ALS Extenstion Guidelines

ALS certification makes a positive statement about an individual who meets the high standards set by the examination. An extension of the ALS certification is verification of that statement. Those who have attained certification by passing the ALS examination are encouraged to take the next step and certify as a PLS, thereby demonstrating your advanced legal knowledge and proficiency.

Length of Extension

To ensure continuance of the high standards set by the ALS certification, a reassessment is required to verify that the competencies are maintained. For ALS certification, a five-year expiration date is used to correspond to the rate at which knowledge changes. ALS certification will be extended for one year for 15 hours of continuing education.

Two Easy Steps to ALS Certification Extension

1. Accumulate 15 hours of continuing education:

• Related to topics tested on the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law.
• Within a one-year period prior to the expiration of the ALS certification.

2. Submit the appropriate ALS Extension Affidavit Application and fee.

Application for Extension

An application for extension MUST BE MADE within five years after the date of certification for extension, for one year only, submitted NOT LESS THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ALS CERTIFICATION EXPIRATION DATE OR EXTENSION DEADLINE, submitted on the appropriate form, accompanied by copies of supporting documentation, and accompanied by a check for the appropriate fee.

When an ALS becomes a certified PLS, the Certifying Board recommends discontinuing the use of ALS as a suffix and beginning use of PLS.

Approval Process

The process and criteria for extension are established and monitored by the NALS Certifying Board.
The NALS Certifying Board retains the right to make changes in the extension process or criteria to correspond with changes in education. Changes in the extension process or criteria, if any, will be published in the official publications of NALS.If the ALS has not submitted a completed ALS Extension Affidavit/Application as specified above:

• Upon expiration of the original ALS certification or the extension, the ALS will have 60 additional days to submit the necessary documentation. (NOTE: All ALSs are responsible for advising NALS of any changes of address.)
• If the ALS fails to complete the extension within the 60 days, the ALS certification status will be changed to inactive without further notice to the ALS. Evidence of extension of the ALS certification will be issued to the applicant upon approval by the NALS Education and Certification Manager.

Upon approval of the extension of the ALS certification, all documentation will be destroyed.

Unsatisfactory Documentation/Appeals

If documentation is unsatisfactory:

• Applicant will be notified of unsatisfactory documentation.
• Applicant will have a maximum of 60 days to provide the required documentation.

Any questions or appeals regarding the extension process must be in writing and directed to the chair of the NALS Certifying Board at the NALS Resource Center within 60 days following notification of any rejection.

Extension Module Chart
(15 hours total required for extension)
(Hours may not predate the final year of ALS certification)

• Postsecondary Courses. This module covers successful completion (Grade C or better) of relevant courses (courses related to the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law) at an accredited institution of higher education. Higher education institutions are generally organized into semesters—14 to 15 weeks in length providing "semester hours," or into quarters—10 to 12 weeks in length providing "quarter hours." An accredited institution refers to a college or university accredited by any nationally recognized accrediting agency. Points are calculated on the basis of 15 points per semester hour and 10 points per quarter hour. Attach copies of the transcripts or grade reports and official course descriptions to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application.
• Seminars/Workshops Attended. This module covers attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc., on topics related to the ALS/PLS exams* or any area of law. Minimum length of 30 minutes is required. Credit may be obtained for watching videotapes or listening to audiotapes on relevant topics. One hour equals one point. Except for topics related to the ALS/PLS exams, credit is not available for personal development/motivational programs or for sessions providing information about the ALS/PLS exams. Attach copies of the certificates of attendance or other documentation confirming participation in the program to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application. To request points for watching a videotape or listening to an audiotape, complete Section A of the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application.
• Seminars/Workshops Taught. This module covers teaching at conferences, seminars, workshops, chapter educational programs, etc., on topics related to the ALS/PLS exams* or any area of law. Minimum length of 30 minutes is required. One teaching hour equals four points, which includes credit for preparation and presentation time. Except for topics related to the ALS/PLS exams, credit is not available for personal development/motivational programs or for sessions providing information about the ALS/PLS exams. Attach copies of documentation confirming teaching to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application OR complete Section B of the form.
• Certifications. This module covers successful completion of certifications, other than ALS certification, such as PLS, Certified Legal Assistant, Registered Paralegal, Certified Professional Secretary, specialty certifications, etc., based on 20 points per certification. Attach copies of the certificate to the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application.
• Petitions. Complete Section C of the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application, and attach documentation verifying participation. This module covers:
  • Publications. Writing articles covering topics related to the ALS/PLS exams or any area of law will be considered – five points per article maximum. Other publications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Other. Participation in activities not included in the above modules will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

* To determine topics that are related to the ALS/PLS exams, refer to the study guides in the ALS Resource Manual or the PLS Resource Manual.

Complete the ALS Extension Affidavit/Application, attaching to the form any necessary documentation, certificates, etc. The ALS Extension Affidavit/Application serves as a cover letter to ensure proper routing when received by NALS.