The ALS Examination demonstrates ability to perform business communication tasks; gauges ability to maintain office records and calendars, and prioritize multiple tasks when given real-life scenarios; measures understanding of office equipment and related procedures; denotes aptitude for understanding legal terminology, legal complexities, and supporting documents; assesses recognition of accounting terms in order to solve accounting problems, and appraises knowledge of law office protocol as prescribed by ethical codes.

To sit for the examination, you must have completed one of the following: an accredited business/legal course, the NALS Legal Training Course, or one year of general office experience. Membership in NALS is not a requirement.

The Exam Covers

PART 1: Written Communications

PART 2: Office Procedures and Legal Knowledge

PART 3: Ethics, Human Relations, and Judgment

March: First Saturday

June: First Saturday *

September: Last Saturday

December: First Saturday *

March: Postmarked by January 1

June: Postmarked by April 15 *

September: Postmarked by August 1

December: Postmarked by October 15 *

* June and December testing are for those who've completed the Basic or Advanced NALS Legal Training Course.

The purpose of the examination is to certify a lawyer's assistant as a person who possesses a mastery of office skills, the ability to interact on a professional level with attorneys, clients, and other support staff, the discipline to assume responsibility and exercise initiative and judgment, and a working knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and how to prepare legal documents.

Any person who has had three years' experience in the legal field may take the examination. Membership in NALS is not a requirement. A partial waiver of the three-year legal experience requirement may be granted for post-secondary degrees, successful completion of the ALS exam, or other certifications. The maximum waiver is one year.

PART 1: Written Communications

PART 2: Office Procedures and Technology

PART 3: Ethics and Judgment

PART 4: Legal Knowledge and Skills

March: First Saturday in March

September: Last Saturday in September

March: Postmarked by January 1

September: Postmarked by August 1

For the initial examination: Members - $150; Nonmembers - $200

For part retakes: Members - $40 per part; Nonmembers - $50 per part

• A mastery of procedural skills and communication skills.

• An advanced knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the preparation of legal documents.

• A working knowledge of substantive law and the ability to perform specifically delegated substantive legal work under an attorney’s supervision.

• The ability to interact on a professional level with attorneys, clients, and other staff.

• The discipline to assume responsibility and exercise initiative and judgment while adhering to legal ethical standards at all times.

Working under the supervision of a practicing lawyer or a judge, the Certified PP is expected to possess the same high standard of ethical conduct imposed upon members of the Bar; excellent written and verbal communication skills; knowledge and understanding of legal terminology and procedures, as well as procedural and substantive law. The ability to assume responsibility, exercise initiative and judgment, and prepare substantive legal documents within the scope of assigned authority.

Attaining this goal demonstrates dedication to professionalism and acceptance of the challenge to be exceptional. Personal motivation is necessary to attain such a goal.

Any person who has five years’ verifiable experience performing paralegal/legal assistant duties (a candidate may receive a partial waiver of one year if he or she has a post-secondary degree, other certification, or a paralegal certificate; a candidate with a paralegal degree may receive a two-year partial waiver).

PART 1: Written Communications

PART 2: Legal Knowledge and Skills

PART 3: Ethics and Judgment Skills

PART 4: Substantive Law