How do I apply?

You must submit the short form application and exam registration form to be eligible to take the CELA exam. Short form applications are valid for two (2) years. The long form application may be submitted before or after passing the CELA exam. All applications must be received by NELF by the deadline on the application. Please be sure to read all the information included in the handbook, the NELF Rules and Regulations and follow the instructions on the applications carefully.

Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, all applications and other information submitted to NELF as part of this certification process shall be privileged and confidential. NELF, as authorized by its rules, may reveal that an application has been submitted for the purposes of verifying information.

When and where is the exam given?
The CELA exam is given twice a year, once in March and again in September. The exam is proctored at CELA® attorney offices or via remote proctor. Please visit the NELF website, www.nelf.org to view the current list of CELAs in your area. On the exam registration form note your top two choices for proctor so the NELF staff may coordinate a location for you.

How are reasonable accommodations made?
If you have a disability and require special accommodations please submit a letter, along with any supportive documentation, to the NELF Standards Committee at least 45 (forty-five) days prior to the date of the examination for which you are registering.

What is the format of the exam?
The exam is a five and a half-hour exam consisting of 300 points - 1 point per minute. There are usually several short and long essay questions (10 to 40 points) and multiple-choice questions. The point value of each question will be clearly identified. 

The examination is scheduled to begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. local time. We ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow enough time for you to check in and locate your seat. Late arrivals cannot be admitted to take the exam.
Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. – 3.30 p.m.

Expect the first five core areas to be covered in each exam, typically by one or more essay questions and multiple-choice questions. Coverage of the remaining areas will be less intense. To pass the exam you need a total of 210 points.

• Core Area 1: Health and Personal Care Planning
• Core Area 2: Pre-Mortem Legal Planning
• Core Area 3: Fiduciary Representation
• Core Area 4: Legal Capacity Counseling
• Core Area 5: Public Benefits Advice
• Core Area: 6 Special Needs Counseling
• Non-Core Area 7: Advice on Insurance Matters
• Non-Core Area 8: Resident Rights Advocacy
• Non-Core Area 9: Housing Counseling
• Non-Core Area 10: Employment and Retirement Advice
• Non-Core Area 11: Counseling
• Non-Core Area 12: Litigation and Administrative Advocacy