ALS...the basic certification for legal professionals

One way to demonstrate your preparedness for the demanding field of law is by attaining the ALS designation. This designation is awarded by passing a four and one-half hour, three-part examination.
Attaining this goal demonstrates your commitment and aptitude for succeeding in the ever-changing legal environment.

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.
• Appraises knowledge of law office protocol as prescribed by ethical codes.

ALS Examination Eligibility

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

The Examination Covers

Part 1—Written Communications
Part 2—Office Procedures and Legal Knowledge
Part 3—Ethics, Human Relations, and Judgment

ALS Resource Manual

The ALS Resource Manual is designed to help you achieve ALS certification. It contains information about the program, an application to take the examination, an overview of the topics covered by each part, and the reference list as additional study guides. The manual can be used for studying alone, with a study group, or by an instructor preparing lesson plans.

NALS Basic Legal Training Course

Many states and chapters sponsor the NALS Legal Training Course. This course emulates a classroom study style in preparing for the examination. Contact your state or chapter for information on a course near you or visit our web page at www.nals.org/calendar.htm for future course dates. The ALS Resource Manual, an ALS mock exam, and exam reference books are available for purchase through the NALS Book Store at https://fpsecure.tulsaconnect.com/nals/bookstore.htm

Examination Guidelines

All three parts of the examination must be taken on the first attempt. If you do not pass the entire examination on the first attempt, you may retake the examination parts you did not pass. All failed parts must be retaken at the same time. Those passing the examination will receive a certificate that is valid for five years. Certification may be extended through continuing education, based on NALS extension guidelines, for one year.

Examination Dates

March: First Saturday
June: First Saturday in conjunction with Legal Training Courses only
July: In conjunction with region conferences in July only
September: Last Saturday
December: First Saturday in conjunction with Legal Training Courses only

The examination may be offered at special times for schools and colleges.

Application Deadlines

March: Postmarked by January 1
June: Postmarked by April 15
September: Postmarked by August 1
December: Postmarked by October 15

Applications postmarked after the deadline date but no later than ten days after the deadline will be accepted when accompanied by a $25 late fee.

Examination Fees

Transfer/Refund Policy
If you are unable to sit for the examination at your chosen time, you may transfer to another examination date by paying a $25 transfer fee and by making the request no later than two weeks prior to the test date.

If you are unable to sit for the examination at any time following submission of your application, the entire fee, less a 25 percent processing fee, may be refunded if requested 30 days or more before the scheduled examination date. If you are unable to sit for the examination after transferring to another examination date, no refund will be given, nor will additional transfers be allowed.