Online sessions begin April 29, 2024. ENROLL NOW! Call 1-800-522-7737, email [email protected] or click here to contact us.

Online sessions begin April 29, 2024. ENROLL NOW! Call 1-800-522-7737, email [email protected] or click here to contact us.

Take the first step:
Victim Advocacy Certificate Course

Our nation’s state courts see more than 100 million cases of victimization each year, and crime can have a devastating impact on those involved. Helping others as a victim advocate is a very rewarding career – we can help you get started.

Are you ready to enroll?

The Victim Advocacy Certificate Course meets the training needs of busy professionals who are interested in assisting crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery.

Request more information

A rewarding career

Victim advocates provide invaluable legal services, including advocating for victims’ rights and guardianship, reviewing related legislation, crisis intervention, and counseling victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, child abuse and other crimes. Instruction from CLS relates to a broad range of topics, including those areas of law in which victim advocates are most in-demand.

As a trained crime victim advocate, you may work with:

  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Crisis centers
  • Crisis hotlines
  • State and county government agencies

Upon graduation from the course, you will be eligible for the Provisional Credential through the National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP) in affiliation with the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). Your prior experience in the field may also qualify you for the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Credential through the NACP.

How it works:
Our partner schools

We offer legal studies courses in partnership with over 150 accredited colleges and universities nationwide. The curriculums are updated by CLS to remain current and on pace with the newest trends in the legal industry, and are available in a variety of formats to serve every type of learner.

You are invited to join us:
Wednesday, December 16 8pm CT

  • Learn more about the Victim Advocacy Training Course
  • Career growth and earning potential
  • Our accredited college and university partners
  • Course pricing and payment options
  • Course materials and textbooks
  • Instructor and peer/student interactions
  • How the online course works

View our recorded webinar

Learn about the coursework, learning outcomes and
answers to frequently asked questions

Victim Advocacy Training Course Webinar — This session was recorded on November 18, 2020 and mentions a January 11 start date. Our courses are always open for enrollment and start every 8 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a High School Diploma or GED to take CLS courses?

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Do I have to be a paralegal or law student to take CLS courses or buy course materials?

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Is the Paralegal Certificate Course© offered by The Center for Legal Studies approved by the American Bar Association?

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Our partner schools

We work with over 150 accredited colleges and
universities across the country to issue our certificates.

Select your school of choice at enrollment.

I had a great experience with CLS. Well-organized content, accessible instructors, engaging coursework. Overall a great experience.

— Adam S.

CLS allowed me to get my certificate from the comfort of my own home and I loved that I could choose which main university the certificate would be coming from as well. Thank you for the positive experience!

— Anna I.

I was very impressed with the course content, knowledge and availability of the professor and pace of the course. Definitely recommend CLS!

— Jodi B.

The feedback from the online instructors and the CLS administrative staff was excellent! This was one of the most important factors for me since it is an online program. The online element of the CLS program is convenient, efficient and, to an certain extent, personalized to fit anyone’s particular needs.

— Josh M.

I enjoyed the CLS program because it was flexible, practical, and educational. All objectives were clearly laid out each week and I learned so much from all the reading and assignments. You work hard for your grades and it definitely pays off.

— Melanie R.

The online courses are great and convenient. They are perfect for someone working part or full-time.

— Brian H.