California regulates the practice of court reporting through licensure issued by the California Court Reporters Board. Under California Business and Professions Code § 8020, individuals who practice shorthand reporting in California—including the stenographic reporting of depositions intended for use in court proceedings—must hold an active Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license issued by the state.
Deposition procedure in California civil litigation is governed primarily by provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025, including California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.320 and California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.340, which address the administration of the oath, the recording of testimony, and certification of the deposition transcript. The deposition officer must administer the oath to the witness and certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given.
Because California law requires licensure for individuals who perform shorthand reporting within the state, attorneys commonly confirm that the reporter assigned to a deposition holds an active Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license. Ensuring that the deposition is taken before a properly authorized officer and that the transcript certification complies with California procedural requirements helps maintain the reliability of the deposition record for use in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, and trial.
Deposition procedure in California civil litigation is governed primarily by provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025, including California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.320 and California Code of Civil Procedure § 2025.340, which address the administration of the oath, the recording of testimony, and certification of the deposition transcript. The deposition officer must administer the oath to the witness and certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given.
Because California law requires licensure for individuals who perform shorthand reporting within the state, attorneys commonly confirm that the reporter assigned to a deposition holds an active Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license. Ensuring that the deposition is taken before a properly authorized officer and that the transcript certification complies with California procedural requirements helps maintain the reliability of the deposition record for use in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, and trial.
Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026
