The CAS is a voluntary professional-certification program that focuses on California law and procedure. The courses are curriculum-based online assessments that allow participants to learn a narrow legal specialty area with the help of interactive study materials.
A curriculum-based model assumes that participants will consult outside sources, including colleagues, reference books, and practice-area experts. The focus is on education and learning specific subject matter rather than testing.
The CAS program is intended to encourage a high level of achievement and provide recognition to paralegals who have earned the CAS credential.
Administration
The Commission for Certification of California Paralegals (“CCCP,” formerly known as the Commission for Advanced California Paralegal Specialization, Inc., “CACPS”), a California mutual benefit non-profit corporation, is responsible for the design and content of the CAS program.
CCCP offers the California assessments online in conjunction with NALA’s APC program, using NALA’s existing web platform and awarding the CAS credential to qualified CLA/CPs.
Courses
The CAS program courses are available in one of two formats:
Stand-alone CAS: A paralegal with a valid CLA/CP credential from NALA may participate in a stand-alone CAS. These stand-alone CAS courses consist of 10-20 modules. The courses are designed as a presentation of text, slides, and interactive tests. In addition, each course offers module tests and exercises.
Combination APC and CAS: A paralegal with a valid CLA/CP credential from NALA may participate in a combination APC and CAS program. The CLA/CP must first earn the ACP credential before earning the CAS in that same APC specialty area. For example, a CLA/CP may take the APC in Discovery and then the CAS in Discovery. The CAS portion consists of three modules and highlights the difference between federal and California law and procedure.
Paralegals with a valid CLA/CP credential from NALA who successfully complete the CAS program, whether stand alone or combination, will be awarded the credential California Advanced Specialist.
Eligibility
The CAS certification programs are written with the understanding that the paralegal seeking advanced certification has already earned the CLA/CP credential and has demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of written communications, legal research, ethics, judgment & analytical ability, and the American legal system, as well as general knowledge of at least four areas of substantive law.
Paralegals with a valid CLA/CP credential from NALA seeking the CAS credential are required to do all of the following:
- Complete and submit a Learning Contract as part of the registration process. The Board of the Commission needs to know if the participant intends to seek the CAS certification.
- Complete all course modules and module tests with a minimum score of 90% correct.
- Complete all course modules and exercises within 2 years of date of enrollment. The courses are designed to promote learning. Participants may take the module tests as many times as necessary to reach the required score.
- Submit a Statement of Completion to the Commission Board. The Statement of Completion alerts the Commission Board that the participant has completed the course and initiates the process of issuing the credential. The Statement of Completion is due within 30 days of course completion.
A CAS course is not deemed complete until all the above requirements are fulfilled.
The required forms may be completed and submitted online. They are available in the Course Library and on APC’s website at https://www.nala.org/certification/certified-paralegals/advanced-paralegal-certification .
Paralegals who do not hold the CLA/CP credential are welcome to participate in the CAS program, but the CAS credential will not be awarded. If the paralegal earns the CLA/CP credential within one year of completing the CAS program, the CAS credential may be awarded.
CLE Credit for CAS Modules
Upon completion of the CAS course, in addition to earning the CAS credential, Certified Legal Assistants/Paralegals may also receive continuing legal education credit toward maintenance of the CLA/CP credential. The Stand-alone CAS earns 20 CLE credits and the Combination ACP/CAS earns 10 CLE credits.
Registration and Fees for CAS Program
Stand-alone CAS: The registration fee is $250 for NALA members and $300 for non-members.
Combination ACP/CAS: The registration fee is $100 for NALA members and $150 for non-members.
The CAS registration fee is separate and apart from the registration fee required by NALA to participate in a APC course. Registration is offered online at the APC website https://www.nala.org/certification/certified-paralegals/advanced-paralegal-certification .
An individual’s CAS credential carries the same expiration date as the individual’s
CP/ACP designation.
NALA headquarters will issue new certificates to qualified paralegals every five years.
Maintaining the CAS Credential
The CLE education requirements for the CAS are the same as those for the CLA/CP credential. To maintain the CLA/CP, certified paralegals must participate in a minimum of 50 hours of continuing legal education programs every five years. Paralegals do not need to earn any additional CLE hours to maintain the CAS credential.
Questions
For any questions regarding the CAS program, please email catherine.durgin@gmail.com