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CERTIFIED LEGAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM (CLA)

For testing dates by state, deadlines, eligibility, fees, testing centers, results and online applications, see National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Note:  Palomar College is a CLA testing site, but exams are offered only when enough students are testing. 
 

CERTIFIED LEGAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM (CLA) DESCRIPTION

From the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA)

Brief Overview:

This opportunity for the legal assistant professions is provided by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. through its national certification program. The CLA examination program consists of successful completion of a comprehensive two day examination. Thereafter, evidence of continuing legal education must be submitted periodically in order to maintain certification. Those who achieve the CLA may pursue the CLA Specialist credential, an advanced certification offered in several practice areas.

Outline—The Certified Legal Assistant Examination

Each section of the exam contains objective questions, such as multiple choice, true/false and matching. The sections on Communications and Judgment and Analytical Ability each contain short answer and/or essay questions.

As a standardized national examination, all sections are on the federal level—no state laws or procedures are tested. The following areas are covered:

  • Communications
  • Ethics
  • Human relations and interviewing techniques
  • Legal research
  • Legal terminology
  • Substantive law

For testing dates by state, deadlines, eligibility, fees, testing centers, results and online applications, see National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

  
   
   
In 2000, over 10,000 legal assistants in the United States (including the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) have achieved the CLA credential.

Certification: A Professional Goal:
Certification bestows a measure of professional recognition to those persons who achieve significant competence in the field.