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Legal researchers looking to further their careers, stand out in a sea of candidates, and impress hiring managers should consider earning a LexisNexis Certificate.
As one of the most used resources for fact-checking research, LexisNexis is one of the leading global providers of legal information.
By earning a LexisNexis certificate, you will gain insights into the most extensive use of the database and the quickest ways to find information.
Becoming a master of the software will help improve your career and make you more marketable for future positions.
Understanding the certificate and how long it takes to complete is important.
Keep reading to learn more!
How to Earn the LexisNexis Certificate
These are the general steps to earn a LexisNexis Certificate:
Step One: Determine the Type of Certificate
The first step is to determine the type of LexisNexis certification you wish to earn.
There are three main options available:
- Lexis+ – This certificate is the most commonly earned of all options. The program focuses on utilizing the Lexis+ platform and its unique functions to strengthen legal research skills.
- Estimated Completion Time: Varies, each session is detailed and may require additional time for review and assessment
- LexisNexis Prepare to Practice – The Prepare to Practice program focuses on helping law students improve their practical legal research skills, including using the latest Lexis+ AI software.
- Estimated Completion Time: Varies, each session is detailed and may require additional time for review and assessment
- LexisNexis Certification for Paralegal Students – This certification was created for paralegal students to improve their online legal research skills using Lexis Advance and Lexis.com.
- Estimated Completion Time: Varies based on the program’s integration into the curriculum.
- LexCanLearn Legal Research Certification (LexisNexis Canada) – Comprises 6 on-demand modules, each lasting approximately 8-16 minutes, totaling about 1 hour of content.
- Estimated Completion Time: Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on your pace.
| Certification Program | Estimated Completion Time | Certificate Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Lexis+® Certification Program | Varies per session | Upon assessment completion |
| LexisNexis Legal Research Certificate (Penn Foster) | 4–5 months | Upon program completion |
| Research Proficiency & Practice Ready Certifications | Varies (semester-based) | Added to national registry |
| LexCanLearn Legal Research Certification | 1–2 hours | Immediate via email |
Step Two: Find an Accredited Program
Once you have established the certification you want to pursue, you must search for accredited programs.
Numerous schools offer the certificate, with the two best being:
- LexisNexis University
- Penn Foster – LexisNexis Legal Research Certificate
Step Three: Enroll in the Program
Once you find a program that meets your academic needs, you must enroll.
Since both schools offer online programs, you simply need to follow each learning institute’s process of enrollment, payment, and receiving the materials.
Since both are self-paced, online programs, you can start at any time.
Step Four: Complete All Training Modules
The certification program for all schools has different modules that cover the various aspects of the LexisNexis platform and how to properly conduct legal research.
Most coursework includes quizzes, videos, and interactive exercises.
The final step after completing all modules is to pass the final exam, which demonstrates your understanding of all the material since the start of the program.
Before you attempt the final assessment, ensure you conduct a thorough review of all information.
Step Five: Receive Your Certification
Once you have passed the final exam and completed all requirements, you will receive your LexisNexis certificate.
At this point, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile and resume to highlight your mastery of legal research.
Schools
Program: LexisNexis® Legal Research Certificate
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Earn a certificate in as little as 4 months*
- Learn to navigate Lexis.com, find legal sources, and verify citations.
- Learn to find, profile, and investigate individuals and businesses.
- Learn to understand library call numbers and classification systems.
- Learn to perform financial and business research.
1 LexisNexis University
LexisNexis University is the most common choice since it offers the certificate.
They offer a product-based training program that prepares law students and legal professionals to earn their legal research expert certifications.
Students will learn about primary law, litigation analytics, practical guidance, secondary sources, and legal research using Lexis+.
Contact Information
- Address: 1801 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC
- Phone: 800-543-6862
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Penn Foster
Another option is Penn Foster’s LexisNexis Legal Research certificate, which was developed for journalists and legal professionals.
The program covers using legal resources, information literacy, ethical research practices, how to analyze legal documents, and computer-assisted legal research.
Both programs are offered entirely online, giving students the ultimate flexibility.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 570-961-4033
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | LexisNexis University |
| #2 | Penn Foster |
Key Takeaways
Earning a LexisNexis research certification is a great way to showcase your commitment to performing fact-checked, accurate, and efficient legal research.
Earning the certificate requires a few steps, including:
- Determining the type of certificate you want to earn.
- Finding, enrolling in, and completing a program.
- Receiving your certification.
The time commitment ranges based on the program, certification, and instruction method, and the cost can range from free to $400.
The certification is beneficial for attorneys, paralegals, law students, other legal professionals, and law enforcement.
Although holding a LexisNexis certification is not typically required by employers, those who take the time and put in the effort to earn this achievement can greatly improve their careers and skills as they easily navigate one of the most popular legal research tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn the certificate?
The timeframe to complete the certificate varies based on the instruction method and course type.
For instance, students enrolled in a self-study program who skip the LexisNexis training and online instruction can earn the certificate as soon as they pass the exam.
This could require months of studying, which is what the programs offer.
Those who opt for the more formal LexisNexis training can expect to complete the program in a few weeks up to six months, depending on the speed at which they complete each module and pass the examination.
How much does an online LexisNexis certification cost?
As with the length of time to complete, the cost of earning the online certification varies based on multiple factors.
For instance, professionals like judges and attorneys might be subjected to the full cost, which is around $400 per certification.
Qualifying paralegals and law students might be able to earn the certification at no cost since many law firms and law schools subscribe to the service on behalf of their legal support teams and students.
Is it beneficial for law enforcement personnel to become LexisNexis certified?
Yes, the software isn’t solely for attorneys, paralegals, and students.
Law enforcement personnel, like detectives and private investigators, can utilize the database to look at updated photos and information about an individual or business.
Certification will help maximize searches and the software’s potential.
Can the certification be earned entirely online?
One of the best aspects of this certification is that it can be earned entirely online, from start to finish, regardless of the school and program you select.
All online training programs include either asynchronous or synchronous instruction, utilizing distance-based instructors and learning materials.
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