Arkansas Court Reporting Requirements & Deposition Admissibility Standards

Arkansas regulates the practice of court reporting through certification issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners. Under the rules adopted by the Arkansas Supreme Court, individuals who perform court reporting services in Arkansas proceedings—including depositions intended for use in Arkansas courts—must generally hold an active Certified Court Reporter (CCR) credential issued by the Court.

Deposition practice in Arkansas is governed by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 28, Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 30, and Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 32. These rules address the authority of the deposition officer, the administration of the oath, transcript certification, and the circumstances under which deposition testimony may be used in court proceedings.

Rule 30 requires the deposition officer to administer the oath to the witness and to certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given. This certification becomes part of the official deposition record relied upon in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, and trial.

Because Arkansas requires certification for individuals who practice court reporting within the state, attorneys commonly confirm that the reporter assigned to a deposition holds an active Certified Court Reporter (CCR) credential. Ensuring that the deposition is taken before a properly authorized officer and that the transcript certification complies with the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure helps maintain the procedural integrity of the record.

Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026

State-Mandated Credentials

CredentialCertified Court Reporter (CCR)
Status✓ Required
Applies ToOfficial stenographic deposition transcripts intended for use in Arkansas courts
Issuing AuthorityArkansas Supreme Court — Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners

Permitted Reporting Methods

Stenographic, Video, Audio recording methods as permitted by Arkansas law.

Transcript Certification

For admissibility purposes, Arkansas attorneys should ensure:
The transcript is certified by a licensed Arkansas CCR

Certification language complies with Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 30

Proper handling of errata sheets and witness signature requirements, if applicable

Exhibits are clearly marked, identified, and referenced in the transcript

Remote Depositions

Remote depositions are permitted under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure by stipulation or court order

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Common Arkansas Admissibility Pitfalls

Using a stenographic reporter who does not hold an active Arkansas certification
Assuming remote depositions eliminate certification requirements
Improper or incomplete certification language
Informal oath administration during remote proceedings
Poor exhibit control or unclear exhibit references

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a state certification required for Arizona depositions?
A: Yes. Arizona requires a Certified Court Reporter for official stenographic deposition transcripts.
Q: Does remote testimony change credential requirements?
A: No. State certification requirements apply equally to remote and in-person depositions.
Q: Can a videographer replace a stenographic transcript?
A: No. Video may supplement the record, but it does not replace a certified stenographic transcript prepared by a state-certified court reporter.

Authoritative Sources

Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure (Depositions & Discovery)
Arkansas Rules of Evidence
Arkansas Supreme Court Rules & Administrative Orders

Arkansas Court Reporters

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