What it Takes to be CLVS

Certification Process

3-Step Certification Process

Please visit the CLVS Homepage for all announced events.

Step 1 - Attend Videotape in the Legal Environment Seminar

Step 3 - Pass the hands-on Production Examination

Step 1: Attend Videotape in the Legal Environment Seminar

This two-day seminar is held twice a year in March and September at various locations across the country. The Seminar will set you on your way to videotaping depositions and courtroom proceedings with confidence and skill and in accordance with accepted Rules of Civil Procedure. For more Seminar & Forum details, click here.

This program is led by some of the best and brightest in the legal video profession, who also comprise the CLVS Council:

CEUs
0.6 CEUs per day

Step 2: Pass the CLVS Written Knowledge Test

Successfully complete the CLVS written knowledge test, which is a 100-item multiple-choice test administered 4 times a year at testing sites across the nation. You must pass the written knowledge test with a score of 70% or better before moving on to Part II of the CLVS Exam, the Production Test. For more information please visit the NCRA Testing Center.
A Job Analysis describing the skills and abilities needed to pass this test is available to you online in Adobe Acrobat format or at no charge by calling 800-272-NCRA (6272).

Step 3: Complete the Production Test

Upon successful completion of the Written Knowledge Test, candidates become eligible for the third and final portion of the CLVS certification process. The production test is administered four times a year. March and September in conjunction with all Seminar/Forum events, at NCRA Headquarters in December, and at a regional location in June based on demand. Please contact NCRA's Testing Department by calling 800-272-NCRA (6272) for more information on test dates and locations or visit the NCRA Testing Center. 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. When your passing grade is confirmed, you have earned your CLVS.

You'll earn 0.5 CEUs when you pass both the Written Knowledge Test and the Production Test.

CLVS Code of Ethics

Preamble

The mandatory Code of Professional Ethics for Certified Legal Video Services (CLVS) defines the ethical relationship the public, the bench, and the bar have a right to expect from a CLVS Member. The Code sets out the conduct of the CLVS Member when dealing with the user of video services and acquaints the user, as well as the Member, with guidelines established for professional behavior. By complying with the CLVS Code of Professional Ethics, CLVS Members maintain their profession at the highest level.

A CLVS Member must also adhere to the voluntary Principles for Professional Practice when providing legal video services as well as all local, state and federal rules and statutes.

CLVS Code Of Professional Ethics

A CLVS Member Shall:

1. Render services to all parties in a competent manner. A CLVS shall maintain the integrity of the legal video profession.

2. Perform all tasks in a professional manner, observing all laws, rules and orders of the court relating to the proceedings.

3. Refrain from performing any service under terms or conditions that will compromise, in any way, his or her impartiality or the exercise of good judgment. A CLVS shall not adversely affect the fair and impartial portrayal of the proceeding.

4. Refrain from doing anything that affects the impartiality of the CLVS.

5. Absent the consent of the parties concerned or a court order, a CLVS shall not reveal confidential information entrusted in or provided to such CLVS by any of the parties.

6. Be truthful and accurate when making public statements or when advertising the CLVS' qualifications or the services provided.

7. Determine fees independently, except when established by statute or court order, entering into no unlawful agreements with others on the fees to any user.

Refrain from giving, directly or indirectly, any gift, incentive, reward or anything of value to attorneys, clients, witnesses, insurance companies or any other person or entities associated with the litigation, or to the representatives or agents of any of the foregoing, except for (1) items that do not exceed $100 in the aggregate per recipient each year, or, (2) pro bono services as defined by the NCRA Guidelines for Professional Practice or by applicable state and local laws, rules and regulations.