AAML National Exam

Welcome to the National Examination for Admission as a Fellow to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Exam Overview

All applicants are required to take the AAML National Exam, except applicants from Arizona, California, North Carolina and Texas.  Applicants from those states will be required to provide proof of certification as part of their application.

The exam is offered six times a year on the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 6
  • Saturday, April 11
  • Saturday, June 6
  • Saturday, August 1
  • Saturday, October 3
  • Saturday, December 5

Some AAML State Chapters require a Chapter Exam. If your Chapter requires this exam, you will be notified by the National office.

Study Materials

Although there are no official study materials, the following is a list of suggested resources for each of the tested areas. This list is in no way exhaustive and is only meant to assist you in preparing for the AAML National Exam. Please note that many questions are based on an experienced attorney’s general knowledge of the subject matter.

Download Study Materials

Exam Format & Content Outline

The exam will be taken virtually through Examplify, a remote proctoring application. The exam will begin at 2:00 PM ET and end at 4:30 PM ET (2.5 hours total).

The test contains 160 questions on the following topics:

  • Bankruptcy (10 questions)
  • Business Valuation (25 questions)
  • COBRA, Social Security, Medicare (10 questions)
  • Custody Evaluation Standards (5 questions)
  • Ethics (15 questions)
  • Evidence (10 questions)
  • Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (5 questions)
  • Pensions (10 questions)
  • Standards of Conduct pursuant to the Bounds of Advocacy (15 questions)
  • Taxes (25 questions)
  • UCCJEA or UCCJA (depending on which statute your jurisdiction follows – 20 questions)
  • UIFSA (10 questions)

Please take the following steps to prepare for the National Exam. The instructions will ensure that your account is active in ExamSoft and your device meets the minimum requirements to launch Examplify.

Download Instructions

Activate Your ExamSoft Account

First, you must activate your account using the ExamSoft portal.

  1. AAML will send you an email invitation to activate your ExamSoft account through ExamSoft. This email is from noreply@examsoft.com.
    1. It may be filtered into your spam folder.
    2. Open this invitation on a computer, not a cell phone.
  2. The invitation email prompts you to create a personal account password.
  3. Once logged in, you should also see the exam you are scheduled to take in addition to the mock exam.

After your account is activated, you will be prompted to download Examplify. All tasks related to completing the exam will occur within the Examplify application, not on the ExamSoft website.

Download Examplify

To prepare to take exams on your device, you must download, install, and register Examplify. You will need:

  • A secure internet connection
  • The device that you will use to take the Exam.  We strongly recommend that you use a computer.
    • Important: You can’t download assessments on multiple devices. Install Examplify on the device that you’ll use to take your assessments.
  • IMPORTANT! To ensure that your device meets the minimum requirements, see Examplify Minimum System Requirements
    • To ensure the integrity of the Exam, AAML National Exam utilizes ExamID and ExamMonitor features of Examplify which require your device to have a working webcam and microphone.
      • ExamID is the software that will authenticate your identity by using your camera at the start of the exam.
      • ExamMonitor is the software that will proctor your exam using your screen recorder, camera, and microphone throughout the exam.
  • Your institution’s ExamSoft ID: American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
  • Your ExamSoft credentials (see section above)

Download Instructions

  1. Using Chrome or Firefox, go to: https://examsoft.com
  2. Select Exam-Taker (at the top of the page).
  3. Enter AAML into the Institution field, and then select it from the dropdown menu when it appears.
  4. Select the Continue button.
  5. Select the ExamSoft User Portal Login button.
  6. Enter your login credentials.
  7. Select the Download button.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to download the installer file.
  8. Go to the Downloads folder on your device and run the installer file.
  9. Start Examplify.
  10. On the Add New Account page, enter AAML and select Next.
  11. Enter your login credentials.

Prior to taking the National Exam, you will need to complete the Mock Exam. The Mock Exam aims to familiarize you with how to take an exam in Exampilfy and how to use the tools available to. The Mock Exam should be completed no later than one week prior to your exam testing date.

  1. Before you begin your exam:
    • Select a well-lit, quiet, distraction-free space to take your mock exam.
    • If your device has antivirus software, please disable it at the start of every exam. You can re-enable it after you finish the exam. How to Disable Antivirus.
  2. Locate the Examplify application and launch the application.
  3. In the field Add New Account, begin typing “AAML” and then select it from the dropdown menu. Click the green Next Use the username and password created in the instructions above to log in.
  4. You may now download the exams available by selecting from the “Ready for Download” list within the left-hand menu. Download the Mock Exam.
  5. During the mock exam, you will be introduced to how to take an exam in Examplify and the tools available to you, including:
  6. When you’ve completed the exam and clicked Submit, you’ll see an upload screen with checkboxes; green check marks should appear as the answer file uploads.

Exam-takers should follow these ExamMonitor guidelines for a smooth and successful assessment experience.

  • Take the exam in a well-lit room with front-facing lighting so that your face can be clearly seen
  • Ensure you are in a distraction-free environment
  • Make sure your webcam lens is clear and free of dirt or debris
  • Remain seated for the entire exam
  • Keep your eyes on the screen
  • Stay quiet throughout the exam
  • Keep your laptop active (not in sleep mode or with lid closed) throughout the exam

To prevent being flagged for unusual behavior, exam-takers should avoid this list of “suspicious activities” the system may report:

  • No Speaking, Background Noise, or Other People in the Room
    Do not talk, read out loud, or have any devices turned on in the background (e.g., TV, radio, music, etc.). No one else should be in the room with you during the exam.
  • No Unusual or Excessive Movement
    The system monitors your baseline movement patterns. Avoid any unnecessary or excessive movement and gestures.
  • No Leaving the View of the Camera
    Do not move from your seat or leave the view of the device’s camera. Do not attempt to block the view of the camera.
  • No Unauthorized Materials
    External resources are strictly prohibited during an exam. Looking away from the screen to read anything or write notes will be flagged as an anomaly.
  • No Using External Devices
    Turn off all external devices before an exam. No mobile phones, tablets, or other electronics are permitted.
  • No Wearing Hats or Headphones
    Do not use earphones/headphones; ensure your ears are always uncovered.
  1. Connect your device to power or fully charge the battery on exam day.
  2. Launch the Examplify Application downloaded previously on your device.
    1. Follow the directions you followed for the Mock Exam above, but at Step 3, download the National Exam.
      1. The download will be accessible at 10:00 AM ET on the exam day. You will not be able to start the exam until the exam time, 2:00 PM ET.
  3. You can begin the exam at 2:00 PM ET. You will be prompted to enter a password, which will be emailed to you shortly before 2:00 PM ET. You will then be prompted to complete the ExamID verification.
    1. If you don’t receive your password by 1:50 PM ET, please check your junk or spam folders first, then contact AAML Staff at
      memberships@aaml.org or call 312-321-5137.
  4. Review any pre-exam notices.
    1. Note: While using the Examplify application to take the exam, your computer will disconnect from the internet. It will reconnect once you submit your exam so it can be uploaded to AAML for scoring.
  5. Start the exam.
    1. You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. No breaks are built into the 2.5 hours, so please plan accordingly.
  6. Once your exam is completed or 2.5 hours have elapsed, you must upload your exam the same way you submitted your mock exam.
    1. You’ll see a green screen when your answer file is prepared and successfully uploaded.
  7. Congratulations, you have completed the AAML National Exam!
    1. Note: You will not receive your score or pass/fail notification through Examplify at the end of the exam.

Troubleshooting

  • S. & Canada 866-429-8889, ext. 2
  • International +1-954-429-8889, ext. 2

Find additional support documents on the Exam-Taker Community site.

Please contact admissions@aaml.org with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Your exam results are one component of the admissions process and, as a part of your completed admissions portfolio, your exam results will be submitted to the National Board of Admissions for review. We do not provide National Exam results to the applicant.

A:  Please contact admissions@aaml.org to reschedule your exam testing date.
A:  Please contact admissions@aaml.org to understand what accommodations are available for you.
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