Court Reporter Practice Exam

How long must answer sheets and transcriptions of dictation be kept before destruction?

1. One year

2. Two years

3. Three years

4. Five years

The correct answer is: Two years

The requirement to retain answer sheets and transcriptions of dictation for two years is typically enforced to ensure that court reporters maintain accuracy and accountability in their records. This period allows for adequate time for any disputes, audits, or reviews that may arise concerning the work completed. Retaining records for at least two years ensures that both the reporter and the court have access to documentation that can support the integrity of the reported materials. After this duration, if there have been no issues or requests for review, the materials can be safely disposed of, making the two-year retention policy a balanced approach between efficiency and responsibility in record-keeping. While longer retention periods might seem advantageous for thoroughness, they could lead to unnecessary accumulation of records and increased costs related to storage and management. In contrast, a shorter retention period may not provide sufficient time for any necessary reviews or issues to surface, compromising the quality assurance processes in place. Therefore, the two-year timeframe is a practical standard in many jurisdictions for court reporters.