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Texas Justice Court Training Center

Learn about the Exams

Level 1 Clerk Certification Exam

This exam is designed to test a justice court clerk's courtroom knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to specific situations/cases. Clerks taking the Clerk Certification Exam will have the opportunity to select between the criminal or civil exam. Participants only need to pass one type of the Clerk Certification Exam in order to become a Certified Clerk. Additionally, participants only need to pass one type of Clerk Certification Exam to qualify to take the Master Certification exam.

Master Clerk Certification Exam

Master Clerk Certification distinguishes clerks who are well-rounded and experienced in both substantive and procedural law (civil and criminal). Master Clerks are able to utilize their thorough knowledge of laws, resources, and ethical guidelines applicable to the justice court to assist justices of the peace and instruct new justice court clerks.

Expand FAQ List

  • Exam Information

    • TJCTC charges a $25.00 administration fee for court personnel to take the exam, payable by credit card, check, or money order. 

    • There are 2 options to take the exam 

      Online Exams (recommended): Registration opens July 24th and closes August 14th. The actual exam can be scheduled between August 1st to August 30th. 

      The online exam allows you to take your test from anywhere. To take the test, you will need a computer with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection (note that most laptops have camera and microphones built in). You will also need to be able to download a software program onto the computer for the exam (step-by-step instructions will be provided). 

      In-Person at TJCTC's Office

      You can schedule to take the exam at TJCTC's office in Austin. Email Darby at d_s520@txstate.edu. 

      For more information on any of these formats, visit the Register for an Exam page. 

    • Level 1 Civil Exam

      Participants are allowed 60 minutes to complete the exam.

      The Level 1 Civil exam consists of:

      • 40 questions that are each worth one point and will be multiple choice or true/false.
      • 2 questions that each have five items to match with their correct definitions. These two questions are worth five points each.

      Level 1 Criminal Exam

      Participants are allowed 60 minutes to complete the exam. 

      The Level 1 Criminal exam consists of:

      • 35 questions that are each worth one point and will be multiple choice or true/false.
      • 3 questions that each have five items to match with their correct definitions. These three questions are worth five points each.

      Master Exam 

      Participants are allowed 75 minutes to complete the exam.

      The Master exam consists of:

      • 80 questions that are multiple choice, true/false, or fill in the blank.

      For detailed test prep information and examples of questions, please view our Study Guide modules. 

    • A participant must wait 30 days after the date of the prior exam before retaking a Clerk Certification Exam or Master Clerk Certification Exam. 

    • Successful participants will receive a certificate from TJCTC through TJCTC's database. You will be able to email and/or print this certificate. 

    • All three exams are semi-open book. 

      Each exam will have certain materials you can use to take the exam. (For example, deskbooks and helpful charts.) You cannot use additional materials. 

      Online Exams

      • For online exams, when you access the software, you will be provided with a selection of pdfs you can download and use. You cannot use additional materials or take out your cell phone. 

      In-person Exams

      • For in-person exams, you will be using a pencil and paper to answer test questions, but you will need a way to access the pre-approved list of open book materials. We recommend bringing a laptop and/or tablet. Cell phones are not allowed. You can print the documents, but it is alot of pages and you will not be able to search the documents.