The APC ProgramAdvanced Paralegal Certification by NALA

APC Program Background

The CLA Specialty Program Decision to look at this in 2002, the

program’s 20th 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