Just how hard is the CLA exam?  Do people normally pass it the first time? The CLA exam is definitely not an easy exam!  The hardest parts seem to be the judgment/analytic section and the communication (grammar, punctuation) section.  The Challenge Units are designed to give students practice in those skills, and the CLA review class give even more practice.  In order to pass, a legal assistant must successfully complete all five sections of the CLA examination. Approximately 40% of the examinees pass all sections on the first sitting; over 60% of the examinees pass four or more sections of the examination on the first sitting. Preparation is definitely the key!! Note:  An individual is permited to resit for all or parts of the exam five times within a time period of three years.