Which resource may applicants use during Part A of the examination?

During Part A of the Texas Certified Shorthand Reporter examination, applicants are allowed to use a dictionary. This provision is in place to ensure that candidates can accurately verify the spelling and definitions of words, which can be crucial for producing accurate transcripts.

The use of a dictionary aligns with the examination's objective of assessing a candidate's ability to produce precise and professional documentation. It helps mitigate any potential errors in spelling that could arise during the examination.

On the other hand, resources like a thesaurus or calculator are not deemed necessary or helpful in the context of the examination's focus on shorthand reporting and transcription accuracy. Therefore, having access to a dictionary is the only resource explicitly allowed to support candidates in achieving the best possible outcomes in Part A.