---
title: How to Recertify in Your Legal Specialization Area
description: "Note: If you have previously held certification in, or taken the exam in the desired specialty area, you must link your LS Certification Record. Go to “My Certifications” to find the LS Certification"
---

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1. [Help Center](https://info.calbar.ca.gov/knowledge/en?hsLang=en)
2. [Legal Specialization](https://info.calbar.ca.gov/knowledge/en/legal-specialization?hsLang=en)

# How to Recertify in Your Legal Specialization Area

1. Log into the Applicant Portal:  
   The first step is to log into the Applicant Portal using your credentials. Do not create an account. If you need assistance, please fill out the [Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry Form](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.hsforms.com%2F1rxD0lFL6QhaRZJPYzKoXAwd62wt%3F__hstc%3D158387685.3d129a0917524901f353d0c36d610fd0.1718131935338.1725485849934.1725550929148.87%26__hssc%3D158387685.14.1725550929148%26__hsfp%3D395161345&data=05%7C02%7CJanelle.Palomares%40calbar.ca.gov%7Cfec2e087434c40ae38fd08dd5dd1d7da%7C25577ba53ebd4ec590d70e8148a8318a%7C0%7C0%7C638769878035783240%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BKQqkldFbDwbV5iSkGNEJYdz%2FnxBLanIQPmlyYxnZuY%3D&reserved=0). 
2. Navigate to View Forms:  
   Once logged in, you will land on the home page. Look for and click on the "View Forms" option. This will grant you access to various State Bar applications and forms.
3. Find the Legal Specialization Section:  
   Scroll down the page until you reach the Legal Specialization section located at the bottom. This is where you will find options for recertification in your specialty area.
4. Select Your Certified Specialty:  
   In the Legal Specialization section, locate the specialty area you are currently certified in. For example, if you are certified in Criminal Law, look for "Criminal Law Recertification" and click on it.
5. Launch Your Recertification Application:  
   Once you have selected your specialty area for recertification, you will see an option to "Launch Application." Click on this to kickstart the recertification process.
6. Complete the Application Form:  
   You will be directed to a page where you need to enter and verify various pieces of information. Click on the tabs provided on the left side of the page to fill in the necessary details for recertification. 
   
   *Note: If you have previously held certification in, or taken the exam in the desired specialty area, you must link your LS Certification Record. Go to “My Certifications” to find the LS Certification Record number. After linking your certification record, please choose the specialty area exam for which you are seeking to register for.*
7. Verify Your Information:  
   Take a moment to review all the information you have entered to ensure its accuracy. It is essential to double-check to avoid any delays in the recertification process.
8. Submit Your Application:  
   Once you have completed all the required fields and verified the information, it is time to submit your application. Click on the "submit" button located on the verification tab to finalize the process.

Communication regarding your recertification application will be sent to you via email from legal.specialization@calbar.ca.gov.

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