At this point, you’re well aware of the benefits of eDiscovery certifications and training, and you’re ready to move forward with a program.
There’s just one thing left to do: find one that fits your needs.
To help you choose an eDiscovery certification, let’s explore some of the options that are available and what you need to do to get started.
How Do I Become a Certified eDiscovery Specialist?
Unfortunately, most law schools still lack formal courses in eDiscovery certifications and training. This, in turn, forces legal professionals to pursue alternative methods to become experts in eDiscovery.
At present, there’s no standard certification required for getting work in a law firm or handling civil court cases. In fact, most lawyers get eDiscovery training through a variety of sources. After that, they piece together a strategy that makes sense for them.
With this in mind, here are some common ways to get certified in eDiscovery:
Attend Conferences and Seminars
One of the best ways to receive training and acquire knowledge about eDiscovery is to attend seminars.
In the coming months, there are a variety of eDiscovery seminars lined up. What’s more, in response to the pandemic, many of these are virtual — which should make it easier to find an event to attend.
For example, one monthly event you should look into is the Legalweek Virtual Series. In fact, meeting once a month is a great way to keep eDiscovery best practices top of mind.
View Online Presentations and Courses
You can learn a lot about eDiscovery online, at your leisure. An abundance of online training materials for eDiscovery certifications exist. These range from webinars and training videos to Udemy courses.
Explore eDiscovery Courses from Legal Associations
One of the best ways to achieve eDiscovery certifications and training is to go through an independent legal association. One example is the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS).
By working with an independent trade association, you can receive robust training and unbiased education that covers a broad range of topics.
Also, associations such as ACEDS offer training programs that come with special certificates you can use to demonstrate proficiency in eDiscovery. Joining a group like ACEDS is an easy way to prove to the world you know the ins and outs of eDiscovery.
After you’ve looked at legal associations, consider what schools can do for you in this area.
Colleges and Universities
These days, a growing number of law schools are offering courses and training programs for eDiscovery. However, most schools are still behind in their offerings, though this is changing due to surging demand in the space.
If your school doesn’t offer a formal eDiscovery program, consider casting a wider net. Look for virtual offerings from colleges and universities.
eDiscovery Providers
Some eDiscovery software and service providers now offer eDiscovery certifications and training programs. It’s a way to help customers streamline workflows and improve their overall knowledge of the eDiscovery process.
Are you working with an eDiscovery vendor? If so, see if they offer any training programs. This is a great way to maximize your investment in your eDiscovery platform.
Top eDiscovery Certification Programs for 2021
Let’s look at some specific eDiscovery certifications you should consider
1. Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS)
As mentioned previously, ACEDS has emerged as one of the leading trade associations in the eDiscovery industry. This organization provides a variety of comprehensive learning certification options for legal professionals.
ACEDS offers the Certified eDiscovery Specialist Certification (CEDS). It has 145 four-item multiple-choice questions. You can take the exam year-round from more than 1,100 ACEDS-Kryterion testing facilities.
In addition, ACEDS offers the eDiscovery Executive Certificate (eDEx) This comes with interactive online training, a lecture series, a digital badge, and a certificate of completion. As a bonus, you can also get a one-year membership to ACEDS.
Recently, ACEDS also added the new eDiscovery Technology Certificate (eDTech), which allows you to get hands-on experience with 9 of the top eDiscovery platforms, including VenioOne. You may purchase the eDTech certification separately or bundle it with the eDEx certification. The eDTech certification provides you with interactive online training in the 9 different eDiscovery platforms, a digital badge, and a certificate of completion.
2. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law offers a renowned eDiscovery Professional Certificate Program for lawyers and litigation support.
Completion of this American Bar Association-accredited course comes with a digital badge that you can use on social media or your website.
This is a self-paced learning program. Completion requires a passing grade of 70% or higher. The curriculum contains 12 modules, ranging from the evolution of eDiscovery technology, management, and operations to cybersecurity in legal practice.
3. Arkfield eDiscovery Education Center (EDEC)
Arkfield eDiscovery Education Center offers a variety of courses based on Arkfield publications.
You’ll learn alongside instructor Michael Arkfeld, an eDiscovery expert with 20 years of teaching and litigation experience.
These courses are self-paced. They come through a subscription-based model, and you can complete them from any location. Professional certifications are available, and completion results in a digital badge. You can also get continuing legal education (CLE) credit for taking these courses.
4. Thomson Reuters eDiscovery Point Certification Program
Thomson Reuters offers eDiscovery Point certification. This program aims to help participants become more efficient in handling eDiscovery matters and understanding cost drivers.
This course can help with budget management, career advancement, field knowledge, and efficiency maximization. The program awards certification for administrators and reviewers.
To complete it, you’ll need to participate in a series of webinar courses, then pass exams.
5. UC San Diego Extension’s eDiscovery and Litigation Technology Online Certificate Program
UC San Diego Extension now offers a certificate program foreDiscovery and litigation technology as an interactive online program.
This is a six-month course designed to teach all aspects of eDiscovery, from working with clients to identifying key documents for use in court. Completing this program earns you 40 hours of MCLE credit.
6. Advanced eDiscovery Certificate Program
The Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School and the Electronic Discovery Institute (EDI) are joining forces and launching a new eDiscovery certificate program.
This is an 11-course program designed to offer professionals and students an opportunity to further their knowledge and expertise of eDiscovery. At the same time, students will also learn practical ways to master various technologies and processes.
Finally, let’s include one more option to round out the list:
7. Venio Systems
Venio Systems offers the VenioOne Certified Administrator eDiscovery Certification program.
This program provides three days of intensive training for the Venio platform. It ends with a comprehensive exam.
Completing this program makes you a VenioOne Certified Administrator. That means you’re capable of understanding the capabilities of Venio and applying them throughout various eDiscovery processes.
To participate, you need at least three months of experience using the VenioOne Desktop Console and VenioOne Web. In addition, you need one year or more of on-the-job eDiscovery workflow experience. And you’re also required to have participated in at least one VenioOne Certified Administrator workshop.
Where Will eDiscovery Training Take You?
Taking part in an eDiscovery training session can provide a world of benefits. In effect, you can be a subject matter expert and certified professional in a critical emerging field.
By participating in eDiscovery training and achieving certifications, you’ll bring more value to your role. At the same time, you’ll help your company win more court cases and serve clients better.
You Have Many Options
Keep in mind that training doesn’t have to be exclusive. Certainly, you can take one eDiscovery course or many at a time.
Either way, embrace a continuous learning model and incorporate training and education into your routine. The more you learn, the better off you’ll be — and the faster you’ll master the field of eDiscovery.
Contact us to find out more.
This post was written by Justin Reynolds. Justin is a freelance writer who enjoys telling stories about how technology, science, and creativity can help workers be more productive. In his spare time, he likes seeing or playing live music, hiking, and traveling.
