225 ILCS 415/6

Upon receipt of a written request from the Chief Judge of the reporter's circuit, the Department shall, upon payment of the required fee, issue to any reporter who has been appointed in counties of less than 1,000,000 in population, has been examined under the Court Reporters Act, and has achieved an "A" proficiency rating, a restricted certificate by which such official court reporter may then lawfully engage in reporting only court proceedings to which the Chief Judge of the reporter's circuit may assign.