Section 1200.20  Application for Examination/Licensure

a)         An applicant for examination/licensure shall file an application on forms supplied by the Department of Professional Regulation (the Department) at least 60 days prior to an examination date.  The application shall include:

1)         Certification of graduation from high school or its equivalent;

2)         Either:

A)        An Affidavit of Ability, signed by an official of a shorthand reporter school,  stating that the applicant has successfully completed a verbatim record of unfamiliar testimony dictated for 5 minutes at a minimum speed of 225 words per minute with at least 94% accuracy; or

B)        Proof that the applicant possesses at least minimum competency skills to sit for the examination, as recommended by the Board and approved by the Department. In determining competency the Board shall review the applicant's education, training and/or experience (such as practicing with a restricted license in the court system pursuant to Section 6 of the Act or practice in another jurisdiction);

3)         A complete work history since graduation from high school; and

4)         The required application and examination fees as specified in Section 1200.50 of this Part.

b)         An applicant who submits an official copy of a Registered Merit Reporter or a Registered Professional Reporter certificate by examination issued by the National Shorthand Reporters Association shall not be required to sit for the examination. The Department, upon recommendation of the Board, has determined that the examinations given by the National Shorthand Reporters Association are equivalent to the examination set forth in Section 1200.30.

(Source:  Amended at 19 Ill. Reg. 940 effective January 17, 1995)