One of my proudest professional accomplishments is being board-certified in criminal law. There are many types of board certifications and professional recognitions for trial work, but three of the most popular in Texas are the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
While each has different requirements, if you are board-certified in one organization, you often can waive the examination for another. (For example, I am board-certified by TBLS and NBTA, but only had to take the TBLS exam.)
I did not know many board-certified attorneys before I took my exam, and I remember being discouraged by many from taking it. My coworkers at the time would pepper me with comments and questions, downplaying board certification.