Change Happens Together...
The Professional Transcriptionists and Court Reporters Association of Ontario is a not-for-profit organization that was established and formed its mandate to develop a high standard of professionalism in court reporting in 1967. Since then the PT•CRAO has continued to build upon the foundation of those fundamental beliefs by modernizing its role in order to take on the challenges of ever evolving changes in legislative and administrative practices, and, of course, technological innovations.
It takes a certain kind of individual to work in this profession: we like perfection, we strive to do our best; and, we are always there to help someone in the field, or in our communities, all days of the year. Court reporting is not for everyone, it takes a specialized skill set and many other attributes, not found in any other career, and those of us who are fortunate to do this work also recognize that being part of a professional association is also extremely important!!
Some benefits of PT•CRAO membership are listed below. You might discover a whole list of your own personal benefits as well, but here’s just a few to start you off ...
Benefits of PT•CRAO Membership
- Membership builds professional relationships and recognition, both in the workplace and in the legal community
- Annual membership in the PT•CRAO offers camaraderie, mutual support, and respect, not only from your peers in the workplace, but from within your communities.
- Members are invited to attend the PT•CRAO Annual Convention
- Members are privy to reports from the PT•CRAO Executive at its Annual General Meeting
- Membership allows exclusive access to the PT•CRAO Website Members Only Forum
- Annual membership ensures the integrity of the record is upheld, as one of the key goals incorporated into the mandate of the PT•CRAO is the promise to maintain that very high standard
- Membership keeps you current and informed with regard to different practices and changes within your profession
- Membership offers opportunities if you’re looking to build professional alliances or business connections as an independent court reporter
- Membership keeps you in the know about political issues affecting our profession and your future
- Annual membership in the PT•CRAO offers you the opportunity to demonstrate this unique professional recognition on your letterhead, business cards, and invoicing
- As a member in good standing you will also be given the opportunity to have your name appear on the PT•CRAO website acknowledging your participation and demonstrating enhanced recognition within the business and legal community
- Membership offers you the opportunity to have a voice in order to participate in topical and important court reporting related issues and to be proactive in planning for your own future
- The PT•CRAO has had a continuing presence at the GSB with respect to Hunt et al and members are privy to information with respect to those hearings through the Members Only Forum on the website
- The annual PT•CRAO Membership fee is a very small financial investment for a very large return
- The PT•CRAO Executive team keeps costs low and works for you on a volunteer basis in order to deliver the best service that directly benefits you as one of our valued members
- Lastly, and most importantly as a member you are offered the benefit of being eligible to take the testing for PT•CRAO certification
PT•CRAO Certification
Whether you are new to the profession of court reporting, or have been involved in it for a number of years, you have more than likely heard various discussions about PT•CRAO membership and the benefits of certification.
Your PT•CRAO Executive team is working on ways to adapt certification testing to meet the needs of all its members in addressing the dynamics of new technologies and potential changes to a variety of practices and delivery systems of court reporting in the future.
Benefits of Certification will become twofold:
As changes occur in MAG staffing models, hiring practices, and the advent of digital technology in courtrooms throughout the province, so will PT•CRAO certification testing adapt and change.
In the realm of independent court reporting, digital technology and related software may also become the new standard and therefore certification will become even more important if the marketplace for transcript production becomes competitive.
For the novice court reporter we do not recommend certification testing until you have been practicing for about two years, or unless your mentor advises you otherwise and supports your decision indicating your skills have been measured to meet the standard required of PT•CRAO testing.
Future PT•CRAO certification testing dates and locations will be posted on the website as soon as all testing reformatting has been completed. As has been common practice in the past, members interested in certification will be provided with all the information and materials required prior to testing in order to prepare well in advance of scheduled dates. Along with the other benefits of membership, as a member in good standing, you will be eligible for testing as a court reporter to attain the prestigious designation of PT•CRAO Certification.
Benefits of PT•CRAO Certification
- PT•CRAO Certification testing is conducted at a higher level of efficiencies and standards, producing tangible and recognized results that can be applied to proceedings in all court settings, including independent contracting, as well as in agency work.
- Your C.C.R. designation will signify a profile of excellence and your commitment to professionalism in the field of court reporting.
- Your C.C.R. designation will become a valuable asset illustrating your competitive edge in the marketplace by including it on your transcript certification pages, on your business cards, letterhead, in your email communications, correspondence, invoicing and as a visible aid it will set you apart if incorporated into all your marketing and promotion materials
- As an independent court reporter, your C.C.R designation will demonstrate a tangible asset that will open doors if you are looking to build partnerships with other organizations in larger market places to gain greater market share
- Another important benefit of the C.C.R. designation is that it contributes to your own personal self worth and the resulting feeling of accomplishment cannot be understated. Wear it proudly!
Membership Commitment: The Association can only exist and survive if its members participate, not solely in providing annual fees, so we ask our members to become ambassadors in their workplaces. We ask our members to engage their colleagues in debate, to contribute by mentoring and encouraging others in our profession to work to the standard of quality and accuracy that our clients come to expect. We ask our members to take pride in the work we do. We ask our members to go to their communities and workplaces and send the message of just how important the job of court reporting is.
The benefits are many, but without active participation of our members, the PT•CRAO will not be as effective as it possibly could be. Please consider joining the PT•CRAO and think of ways you can contribute to the whole. We seek our members’ input, thoughts, and ideas and we ask that you ponder the ways you can contribute if you decide to join us in making this association stronger so our profession of court reporting gets the recognition it deserves.
Finally, and probably most importantly, please remember:
Change happens together....
Please take the time to think about joining us in the adventure that lays ahead.
Sincerely, Joanne Hardie, President
