Get Certified
The certification process for attorneys and paralegals takes place in two steps:
Application and Examination.
Step I: Application
The first step is initiated by the attorney or paralegal and begins with a review
of CLE activity. Attorneys must meet a minimum, 60-hour requirement of TBLS approved
courses in the specialty area and may use the secure portions of this site to accomplish
this review. Paralegals must meet a minimum, 30-hour requirement in the specialty
area and should contact the TBLS at 1-800-204-2222, ext. 1454, or 512-453-7266 to
request a TBLS CLE Summary Report.
The applicant then completes a Certification Application in the specialty area,
pays an application filing fee, and upon TBLS approval, proceeds to the Examination
step.
Step II: Examination
This step consists of the preparation for, and successful completion of, a day-long
examination on the applicable subject matter. An examination fee is required. The
TBLS provides applicants with specialty area exam specifications covering knowledge,
skills and subject matter to assist in preparation.
Exams are administered once each year, and the results are mailed to each applicant.
Upon receiving a passing score, the Certification Application for specialty area
is approved and a Certificate of Special Competence is prepared.
Application deadlines and applicable fees may be found in the
TBLS Schedule and Fees portion of this site.
The certification process is governed respectively by the Texas Plan for Recognition and Regulation of Specialization in the
Law, and the Texas Plan for Recognition
and Regulation of Paralegals Certification.
Please call us at 1-800-204-2222, ext. 1454, or 512-453-7266, in Austin if you have
questions. We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding
the certification process.
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