The following article summarizes information regarding the date each exam is given, testing locations, application fees, and tips for test-takers. You can find additional information from the NALA, TBLS, and NFPA web sites.

The Certified Legal Assistant Exam

The CLA exam is given three times a year (March, July and December). The last exam was given March 24-25, 2000. The July exam always coincides with NALA's Annual Convention; this year it will be held on July 21-22, 2000. The December exam is usually given the first weekend of December; this year, it will be held on December 1-2, 2000. Application deadlines for the CLA exam are January 15 for the March exam; May 15 for the July exam; and October 1 for the December exam.

Testing locations for the exam differ depending upon the number of applicants from a particular geographical area. NALA has established testing centers at many schools, universities and junior colleges. NALA will establish testing centers at additional locations if there are 10 or more applicants from that region. All testing centers are subject to a minimum number of applicants.

The application fee for taking the CLA exam is $225 for NALA members and $250 for non-NALA members. If you pass at least four of the seven sections, you may retake only those sections you have failed. NALA will charge you $50 per section that you desire to retake. The application fee for the CLA Specialty exams is $100 for NALA members and $125 for non-NALA members.

Texas Board of Legal Specialization

The TBLS exam is given once per year in conjunction with the lawyer exams. This year, the exam will be held on October 28, 2000. The application deadline is April 28. The TBLS exam is given only in Austin.

There is a $50 application fee for the TBLS exam. Once it has been determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, you must forward an additional $100 examination fee.

Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam

Procedures to take the PACE exam are different from the other two exams. NFPA has contracted with two outside organizations to assist in reviewing applications and administering the exam.

Applications for the PACE exam can be obtained from NFPA for a cost of $15 which is applied to the overall $225 exam fee. The exam fee will increase to $325 for applications submitted after December 31, 2000. Once the application is completed, it is forwarded to Professional Examination Service (PES) for processing. After it is determined that all eligibility requirements are met, PES will forward the applicant an eligibility letter. Once you have received the eligibility letter, you are given an 800 number for a nearby Sylvan Technology Center where you schedule a personal exam date and time. The exam must be taken within 90 days following the date the application is approved. Once you have taken the exam, you should receive a score report from PES within 21 days.

Tips for Taking the Exams

The first and most important tip I can give you is to contact as many people that you know who have taken whichever exam you are interested in. Each person will have a different perspective on the exam and will have a "story" to tell. Keep in mind, however, that persons who have taken the exam have been sworn to secrecy as to the content of the exam. Information may be given to you on general terms, but you will not (or at least should not) be given specific questions.

• Take a sweater. No matter what you wear, always take a sweater or light jacket as a backup. If you have a tendency to be cold no matter where you are (as in my case), look for air conditioning vents in the room and sit as far away as you can. You may laugh at this, but there is nothing more miserable than being stuck in a room for hours while you freeze your you-know-what off. You may not have a choice of seat when taking the TBLS exam, so be ready!
• Chose a seat far away from the exit. Once you have finished the exam, you may be allowed to leave. If you lag behind the others, it will be a big distraction to sit near the exit with everyone leaving around you. It will make you lose your concentration and possibly keep you from finishing on time.
• Watch the clock, but don't hurry through the exam. The only section of the CLA exam that I felt rushed was the substantive law section. On every other section, I was able to take my time and go back to review my answers. I maintained a good pace when taking the TBLS exam, didn't feel rushed and was able to review my answers.
• Don't change any answers unless you have a specific reason to do so. Testing centers will tell you that generally your first instinct is usually right. I think that is very true. However, if you have the time to review your answers, I strongly encourage it. I found very glaring mistakes in a few answers, which may have made the difference between pass or fail.
• If you don't know an answer, skip it and come back to it after you have finished the exam. If you don't know an answer right off, it may simply be temporarily buried among other information in your head at the time. You may subsequently come across another question that refreshes your memory as to the first question, and which will allow you to answer without guessing.
• I took the CLA exam in Austin, but a lot of the people I know have had to travel out-of-town to take it. They recommend going out-of-town to avoid family interruptions with study time and well-needed rest. I agree that it is probably a good idea to "get away from it all" when taking these exams. Word of caution, however, if you take the CLA exam out-of-town, either stay over Saturday night or have someone with you who can help you drive home. You will be incredibly exhausted!
• Get a good night's rest. Do not stay up all night studying. If you have participated in a good study plan in the months prior to the exam, you will not need to cram the night before. You will be better refreshed, be more alert and have more confidence if you get a good night's sleep. Sleep is very underrated. Most of us do not get enough sleep anyway. Do it this time and you'll be thankful.

Good luck to everyone who is planning to take a certification exam. Any exam you chose is an example of your professionalism and dedication to your career. It will allow you to advance in your profession and prepare for the future. For more information regarding certification exams, please visit the following web sites:

	National Association of Legal Assistants
	Texas Board of Legal Specialization
	National Federation of Paralegal Associations

Dawn Crider, CLA, is a legal assistant with the Austin office of Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., specializing in Intellectual Property Litigation. She obtained the CLA designation from NALA in 1992, and certification in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1995. She is currently the President of the Capital Area Paralegal Association and is a past director of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas.