Learning Contract Information

Note:  The following is a description of the learning contract and its provisions.  To complete and submit your individual contract, click here.
The Advanced Paralegal Certification Program requires participants to complete a Learning Contract as part of the registration process. This contract will serve as an agreement between the program and the participant. It is important to understand it entirely. Please review the information carefully.

Once you understand the provisions below and agree to the contents, click here to open a contract form that you may submit electronically to NALA Headquarters.  The completed contract must be received prior to completion of your course. 

ALL registrants seeking APC certification are required to submit a completed learning contract within 30 days of course registration.

Purposes of the Learning Contract

 The purposes of the learning contract are to help candidates for APC certification:
  1. construct a self-directed program of study and learning
  2. focus their efforts on their individual goals and learning objectives
  3. stay on track and be successful in the advanced credentialing program

Self-Directed Learning

 By completing and submitting this contract, you state that you understand the following about self-directed learning and your responsibilities:

  1. This program is based on self-direction and it is ultimately your responsibility to complete the necessary requirements.
  2. You must engage with the education component of the certification program by reading and/or listening to the content; by working on exercises provided; and, by completing the tests at the end of each module.
  3. A representative of the Advanced Paralegal Certification Board will answer your questions regarding the content of this course, but you should also plan to seek information on your own.

Individual Goals and Learning Objectives

Read the course description. On the form, you will be requested to state two areas of knowledge within this course that interest you prior to starting the course. These will be your individual goals and learning objectives that you hope to achieve by completing this course.

If you are new to this practice area, review the course description to determine your own goals.  If you are a seasoned professional in this practice area, select areas about which you would like to know more.

Program Requirements

The following activities are expected of candidates for advanced certification participating in the self-directed credentialing program:


Active Engagement with Content

  • Read and understand the concepts presented in the course content and slides.
  • Seek additional information about concepts or prerequisite information as needed to fulfill knowledge and skill goals.
  • Ask questions by contacting a representative of the Advanced Paralegal Certification Board or by talking with a colleague knowledgeable in the area.
  • Explore additional information and/or links provided throughout the program
  • Connect concepts to on-the-job activities by talking to others who work in this area.
  • If the content is too easy, improve your learning experience by taking time to review links to outside sources.  If the content is too difficult, take time to review prerequisite concepts.

Application and Evaluation

  • Complete all online exercises.
  • Connect the concepts of the program to your knowledge goals.  If necessary, seek additional information to fulfill these goals.
  • Complete all module tests with a score of at least 90%.
Credentialing Process

  • Complete and submit a learning contract as part of the registration process.
  • Submit a Statement of Completion to NALA headquarters that addresses how you shaped the self-directed learning opportunity so that it reflected your knowledge and skills goals.
  • Check with NALA to insure the association office has received and processed your statement of completion. Once the Statement of Completion is processed, you will receive your ACP credential in the mail.
Acknowledgment and Affirmations

By submitting this document, you acknowledge your understanding of the following research-proven strategies useful to a successful experience in self-directed learning:

  • Spending at least 15 minutes a day working on the program provides a steady pace for success
  • Exploring additional information and/or links provided throughout the program enables the program to fit individual needs
  • Talking with colleagues about questions and concepts provides support and real-world experience to reinforce concepts learned online
  • Taking responsibility for developing the self-directed credentialing opportunity requires constantly seeking connections between the content presented and a real-world applications

A score of 90% correct is required for each module test; you may retake the module tests until you are satisfied with your score.

Ethics and Integrity

The attestation states that you understand this program relies heavily on participant integrity and honesty; therefore you will agree that all materials submitted will be accurate representations of your work and efforts.

You acknowledge that you understand that seeking information from outside sources, asking a colleague to explain a concept, or seeking help from a representative of the Advanced Paralegal Certification Board is a standard part of self-directed learning and does not constitute cheating.

You will agree to abide by the NALA Code of Ethics.

By submitting this document electronically to the Advanced Paralegal Certification Board, you acknowledge the above information and agree fully to participate as a self-directed learner.
 


Click here to complete the contract form
 



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