The Exam
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1.
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Do I have to complete all of my certification paperwork before I can sit for the examination? |
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No, an applicant is eligible to take our examination at any point during the two years their file is open. |
| 2. |
When is the examination given? |
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The examination is given twice a year, once in January or February and once in July. |
| 3. |
Where is the examination given? |
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The examination is given at approximately 30 sites across the United States. The sites are determined approximately two months before the examination date. They do change from exam to exam. |
| 4. |
Is the examination multiple choice? |
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No, the examination is a six-hour essay examination consisting of three sections. The three sections are Trial Practice, Evidence, and Ethics. |
| 5. |
What is the pass rate for the examination? |
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Examination pass rate is currently 80-85% on the first try and 95% on the second try. |
| 6. |
What if an examinee fails a section of the examination? |
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Examinees are required to retake only the section(s) of the examination that they failed. They can do this at the next convenient examination date. (contingent upon their file expiration date) If an examinee fails a section a second time, their file is closed and they must wait one year to reapply for certification. |
| 7. |
How should I study for the examination? |
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The examination tests for proficiency, knowledge, and experience that an attorney has gained through practicing trial law. We do, however, sell an examination manual which gives an overview of the examination. Also included are sample questions and answers from past examinations. The cost of the manual is $40. |
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Is the examination state specific? |
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No, the examination is given across the country so none of the fact patterns are state specific. An examinee is expected to answer each question and support their answers using their state rules and codes. Our member who wrote the question is responsible for making sure all state codes/rules are being used correctly. |
| 9. |
I am board certified by my state and was told I was waived from taking the examination. Why am I still receiving information regarding the examination? |
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Civil and Criminal State certification/specialization examinations from Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey and Texas are recognized in place of sitting for our examination. Documentation showing an applicant has passed their state certification examination needs to be received in our office before the examination will be waived. Until such documentation is received, an applicant will still receive examination information. |
| 10. |
When can I expect to receive my grades for the examination? |
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Examination grades are sent out approximately 15 weeks from date of the examination. |
