After 26 years in eDiscovery, I’ve come to appreciate the evolving complexity and nuance of our work. From paper productions to chat data, the tools and platforms we rely on have transformed dramatically. Yet one thing has remained constant: mastery matters.
This month, I achieved the Relativity Master designation. It’s one of the most advanced and demanding credentials in the eDiscovery space – truly – only about 300 professionals worldwide have earned it. With this addition to my bio, Proteus now proudly boasts five Relativity Masters across our Operations team because Proteus sees it as a differentiator that underscores our commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
But what does it actually mean to become a Relativity Master? What does it entail?
What is a Relativity Master?
The Relativity Master designation isn’t just a single exam. To be eligible, you must first earn the Relativity Certified Administrator (RCA) credential. Then, you must pass at least four Specialist exams, each focused on specific core areas of the Relativity ecosystem: Processing, Analytics, Project Management, Review Management, Data Management.
According to Relativity, the Master status is a "recognition of deep, cross-functional expertise in the platform". It confirms that the recipient has the technical knowledge and the judgment to apply that knowledge in complex, real-world scenarios. In short: it’s for professionals who have a deep understanding about how Relativity works and how to make it work for clients under pressure.
(Relativity’s certification paths are explained in more detail here, and their Master-level requirements are outlined here.)
Building Blocks and Backlogs
When I started down this road, I didn’t have a “Relativity Master” finish line in mind. I had initially targeted two specific specialist certifications to strengthen my own understanding and support the growing needs of my team. Eventually, I realized I was close enough to qualify and decided to go for it. So I approached it methodically.
If I had to describe the experience, I’d say it’s like assembling a structure block by block. Each certification builds upon the last. You can’t cut corners. And while you gain momentum as you go, the final push to the Master designation demands a deliberate, focused effort.
One challenge in the process that I didn’t expect was that since I no longer touch every element of Relativity daily (my team handles much of the frontline work now), I needed to reactivate that muscle memory for workflows and tools that I don’t use regularly anymore. Re-familiarizing myself with things I know deeply but don't use as often was probably the hardest part.
My Study "Hack"
One of the most effective study tools I used during my preparation wasn’t traditional, at least not yet. I created custom GPTs using ChatGPT by uploading Relativity documentation and training materials, then prompting it to generate realistic practice exams for each Specialist test.
This allowed me to simulate exam conditions with fresh sets of questions every time. I’d take the mock exam, review the key answers, revisit the documentation, then repeat the process. This cycle helped me identify weak spots and reinforced retention. In an industry increasingly influenced by AI, it was fitting to use AI to help reach the next level of mastery.
Why it All Matters
One of the reasons I pursued this designation is that specialist designations are something I actively look for when hiring for my own team. Certifications aren’t everything, but they indicate a baseline of rigor and curiosity. I’ve conducted enough interviews to know that candidates with an RCA or Specialist cert come in with a much stronger command of the platform.
But getting certified takes time, and not every organization makes that time available. Proteus does. That’s one of the things I value most about working here. The company not only encourages continued education, they provide real, tangible support: study time, testing time, certification bonuses, and encouragement from leadership.
That investment in us pays off for our clients too. Our certified staff work directly with legal teams on real-time project decisions. Our clients don’t get shuffled off to a company we outsource with or into a ticketing system, they’re talking to seasoned experts who know the platform, the pressure, and the priorities.
Pursue But Prepare
If you're thinking about pursuing a Relativity Master designation, my advice is this: break it into steps. Don’t focus on the peak of the mountain; focus on the next step in front of you. Go through each step one by one and commit to studying seriously. These are objectively difficult exams by any standard. You’ll need preparation, repetition, and perseverance.
And if you do it right, you’ll come out with a credential and a sharper, deeper command of the tools that define our industry. And if you're lucky enough to be at a company like Proteus? You’ll also have the support system you need to succeed.
