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ArticleFREE NCRA RPR Registered Professional Reporter Exam Guide 202610 min read

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CLVS Exam

120

WKT Questions (100 scored)

NCRA CLVS

110 minutes

WKT Time Limit

NCRA

70%

Passing Score

NCRA WKT

4 microphones

Minimum Required

NCRA Standard #19

7 hours

Deposition Day Limit

FRCP Rule 30(d)(1)

1.0 CEU / 3 yrs

To Maintain Credential

NCRA

The NCRA CLVS Written Knowledge Test is a 120-question multiple-choice exam (100 scored) with a 110-minute limit, requiring a 70% passing score. It is built from the CLVS Job Analysis, whose domains are Pre-Production (19%), Production (39%), Post-Production (28%), and Professional Practices (14%), and from the CLVS Guidebook and NCRA Standards for Video Depositions. Candidates must first complete the mandatory online CLVS Certification Workshop and must also pass a separate hands-on production exam at a staged deposition; the production exam must be taken within three years of the WKT. The credential is maintained with 1.0 CEU every three years plus NCRA membership or the annual renewal fee. The WKT is delivered through Pearson VUE.

Sample CLVS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CLVS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under NCRA Standards for Video Depositions, what minimum number of microphones must a legal videographer use at all times during a deposition?

A.Two

B.Three

C.Four

D.Six

Explanation: NCRA Standard #19 requires a minimum of four microphones at all times, three of which must be lavaliere type (one each for the deponent, the first direct examiner, and the first cross examiner). This ensures every primary speaker has dedicated, balanced audio capture.

2The three required lavaliere microphones in a standard video deposition setup are assigned to which participants?

A.The judge, the court reporter, and the deponent

B.The videographer, the deponent, and the noticing attorney

C.All counsel present plus the deponent

D.The deponent, the first direct examiner, and the first cross examiner

Explanation: NCRA Standard #19 deploys one lavaliere microphone each to the deponent, the first direct examiner, and the first cross examiner. These are the three principal voices on the record at a deposition, so each receives a dedicated mic to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio.

3A balanced XLR microphone cable is preferred over an unbalanced connection in a deposition because it primarily provides which benefit?

A.It increases the optical zoom ratio of the camera

B.It rejects common-mode noise and hum over long cable runs

C.It automatically synchronizes audio to the stenographic transcript

D.It eliminates the need for an audio mixer

Explanation: A balanced (XLR) line carries the signal on two conductors of opposite polarity plus a ground shield. At the input, the receiver subtracts the two legs, canceling noise and hum picked up equally on both wires (common-mode rejection). This is critical in legal settings where mic cables run across rooms near power lines and lights.

4Under NCRA Standard #20, what type of audio mixer must the videographer use, and what minimum capability must it have?

A.A multi-channel active microphone mixer with a volume unit (VU) meter and at least four microphone inputs

B.A passive splitter with two inputs

C.A single-channel preamp with phantom power only

D.A digital recorder with no metering

Explanation: NCRA Standard #20 requires a multi-channel, active microphone mixer with a volume unit meter and a minimum of four microphone inputs. The VU meter lets the videographer monitor levels visually, and four inputs match the four-microphone minimum of Standard #19.

5Before the test recording, NCRA Standard #21 requires the videographer to calibrate the audio mixer and the audio input levels of the recording devices using what method?

A.Automatic gain control set to maximum

B.A pink-noise generator played through the camera speaker

C.A tone oscillator and unity-gain procedures

D.The deponent counting from one to ten only

Explanation: NCRA Standard #21 directs the videographer to use a tone oscillator and unity-gain procedures so that a reference tone reads the same level on the mixer and on each recorder. This calibration ensures levels are consistent across the signal chain before any testimony is captured.

6NCRA Standard #18 addresses automatic audio gain circuits on video equipment. How must they be configured?

A.Set to maximum sensitivity

B.Left on automatic to adapt to the room

C.Bypassed only during cross-examination

D.Set to the off position

Explanation: NCRA Standard #18 requires that any automatic audio gain circuits be set to the off position. Automatic gain pumps levels up and down unpredictably and can raise background noise during pauses; the videographer must control levels manually with the mixer instead.

7Under NCRA Standard #3, the camera lens used to record depositions must have an optical zoom of at least what focal-length ratio?

A.3:1

B.6:1

C.10:1

D.20:1

Explanation: NCRA Standard #3 requires a minimum optical zoom ratio of 10:1. This lets the videographer frame a clean head-and-shoulders shot of the deponent and also zoom in on exhibits without resorting to quality-degrading digital zoom.

8NCRA Standard #2 specifies that the tripod used to support the camera during a deposition shall be of which type?

A.Spring-tension type

B.Geared-head type

C.Fluid-head type

D.Monopod type

Explanation: NCRA Standard #2 requires a fluid-head tripod. A fluid head dampens motion so that any pan or zoom is smooth and deliberate (consistent with Standard #34), avoiding the jerky movement that a friction or spring head would produce.

9NCRA Standard #6 permits any video format for recording a deposition, but only on what condition?

A.A simultaneous back-up video recording is made

B.The format must be uncompressed

C.The format must be 4:3 aspect ratio

D.The recording is later transferred to film

Explanation: NCRA Standard #6 allows any video format provided that a simultaneous back-up recording is made. Redundant capture protects against media failure during a one-time legal event that often cannot be re-shot, preserving the integrity of the record.

10Under NCRA Standard #7, the primary video recording device used at a deposition must be equipped with what audio feature?

A.Manual audio-level adjustment controls

B.Automatic level limiting only

C.Built-in noise cancellation

D.Voice-activated recording

Explanation: NCRA Standard #7 requires the primary recording device to have manual audio-level adjustment controls. Manual control lets the videographer set and hold consistent levels, which is incompatible with automatic gain (turned off under Standard #18).

About the CLVS Exam

The NCRA Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS) credential certifies competency in capturing, producing, and retaining legal video, primarily video depositions. Candidates must complete a mandatory online CLVS Certification Workshop, then pass a Written Knowledge Test and a separate hands-on production exam. The WKT is a 120-question multiple-choice test (100 scored) with a 110-minute limit, passed at 70%, built from the NCRA CLVS Job Analysis. The credential sets and enforces standards so that legal videographers, working with court reporters, produce an accurate, authenticatable record.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

110 minutes (WKT)

Passing Score

70% (WKT)

Exam Fee

Confirm on ncra.org (membership-priced) (National Court Reporters Association (NCRA); WKT delivered via Pearson VUE)

CLVS Exam Content Outline

20%

Video & Audio Equipment, Signal Flow & Recording Technology

Cameras with at least a 10:1 optical zoom (Std #3), fluid-head tripods (Std #2), a minimum of four microphones with three lavalieres (Std #19), multi-channel active mixers with a VU meter and four-plus inputs (Std #20), balanced XLR signal flow, phantom power, manual audio levels (Std #7), automatic gain off (Std #18), continuous monitoring (Std #45-46), and HD delivery at 720p/1080i, 29.97 FPS minimum (Std #61)

16%

Deposition/Courtroom Setup & Lighting/Audio Capture

Eye-level frontal or 3/4 frontal framing (Std #14, #23), white balance to the actual scene light (Std #15), soft lighting and backlight control (Std #12-13), mic placement for optimum signal-to-noise (Std #40), tone-oscillator calibration (Std #21), a test recording retained on the media (Std #26-28), and participant instructions on phones and inadvertent recording (Std #36-37)

18%

Legal Procedure & Deposition Rules (FRCP 30, Notice, Stipulations)

Recording method stated in the notice (Rule 30(b)(3)), the officer's opening and per-unit statements and the no-distortion rule (Rule 30(b)(5)), objections noted but examination proceeds (Rule 30(c)), the one day of seven hours limit (Rule 30(d)), officer qualifications (Rule 28), use of depositions at trial (Rule 32), and inquiring about stipulations and orders (Std #29-30)

16%

Chain of Custody, Labeling & Authentication of the Video Record

Signed certification that the recording is the complete, unaltered, fair, true, and accurate original (Std #53), media labeling (Std #54), the index-of-events log accompanying the original (Std #47), the chronological chain-of-custody log (Std #56), write-protecting media (Std #50), and authentication under FRE 901

16%

Audio/Video Synchronization, Redaction & Production Formats

Synchronizing video to transcripts via timecode, codecs vs. containers and lossy compression, court-ordered redaction performed on a copy while preserving the master, counsel designations under FRCP 32, aspect-ratio handling (Std #61-62), and equal-quality deliverables to all parties (Std #58)

14%

Ethics, Impartiality & the Videographer's Role

Neutrality to all parties at all times (Std #59-60), the NCRA CLVS Code of Ethics, confidentiality (Std #57), no disqualifying financial interest (Std #53(d); FRCP 28(c)), partnership with the court reporter (Std #1), and refusing requests to depart from impartiality

How to Pass the CLVS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (WKT)
Exam length: 120 questions
Time limit: 110 minutes (WKT)
Exam fee: Confirm on ncra.org (membership-priced)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CLVS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the equipment minimums in the NCRA Standards: a 10:1 optical zoom, fluid-head tripod, at least four microphones (three lavaliere), and a multi-channel active mixer with a VU meter

2Know FRCP Rule 30(b)(5) cold: the officer's five opening-statement items and the items repeated at the start of each recording unit

3Understand the no-distortion rule (Rule 30(b)(5)(B)) and how it drives eye-level frontal framing, white balance, and soft lighting

4Study the chain-of-custody chain: certification of a complete unaltered record (Std #53), media labeling (Std #54), index of events (Std #47), and the custody log (Std #56)

5Learn the difference between a codec and a container, and why redaction is performed on a copy while the master stays unaltered

6Drill the ethics rules: neutrality to all parties, no financial interest, confidentiality, and refusing requests that compromise impartiality

7Practice the audio chain: balanced XLR, phantom power for condenser mics, manual levels, automatic gain off, and tone-oscillator calibration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCRA CLVS certification?

The Certified Legal Video Specialist is an NCRA credential for legal videographers who record depositions and other legal proceedings. It certifies competency in capturing, producing, and retaining a quality, authenticatable video record, and is earned by passing a Written Knowledge Test and a separate hands-on production exam after a mandatory workshop.

How many questions are on the CLVS Written Knowledge Test?

The CLVS WKT contains 120 multiple-choice questions, of which 100 are scored, with a 110-minute time limit. A score of 70% or better is required to pass.

What topics are tested on the CLVS WKT?

Questions come from the CLVS Job Analysis domains: Pre-Production (19%), Production (39%), Post-Production (28%), and Professional Practices (14%). In practical terms this means equipment and signal flow, deposition setup and lighting, FRCP Rule 30 procedure, chain of custody and authentication, synchronization and production, and ethics.

How does FRCP Rule 30 affect a video deposition?

Rule 30 requires the notice to state the recording method, the officer to make opening and per-unit on-the-record statements, the deponent's appearance not to be distorted, and limits a deposition to one day of seven hours. Objections are noted on the record but the examination still proceeds.

Why must the videographer remain neutral?

NCRA Standards require the videographer to remain neutral to all parties and to have no disqualifying financial interest, which parallels FRCP 28(c). A neutral, certified, properly documented record is what supports authentication under FRE 901 and admissibility under FRCP 32.

How do I prepare for the CLVS exam?

Complete NCRA's mandatory CLVS Certification Workshop, study the CLVS Guidebook and the NCRA Standards for Video Depositions, review FRCP Rule 30 and related rules, and work through practice questions on equipment, setup, procedure, chain of custody, production, and ethics.