The APC Program Advanced Paralegal Certification by NALA

APC Program Background The CLA Specialty Program Decision to look at this in 2002, the program’s 20 th anniversary mark Did the program need changing Could it be changed and maintain the high standards of NALA certification and serve paralegals and employers

The CLA Program The CLA – serves to recognize those who have demonstrated mastery of general skills required of all paralegals Analytical ability General knowledge of substantive areas Knowledge of ethical limitations Communications skills Legal research skills Based on 30 years of research and development; suitable for paper-pencil test

What about the Specialty Program Does it meet needs of paralegals? Ease of access Clearly defined program objectives Requests for advanced certification in numerous areas Does it meet needs of employers? Ease of access Demonstration of skills and knowledge

Needs of Today’s Paralegals Is there a different model for certification that would work... The need for advanced certification is established Today’s pressures - no time Demonstrate advanced knowledge of specific subject Allow for workplace mobility as well Curriculum based certification Web based Subject specific

APC Certification Program Criteria Relevance to the workplace – A certification model to recognize advanced knowledge of a specialty practice area should relate as closely as possible to real-life situations Defensible national standards – Program built on a list of standard for the practice area Accessibility – ideally on an as-needed basis, at reasonable cost Fair and consistently applied standards Successful completion of the CLA examination required for the credential

Curriculum Based Certification Subject Specific Conducted Openly Provides detailed information to employer about what was covered in the program Accepted model utilized in some fashion by many organizations Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative Certified Financial Planner Certified Life Underwriter Registered Employee Benefits Consultant

Course Development Define the course – what are paralegals doing in the practice area Input from those in the field Input from employers Develop working outline Start writing Review by APC Board Review by those working in the field Course launch

Course Development Includes expert advice throughout Ph.D in technical writing Ph.D in psychology with emphasis on training and instruction Not created in a vacuum – it is vital to the program to include input from all avenues during course creation

Components of a Course Outline of Presumed Knowledge Learning Contract Course Modules Audio and visual presentation Assessments Excercises Glossary

Assessments How do you know if someone knows the material?

Security Issues Learning Contract Part of registration process CLA is on the line Identity Monitor computer access Contact with certification candidates Printing difficult, cannot access course materials

Where are we today? Several programs exist and will be introduced in 2006 Web based programs offering 24/7 access