Certification Fact Sheet

November 1, 2000 -- 

FACT SHEET

This voluntary certification program for California paralegals is administered by the Commission for Advanced California Paralegal Specialization, Inc. (CACPS), a non-profit California corporation.  The California Alliance of Paralegal Associations (CAPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), per an agreement entered into as of September 1, 1994, as amended, sponsored the creation of this voluntary certification program.  Individuals are awarded the CAS (California Advanced Specialist) designation upon successful completion of the application process, which includes an examination.

This voluntary certification program was designed by CAPA and NALA to serve the following purposes:

1. Improve the public image of California legal assistants/paralegals;

2.  Improve the quality of legal services available from California legal assistants/paralegals;

3. Provide a uniform professional credential for those demonstrating an advanced knowledge of California law and procedures; and

4. Establish a positive, ongoing, voluntary program to encourage the growth of the paralegal profession - a program attesting to and encouraging a high level of achievement - not a barrier to entry into the profession.

The Commission, at its February 4, 1995 meeting, adopted the following mission statement:

“The stated mission of this Commission is to provide a voluntary, uniform professional credential for those demonstrating an advanced knowledge of California law and procedures and to enhance the quality of services available from California paralegals/legal assistants to the legal community, and to the public which is served.”

The first exams were offered in December, 1995, with a 62% pass rate.  The Commission expects that this voluntary certification program will grow at a steady pace.  The first three CAS specialties offered were Civil Litigation, Business Organization & Business Law and Real Estate.  Trusts & Estates was added in late 1996 and Family Law was added in 1997.  The Commission is composed of seven members and is assisted in its purposes by its Advisory Committee.