The Gift of Certification
by Kathy Saint, PP, PLS, Certifying Board

During this time of the year, we all give gifts to family, friends, charities and others.  But have you thought about giving a gift to yourself?  Have you thought about giving yourself the gift of certification?  If you already have your ALS, PLS or PP certification, have you thought about gifting your time and assistance to someone who is working toward their certification?

We all have busy lives and our focus is generally on others.  This season, give yourself a gift—the gift of certification.  Although others can help, it is your choice to get certified.  In gaining your certification, you will gain many things.  Obviously, you gain knowledge in areas of law that you might not normally be exposed to.  You gain a sense of accomplishment when you obtain that certification.  You demonstrate to your employer that you care about the job you do and its future.  By gaining that certification and re-certifying as necessary, you demonstrate your willingness and desire to remain current on issues relating to and affecting the law.  So decide today—decide to get certified.

Remember that in obtaining your certification, you are putting yourself in a better position.  As firms are always looking for their staff to be more efficient and knowledgeable, by getting certified you actively demonstrate your willingness and ability to learn.  Although some choose to get certified on their own, you don’t have to do it alone.  Determine which certification you qualify for.  See if there is a study group offered through your local chapter.  If there isn’t one, check with your local or state Certification Director.  Who knows, there may be others who would like to form a study group and sometimes all it takes is getting the information out there and before you know it you have members all going for the same thing—certification. 

If you already have your certification, you can still give the gift of certification.  How, you say?  Give your time, your expertise, your suggestions, and your support.  Sometimes, for those seeking certification, the most fearful and anxiety-provoking part is the unknown.  We who have our certifications remember what it was like when we studied and took the exam.  You can help them understand their feelings of uncertainty are not unusual.  None of us are experts in all areas of the legal field.  But that’s the wonderful thing about NALS—we all have different abilities and knowledge and love to help others.  Mock exams can be used to help relieve the stress of the unknown and are a wonderful way to assist someone seeking certification.  Why not arrange times to “administer” each of the four parts of the mock exam and then review the answers with those participating.  Prepare a crossword puzzle, find-the-word game, or any other tool you can think of to help someone with their studies. 
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been contacted by a few people looking for information on the NALS certifications.  After speaking with them, every one has indicated a strong desire to become certified.  They have already made the decision to give themselves a gift of certification.  Whey don’t you do the same?  Whether you are a long-term NALS member, someone new to NALS, or someone who wants to get back into the legal field after a long absence, being certified is a goal to work toward.  No matter how you look at it, the gift of certification is a wonderful thing. 

So, step up.  Seek your certification OR step up to help someone else achieve their certification goal.  They are both precious gifts—both to ourselves and our members. 

The NALS Certifying Board wishes everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday season.