Eligibility

Requirements

To be eligible to sit for the CEDS Examination, you must

1. Document at least 40 qualifying credits in e-discovery and closely related fields based on education, training, professional certifications and professional certification in the field
2. Provide two professional references
3. Submit a completed application with supporting documentation and the examination fee

The following table explains the credit system ACEDS utilizes to determine eligibility to sit for the certification examination.
 
1.      Professional Experience  (Maximum 20 credits allowed)
 
Calculate the percentage of time you spent on e-discovery and related activities in the three (3) consecutive years prior to submission of the CEDS application. Multiply this percentage by 20 credits. (% Time Spent on E-Discovery x 20)
 
2.       Education  (Maximum 15 credits allowed)
 
Supporting documentation must accompany your application. Choose only one degree as these
are not cumulative.

A.     High school or GED equivalent                                                       5 Credits                                                                                       
B.     Associate degree or equivalent                                                        7 Credits
 
C.     Bachelor’s degree or equivalent                                                     10 Credits
 
D.     Post-graduate or Juris Doctor degree                                             15 Credits
                                                                                                  
 
3.       Training (Maximum 25 credits allowed)
 
Supporting documentation must accompany your application.

A.  One (1) credit is equivalent to 60 minutes of continuous training at one event.

B.  Covers e-discovery and related in-house, external, live or online training within the past three (3) consecutive years prior to submission of the CEDS application.
     
C.  Five (5) credits are allowed for each professional certification that is related or relevant to e-discovery, subject to a maximum of two (2) certifications allowed. (Examples of recognized certifications are: Membership by a lawyer in a state bar association, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Records Manager (CRM), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Paralegal (CP), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)).

CEDS Examination Candidate Handbook

In keeping with the rapidly evolving electronic environment, CEDS certification expires after two years. To renew, a CEDS member must either earn a minimum of 40 CEDS “continuing education” credits or retake the certification examination. The CEDS Recertification Handbook includes complete information about renewal eligibility and recertification.