PLS Recertification Modules NALS has identified the following recertification modules, which are guidelines for educational activities that PLSs may utilize in order to accumulate 75 points in education credits toward recertification.  There is no limit as to the number of points that may be earned in any one module.  Applicants need not accumulate points in all modules in order to recertify.

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Successful Completion of Post-Secondary Education Courses.

This module covers successful completion (Grade C or better) of relevant courses (courses related to the PLS exam[1] or any area of law) at an accredited institution of higher education.[2]  Higher education institutions are generally organized into semesters (14 to 15 weeks in length providing “semester hours,” or 10 to 12 weeks in length providing “quarter hours”).  Points are calculated on the basis of 15 points per semester hour and 10 points per quarter hour.  

What to submit: Copies of transcripts or grade reports and official course descriptions are to be submitted with the completed recertification packet.  Applicants should retain originals, as the Resource Center discards submitted documents upon approval of the application.

Attendance at Seminars/Workshops, NALS Online Educational Chats, and NALS CLE Online.

This module covers attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc. and participation in NALS Online Educational Chats, and NALS CLE Online on topics related to the PLS exam or any area of law.  Seminars, NALS Online Chats, and NALS CLE Online must be a minimum length of 30 minutes. 

Included in this module is credit for watching videotapes or listening to audiotapes on relevant topics.  One hour equals one point of education credit.  Except for topics related to the PLS exam, credit is not available for personal development and/or motivational programs or for sessions providing information about the PLS exam.  

What to submit: Copies of certificates of attendance or other documentation confirming participation in the program are to be submitted with the completed recertification packet.  Applicants should retain originals, as the Resource Center discards submitted documents upon approval of the application. 

To request points for watching a videotape or listening to an audiotape, complete Section B of the PLS Recertification Form.

Seminars/Workshops Taught. 

This module covers teaching at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc. on topics related to the PLS exam or any area of law.  Seminars must be a minimum length of 30 minutes.  One teaching hour equals four points, which includes credit for preparation and presentation time.  Except for topics relating to the PLS exam, credit is not available for personal development and/or motivational programs, or for sessions providing information about the PLS exam.  To request points for teaching educational programs, complete Section C of the PLS Recertification Form.  

What to submit: A copy of the seminar brochure verifying the applicant as a speaker or other documentation confirming the applicant’s participation in the program is to be submitted with the completed recertification packet.  Applicants should retain originals, as the Resource Center discards submitted documents upon approval of the application.

Certifications. 

Successful completion of certifications, other than PLS certification, such as Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), PACE Registered Paralegal (RP), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), specialty certifications, etc. based on 20 points per certification also qualify for recertification points.

What to submit: Copies of the certificates should be submitted to the Resource Center.  Applicants should retain originals, as the Resource Center discards submitted documents upon approval of the application.

Authoring Articles and Publications. 

This module covers authoring articles regarding PLS-related topics and law-related education.  Five points are awarded for substantive articles.

What to submit:  Section D of the PLS Recertification Form should be completed and submitted, along with documentation verifying participation in authoring of articles or publications.

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1. Topics related to the PLS examination include written communications, office procedures and technology, ethics and judgment, and legal knowledge and skills.
   
2. An accredited institution refers to a college or university accredited by any nationally recognized accrediting agency.  Proof of accreditation may be requested