Do you have an eye for detail and an interest in turning your videography skills into an asset for your professional advancement? Consider leveling up to a career as a Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS). This unique field offers the chance to use your expertise with cameras, mixers, and lighting to play a crucial role in preserving the legal record.
Registration for the CLVS Production Exam opens on September 15. The exam, being held Nov. 13-15 at NCRA headquarters in Reston, Va., is a crucial step in earning a certification that demonstrates your expertise in all aspects of legal videography — from capturing court proceedings to producing accurate and timely video products.
During the Production Exam, candidates will run the show at a staged deposition and be graded on their ability to follow video deposition guidelines and to produce a usable, high-quality video of the deposition.
Candidates who attend a November exam date may also register for the optional Hands-on Training that is held in conjunction with the Production Exam. This interactive session will take place Thursday afternoon, Nov. 13. Candidates are strongly encouraged to take this training offered prior to the Production Exam. During the Hands-on Training, CLVS candidates have the opportunity to participate in a mock deposition and gain valuable experience with a camera similar to the one they will use during their test.
Prior to taking the November Production Exam, candidates must have taken the mandatory CLVS Certification Education which is available online through the NCRA Learning Center.
Important dates:
- Registration: Sept. 15-Oct. 31
- Hands-on Training: Nov. 13 – afternoon
- Production Exam: Nov. 14-15
Is the CLVS Certification a good fit for me?
Strong candidates have some background or experience in videography. The course is not designed to teach videography from the ground up. The CLVS program is designed to teach an overview of capturing the legal video record.
Possible previous experience or areas of expertise:
Video camera familiarity – can operate, adjust lens, light balance, etc.
Familiarity with lighting – white balance, lighting options
Familiarity with mixers/mics
Interest in preserving the legal video record
Experience with video files
Familiar with basic legal process
A third step in the CLVS credentialing process is to take and pass the CLVS Written Knowledge Test (WKT). Candidates for the WKT are required to complete the mandatory CLVS Certification Education online first, as questions on the exam are developed from the educational materials provided. Registration for the next WKT testing period is currently open through Sept. 30 for testing in October. Additional testing dates and information can be found here.
The CLVS Production Exam and Hands-on Training are administered twice a year, in spring and fall. The cost of the exam is $325 for NCRA members and $425 for nonmembers. The cost of the optional Hands-On Training is $200 for NCRA members and $300 for nonmembers. For cost and registration information for the CLVS Mandatory Certification Workshop and the CLVS WKT, visit NCRA.org/CLVS.
NCRA members who hold another credential, such as the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), can earn 0.25 PDC each after passing the CLVS Written Knowledge Test and the CLVS Production Exam.
Please visit NCRA.org/CLVS for additional information. If you have any questions, email clvs@ncra.org.
