Are you one of the NCRA-certified members who has a CEU cycle ending this year on Sept. 30? Each year many NCRA-certified members need to complete their CEU requirements for the three-year cycle. While NCRA recommends earning CEUs early in your cycle, we know it’s easy to let it go until the last minute.
Here are five quick ways to earn CEUs when you need them.
1. Check your NCRA transcript to make sure that your credits are all accounted for
You may have already participated in activities that have helped you earn CEUs or PDCs during the last year and the only thing you need to do is fill out the proper form to get credit. If you promoted the profession at a career fair, law school, or other event; provided pro bono services; served on a state association board or committee (including the United States Court Reporting Association); or participated in a formal mentoring program, you may qualify for credit for your volunteerism. You can submit these CEUs and PDCs here.
2. Attend an on-demand webinar
Check out NCRA’s catalog of webinars in the NCRA Learning Center. Some of the webinars available are from past NCRA Conference events, and others are from live webinars NCRA has offered online. The catalog includes sessions on topics from grammar and speedbuilding to realtime, time management, and productivity tips. There are even many topics in technology, including what to make of artificial intelligence.
3. Attend a pre-approved event, including state association conferences
Many state associations and other court reporter–related organizations are hosting conferences and seminars in September. In-person events give you the opportunity to network with other reporters and captioners while earning CEUs. Check out the full calendar of pre-approved events in the JCR calendar or online at NCRA.org by visiting the Events tab where the calendar is located. The online calendar includes the dates, locations (geographic or online), and number of CEUs.
4. Learn CPR or first aid
The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and other organizations often host seminars on CPR or first aid. Perhaps you can organize a few colleagues from your firm, court, or even your local area to team up for an event nearby. Court reporters and captioners have to be prepared for anything, so why not add safety to your list of skills? Learn more about the requirements for earning CEUs by learning CPR or first aid on NCRA.org/WaysToEarn.
5. Transcribe oral histories
Members who participate in the Oral Histories Program through the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) may earn Professional Development Credits for their time. Members can apply up to 1.0 PDC to their CEU requirement per cycle. Transcribe a 30- to 90-minute pre-recorded interview of an American veteran, Holocaust survivor, or attorney who has provided pro bono services through Legal Aid. Many people find participating in the Oral Histories Program to be especially rewarding. Learn more at NCRA.org/NCRF/OralHistories.
Still can’t get all your CEUs? Request a four-month cycle extension
If you need a four-month cycle extension (to Jan. 31) to finish those last CEUs, you can fill out the CEU extension request form by Sept. 30.
Note that the deadline to complete CEUs or to request an extension is the same date. If you have any questions, please contact the NCRA credentialing coordinator.
