaningful change in how future CSRs are tested—and ultimately how they enter the profession.
Regal’s Perspective
At Regal Court Reporting, we’re excited to see the state consider a more accessible approach to licensing—without sacrificing the skill and ethics required of licensed professionals. We believe in supporting students and newcomers, and we know the path to certification shouldn’t be made harder by outdated testing methods.
We’ll continue to monitor AB 3252’s progress and share updates on our blog and social platforms. For now, we encourage our students, peers, and partners to support reforms that uphold quality and open doors for the next generation of reporters.
Want to stay in the loop on AB 3252 and other industry updates?
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