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: April 2026

State-Mandated Credentials

Credential Certified Court Reporter (CCR)
Status ✓ Required
Applies To Official stenographic deposition transcripts intended for use in Arkansas courts
Issuing Authority Arkansas Supreme Court — Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners

Admissibility Impact

In Arkansas, an official stenographic deposition transcript must be produced by a court reporter who holds a valid Arkansas Certified Court Reporter (CCR) credential. Use of a non-certified individual to prepare an official stenographic record may expose the transcript to admissibility challenges or rejection by the court.

Permitted Reporting Methods

Stenographic

Authorized

Video

Authorized

Audio

Limited

Digital

Authorized

Remote Depositions

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

Common 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

No reporters found in Arkansas yet.

Browse All Reporters

Quick Links