The APC Program Advanced Paralegal Certification by NALA.
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Transcript of The APC Program Advanced Paralegal Certification by NALA.
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