The use of video in the legal environment is growing fast. Freelance depositions, courtroom video, video depositions... opportunities for legal video experts are unlimited and only NCRA's CLVS Program can prepare and certify you for these opportunities.
Steps to Certification
The Written Knowledge Test
Who is eligible to sit for the exams?
How Exams are Graded
How to Retain Your Certification
Recognition of Your Achievement
Visit the CLVS Homepage
Step One: Seminar- Attend NCRA's "Videotape in the Legal Environment" seminar. This invaluable seminar gives you detailed instructions, demonstrations and workbooks covering everything from equipment acquisition to office management. Seminars are offered twice a year, in March and September, in various locations around the country. For the next Seminar dates, please visit the CLVS Homepage.
Step Two: Written Knowledge Test - Successfully complete the CLVS written knowledge test, which is offered four times a year at over 200 testing locations. See the Certification Test Center for more details.
Step Three: Production Test - Successfully complete the CLVS production test, which tests a candidate's knowledge and ability to handle video equipment and conduct videotape depositions. During this test you'll run the show at a staged deposition and be graded on your ability to follow videotape deposition guidelines and produce a usable, high-quality videotape of the deposition. Each candidate has a maximum of thirty minutes to familiarize him/herself with the NCRA provided equipment and to conduct a five to ten-minute mock deposition. When your passing grade is confirmed, you have earned your CLVS.
The CLVS WKT is a 90 minute, 100-question, multiple-choice test based on, but not limited to the following five areas of knowledge needed to perform the duties of a legal video specialist. Special emphasis is placed on the use of legal video for preservation of deposition testimony. The percentages shown to the right of each knowledge area listed below indicate the appropriate number of questions relative to that area on the WKT. A candidate must pass the WKT with a scaled score of 70 or better.
- Video Recording Production 40%
- Post Production 20%
- Legal and Judicial Procedures 25%
- Office Procedures and Operating Practices 10%
- Professional Development and Ethics 5%
Note: A CLVS Job Analysis which describes the basic knowledge required of a Certified Legal Video Specialist candidate is available at no charge online in Adobe Acrobat Format or by calling 1-800-272-6272.
-
To apply for the CLVS WKT you must have completed the "Videotape in the Legal Environment" seminar.
-
To apply for the CLVS Production Test, you must have successfully completed the CLVS WKT with a scaled score of 70 or better.
- All WKT exams are returned to an independent grading service in New York for electronic grading. Results are transferred to NCRA and uploaded into individual records about six weeks after the exam.
-
Grading of the production test based on the candidates knowledge and performance of the CLVS Standards for Videotaping Depositions, pre-deposition due diligence, ability to handle video equipment, the successful recording of a mock deposition and a review of the videotape created.
-
Candidates must pass the production test with a scaled score of 70 or higher. The production test is offered twice a year, in March and September, in eastern and western US cities.
-
Upon successful completion of the production test, a candidate earns the Certified Legal Video Specialist designation and will receive a hand letter certificate from NCRA. Certification is applicable for a one year term and is renewed with an annual certification fee.
-
Successful CLVS certification is worth continuing education units for all RPR's.
-
Candidates who pass the CLVS WKT retain credit for that portion indefinitely.
-
CLVS certification is maintained with the following renewal structure:
Non-Members: $60 annually
Associate Members: $25 annually
Registered and Participating Members: Free. By renewing your membership you automatically renew your certification.
Upon earning the Certified Legal Video Specialist designation, you will receive a hand letter certificate from NCRA. CLVS professionals will be listed in the annual directory of Certified Legal Video Specialists on NCRA's website. Certification is applicable for a one year term and is renewed with an annual certification fee. You'll earn 0.5 CEUs when you pass both the Written Knowledge Test and the Production Test.