The process of becoming a certified NFL agent hits a roadblock for many as they approach the finish line: passing the NFLPA certification exam.

The 60-question multiple-choice test, highly focused on the NFL collective bargaining agreement, is a requirement to become an agent and represent players in contract negotiations with an NFL organization. And yet, since 2015 only around 40% of people taking the test pass on the first try.

“Based on a mandate from our player leadership, standards for passing the test were raised to ensure that those who passed have a strong working knowledge of the CBA and other issues affecting player representation,” Mark Levin, NFLPA director of salary cap and agent administration told the Sports Business Journal.

Passing the test is not only a difficult endeavor, it’s also an expensive and time consuming one. Applicants must pay $2,500 to take the 3-hour examination that also requires a background check and mandated attendance for a day and a half of lectures.

As sports attorney Ellakisha O’Kelley set out to take her NFLPA certification exam, she knew one more investment would help her on her journey, SMWW’s NFLPA Certification Exam Prep course with mentor and former NFL agent Joel Corry.

“I’m a former professional track athlete. It’s just like playing a sport as an athlete. I don’t care how good you are, or think you are, it is imperative to find a good coach and team to bring you to that next level,” says O’Kelley.  “SMWW offered me that environment to engage with a good coach and team. I couldn’t find anything else like it out there.”

Since Corry began offering this course 85% of his students who have gone on to take the exam have passed on the first try, far eclipsing the standard.

Why is this prep course so effective?

After spending 16 years as an NFL agent and being part of the negotiating team for top-level athletes including Hall of Famer’s Ronnie Lott and John Randle, Corry brings a special style to his NFLPA Certification Exam prep course.

“Joel was real and candid. I like the fact that he was accessible. I like that he encouraged the class to engage and problem solve and then he provided full explanations to the scenarios presented,” explains O’Kelley.

“He taught us to pay attention to the question asked. Most people don’t succeed from the lack of knowledge but rather the lack of attention to detail. Joel trained me to focus on what the question is asking. Not to mention, the various little tips that Joel gave, set me apart from others. I went in with a game plan knowing it’s the small things that put a test taker in the best position to succeed.”

Ellakisha passed the exam on the first try and is more ready than ever to represent players in the NFL!

“If you are ready to put in the work, you will walk away confident and competent, and that’s more than half the battle. The course pushed me. I accepted the challenge. I performed on game day.”