|
The purposes of the
Advanced Paralegal Certification programs are:
- Provide first class continuing education courses for paralegals in various
specialty practice areas of the law.
- Provide a certification process to recognize those who have achieved the
CLA/CP certification and successfully completed an advanced course.
The CLA Specialty (CLAS) program began in 1982 with the examinations for those
working in the areas of Civil Litigation and Probate and Estate Planning. In
1984, the Corporations/Business and Criminal Law and Procedure examinations
were offered. A Real Estate specialty examination was offered for the first
time in 1987; Bankruptcy in 1992; and Intellectual Property in 1995. As of
the July 2004 CLA Specialty examinations, 1081 CLAs have received a CLA
Specialist designation.
With the new APC Program, the NALA certification process is entering a new phase to
stay in step with the accelerating pace and evolving needs of the paralegal
profession. A shift from the specialty exam-site testing program to a
curriculum-based Internet learning and assessment process is the primary
transformation of the former program.
The program has also been re-named Advanced Paralegal Certification, and
awards the credential, ACP.
The transition to curriculum based certification is a slow and deliberate
process, involves the dedication of paralegals, subject experts and
technical experts. Recommended changes in the program were first introduced
to paralegals from across the nation in July 2003. The presentation included
changes planned for the program, described Advanced Paralegal Certification
Board review and evaluation methodology, and explained the rationale behind
the recommendations.
|