ALS...the basic certification for legal professionals - a Career Goal One way to demonstrate your preparedness for the demanding field of law is by becoming an ALS. This designation is awarded after passing a four-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;
• assesses recognition of accounting terms in order to solve accounting problems, and
• 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:

• an accredited business/legal course, 
• the NALS Legal Training Course, or 
• one year of general office experience. 

Membership in NALS is not a requirement.

The Exam Covers

• PART 1: Written Communications
• PART 2: Office Procedures and Legal Knowledge
• PART 3: Ethics, Human Relations, and Judgment

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. You will be charged the full exam fee each time you sit.

Those passing the exam will receive a certificate which is valid for five years. 

Certification may be extended through continuing education, based on NALS guidelines, for one year.

Examination Dates

• March:  First Saturday
• June:  First Saturday *
• September:  Last Saturday
• December:   First Saturday *

Application Deadlines - Apply Today!

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

* June and December testing are for those who've completed the Basic or Advanced NALS Legal Training Course.

Examination Fees

• Student/LTC Participant (minimum of 9 credit hours -- $50
• NALS member (not a full-time student) -- $75
• Nonmember (not a full-time student) -- $100

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% 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.

Preparing for the Exam

• NALS Book Store - Information on text books and mock exams to help you prepare.
• NALS Basic Legal Training Course -- Many states and local chapters sponsor the NALS Legal Training Course. This course emulates a classroom study style in preparing for the exam. Check the NALS Calendar for an upcoming course in your area.
• Certification Study Tips - NALS Certifying Board Tips to Certification Success

Click here to view required study materials

Click here for additional study materials