Like many professionals in eDiscovery, I believe that staying current and credible in this field requires more than just experience – it demands continuous learning, development, and validation. That’s why I set my sights on earning arguably the top eDiscovery certification available, the Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) credential from ACEDS last year.
Spoiler alert: I passed. But getting there wasn’t without its challenges, so I wanted to share a few reflections and practical tips that might help others prepare for the exam and make the most of the journey – especially service providers and/or Project Managers such as myself.
What is the CEDS Certification?
If you work anywhere near eDiscovery, you’re probably familiar with the professional association ACEDS. Their CEDS certification is a globally recognized certification that validates your expertise across the eDiscovery lifecycle – from legal hold and preservation to review, analysis, and production. It’s especially valuable for those of us supporting litigation from the services side, because it ensures we’re speaking the same language as in-house legal teams and outside counsel.
Practical Advice: How I Prepared (and What Helped the Most)
1. Go Old School: Find a Study Buddy
One of the best decisions I made was teaming up with a co-worker who was also preparing for the CEDS exam. We shared flashcards, discussed tricky concepts, and held each other accountable. Studying solo can be isolating, especially with a demanding work and life schedule, but having a partner made the process more collaborative and motivating.
2. Be Realistic: Find a Study Schedule that Works for Your Life
Like most people, I don’t exactly have hours of free time each day, but I found that committing to a chapter a week was a manageable pace. Whether you’re more of a 30-minute-a-day person or prefer weekend deep dives, consistency is key. This also goes back to accountability and being able to work at a sustainable pace.
3. Make Flashcards (Yes, Really)
Actual paper flashcards helped me memorize definitions, workflows, and key regulations. That tactile review method really stuck with me, and I was able to carry the cards around to squeeze in extra training during short breaks or commutes. Of course, digital apps work too – whatever keeps the content fresh and accessible.
4. Practice Tests are Your Friend
Taking full-length practice exams helped me get comfortable with the format and identify weak spots early. I made it a point to revisit questions I missed, ensuring I truly understood the reasoning behind each correct answer.
5. Set a Firm Exam Date
This might be the most important piece of advice: register for the exam early. Having a hard deadline on the calendar keeps the pressure (and your momentum) up. Without that (you guessed it!) accountability, it’s easy for study time to slide down the priority list.
Why it Matters: Beyond the Resume
For me, CEDS wasn’t just about adding a line to LinkedIn. It was about affirming my commitment to the profession and giving my clients and colleagues confidence that I understand the nuances of what we’re doing.
From negotiating productions to managing complex review workflows in RelativityOne or Everlaw, the knowledge I gained through the CEDS process continues to inform my day-to-day work. And in a field that’s constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and case law, it’s more important than ever to stay grounded in best practices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering taking the plunge, I’ll say this: it’s absolutely worth it.
Yes, it takes time and discipline. But the payoff is more than just a credential, it’s the confidence and credibility to lead discovery projects with authority. And if you’re part of a legal services team like mine, it’s one more way to sharpen your edge.