Certified Legal Manager Exam: Prep and Study Tips
Exam Expectations
Successful CLM candidates will likely tell you the key to passing the exam is structuring a study plan — and sticking to it. Here are some suggestions on how to study for the exam and what to expect for the test.
It helps to visualize the test, so we’ve got a synopsis of what to expect on exam day. The exam is based on the Content Outline of the Body of Knowledge. Consider it your blueprint for your CLM study efforts and the exam. It also provides the percentage breakdown of each section.
The exam itself includes 125 questions, 25 of which will be included on a pilot basis and will not contribute toward the examinee’s test score. Pilot items are distributed among all categories and are unidentifiable from other questions. Responses to pilot items are analyzed to determine if they qualify and are suitable for use in future exams.
The multiple-choice exam covers topics detailed in the Content of Outline of the Body of Knowledge. The practice analysis upon which this outline is based was accomplished with the assistance of an independent testing contractor, the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO).
We’ve included a few sample questions so you’ll have a sense of what's on the exam.
1. An asset placed in service today would be most commonly depreciated for U.S. federal tax reporting purposes using which of the following methods?
(a) Alternative Minimum Tax
(b) Accelerated Cost Recovery System
(c) Double Declining Balance
(d) Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System
2. According to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), when are medical examinations for potential new hires allowed?
(a) Once a job has been offered but prior to the commencement of employment
(b) Within 30 days of commencement of employment
(c) Prior to a position being offered
(d) When the employer doubts the applicant’s ability to perform
3. The term “selection procedure” as used by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) includes:
(a) Standardized tests only
(b) Interviews only
(c) Physical examinations only
(d) Any procedure used as a basis for selection decisions
ALA Study Resources
ALA is here to help you on your CLM journey. We have educational content that satisfies some of the requirements you need before the test that also builds your knowledge base for the actual exam. You can get all the credits and education you need to apply or recertify for the CLM through ALA HQ, many chapters or other CLM-Approved Providers.
The Study Guide for the CLM Exam: Practice Questions, Preparation and Reviews was designed to help you prepare effectively to earn your CLM credential. It’s the most comprehensive resource in your study toolkit. It presents comprehensive information relating to the four functional areas covered in the exam, along with review questions and a 100-item practice exam. (Though written in 2018, it remains relevant. An update to it is underway.) Purchase the Study Guide here.
The CLM Webinar Bundle includes 10 on-demand recordings to help you prepare for the CLM exam. It includes materials that meet all five of the Management Skill Categories.
Interactive Learning: We surveyed CLMs to find the most challenging topics in each of the subject areas: Finance, Human Resources, Legal Industry/Business Management and Operations. The result of that feedback is these interactive supplemental e-learning modules that focus on the topics CLMs told us they needed more assistance with. Plus, every course comes with at least 1 hour of CLM credit:
Additional CLM Exam Study Resources
Last updated August 2025
Disclaimer: The following list of study resources is provided solely for illustrative purposes. These materials are not endorsed or recommended by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and should not be interpreted as required or suggested reading for the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® exam preparation.
CLM Applicants are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research to identify study materials that best suit their individual learning styles and professional backgrounds.
Recommendations for suggested additions to this list can be sent to [email protected]. All recommendations will be considered in accordance with ALA’s Editorial Policy.
CCH U.S. Master Tax Guide, Wolters Kluwer and US Editorial Staff
The ABA Cybersecurity Handbook, Jill D. Rhodes and Robert S. Litt
Accounting Principles, Jerry J. Weygandt, Paul D. Kimmel and Donald E. Kieso
The Complete Guide to Designing Your Law Office, Suzette Schultz and Jon Schultz
Designing Conflict Management Systems, Cathy A. Costantino and Christina Sickles Merchant
An Experiential Approach to Organization Development, Donald R. Brown
Financial Accounting: Information for Decisions, John J. Wild
Financial & Managerial Accounting, Carl S. Warren
Law Firm Accounting and Financial Management, John P. Quinn
Human Resource Management, Robert L. Mathis
Legal Malpractice: The Law Office Guide to Purchasing Legal Malpractice Insurance, Ronald E. Mallen
Managing Today!, Stephen P. Robbins
Negotiate the Best Lease for Your Business, 2nd edition, Janet Potman and Fred S. Steingold
Organization Development Basics, Lisa Haneberg
Organizational Behavior, John R. Schermerhorn, Jr., James G. Hunt and Richard N. Osborn
Principles of Management, Tripathi PC, PN Reddy and Asish Bajpai
Records Management in the Legal Environment: A Handbook of Practice and Procedure, Jean Barr, Beth Chiaiese and Lee R. Nemchek
Results Oriented Financial Management: A Step-by-Step Guide to Law Firm Profitability, John G. Lezzi
True Professionalism, David H. Maister
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
The Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov
Black's Law Dictionary | Thomson Reuters
Building Owners and Management Association International
Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) | U.S. Department of Labor
Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry | Office of Justice Programs
Family and Medical Leave Act | U.S. Department of Labor
Employment Eligibility Verification | USCIS
ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
NetMBA Business Knowledge Center
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
USERRA - Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act | U.S. Department of Labor
Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor
Please report broken links to [email protected].
The following chapters have reported that a CLM study group is offered at the local level:
All CLM study groups are independently organized by individual chapters and may be accessible only to chapter members. For further details, please contact the chapter directly.
Do we need to add your chapter to this list? Contact [email protected].
Still Have Questions About the CLM Exam?
We’re here to help you navigate your CLM journey. Email us at [email protected].
Helpful Links
Hear from Current CLMs About How Test Questions Are Developed
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