Top 11 Corporate Paralegal Certifications

Certifications are important for corporate paralegals in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certified paralegals have an edge over non-certified candidates because they can show a commitment to their profession and demonstrate their capability to handle the job responsibilities. Additionally, certifications can increase the salary potential of a corporate paralegal as employers may be willing to pay more for an individual who has achieved certification. Certification also allows corporate paralegals to stay up-to-date on changes in the legal field, which is essential for success in this profession.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Corporate Paralegals and explain how they can help to enhance a corporate paralegal's career.

What are Corporate Paralegal Certifications?

Corporate paralegal certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates professional competence in the field of corporate law. It is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and understanding of corporate law and legal procedures.

Having a corporate paralegal certification can be beneficial to those looking to advance their career. It can demonstrate to employers that the individual has the qualifications needed to work in corporate law. Having this certification may also improve the applicant’s chances of securing a job or promotion, as employers may view them as more knowledgeable and experienced than other candidates who are not certified. Additionally, having a certificate may make it easier for an individual to find employment in other areas of corporate law, such as securities or banking regulation. Finally, certification can help individuals stay up-to-date on changes in the field by providing continuing education credits and opportunities to attend conferences where they can network with other professionals.

Pro Tip: When considering corporate paralegal certification, make sure to research the credentials of the program you are interested in. Look into their accreditation and the types of courses they offer. This will ensure that you receive a quality education and can confidently show employers that you have the skills necessary to perform your job duties.

Related: What does a Corporate Paralegal do?

Top 11 Corporate Paralegal Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Corporate Paralegals today.

1. Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

The Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is a professional certification program for paralegals. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced paralegals who meet specific criteria. To be eligible for the CP designation, an individual must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal, or its equivalent in part-time work experience. The CP designation is also available to those who have completed an ABA-approved paralegal program or have obtained an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university.

To obtain the CP designation, individuals must pass NALA's comprehensive examination which covers all aspects of legal practice and procedure. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete. Candidates are allowed three attempts at passing the exam within a 12-month period.

The cost for taking the CP examination is $395 for NALA members and $495 for non-members. In addition, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain the CP certification once it has been awarded.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Paralegal designation requires dedication and hard work, but it can be well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

2. Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

The Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) is a professional certification offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). It is the highest level of paralegal certification available and is designed to recognize experienced paralegals who have demonstrated proficiency in their field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of work experience as a paralegal and completing an approved education program or equivalent experience. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the NFPA. The exam covers topics such as legal ethics, legal research, litigation, contracts, real estate law, and more.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the CLA/CP certification process from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application along with supporting documentation and fees. The application fee is $350 for NFPA members and $450 for non-members. After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to register for the exam.

Once registered for the exam, applicants will have 90 days to take it at one of over 200 testing centers located throughout the United States and Canada. The cost of taking the exam is $295 for NFPA members and $395 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CLA/CP certification from NFPA.

3. Professional Paralegal Certification (PP) from the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALS)

The Professional Paralegal Certification (PP) from the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALS) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes paralegals who have demonstrated expertise in their field. It is designed to promote excellence in the legal profession and to recognize those paralegals who have achieved a high level of professional competence.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experiential requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by NALS’ Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete, depending on the applicant’s experience level and availability of educational courses.

In order to apply for PP certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once approved, applicants will be required to take the PP Exam which consists of 140 multiple choice questions covering topics such as legal research and writing, legal technology, ethics, litigation support services, business law and more.

The cost for the PP Certification Program is $295 for NALS members ($345 for non-members). This fee includes all materials necessary for taking the exam as well as access to online study resources. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining any required educational courses or other training programs needed to meet eligibility requirements.

4. Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) from NALS

Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) from NALS is a professional certification that recognizes paralegals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency and knowledge in the legal field. It is awarded by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALS), which is an organization dedicated to advancing the paralegal profession.

To qualify for ACP certification, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements. For example, applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of postsecondary education or its equivalent, including 15 semester hours in specified legal specialty areas; have at least five years of full-time paralegal experience; and pass the NALS ACP examination.

The ACP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as civil litigation, criminal law, contracts, bankruptcy, real estate, family law, ethics, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the ACP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NALS. For members, the cost is $175; for non-members it is $225. There is also an additional fee for re-testing if necessary.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will be granted your Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential from NALS. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. Registered Paralegal (RP) from the National Federation of Paralegals, Inc.

Registered Paralegal (RP) is a professional certification offered by the National Federation of Paralegals, Inc. (NFPA). The NFPA is the largest national organization representing paralegals in the United States and Canada. The RP designation is intended to recognize a paralegal’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to the profession. It is also designed to provide employers with an assurance that the individual has met certain standards of competence and professionalism.

In order to become a Registered Paralegal, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements established by the NFPA. These requirements include having at least two years of full-time paralegal experience or its equivalent; completing at least 60 hours of continuing legal education within three years prior to application; passing a comprehensive examination administered by the NFPA; and demonstrating commitment to ethical conduct in accordance with NFPA’s Code of Professional Responsibility.

The process for obtaining an RP designation typically takes three to six months from start to finish. The first step is submitting an application along with all required documentation and fees. After the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants are notified via email when they can register for the exam. Once registered, applicants have up to one year from their registration date to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their RP designation and receive their certificate in the mail within four weeks after passing.

The cost for applying for an RP designation varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NFPA. For non-members, it costs $395 USD plus applicable taxes and fees; for members, it costs $295 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

6. Certified Corporate Paralegal (CCP) from NALS

The Certified Corporate Paralegal (CCP) designation is a professional certification offered by NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals. It is designed to recognize experienced corporate paralegals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as corporate formation, compliance, contracts, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, business transactions, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience as a corporate paralegal or legal assistant working in a corporate setting. They must also have completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses related to corporate law within the past five years.

The cost of the CCP certification program varies depending on whether you are an NALS member or non-member. For members, it costs $225 for the application fee plus $200 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $275 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee.

7. Certified Managerial Paralegal Certification (CMP) from NALS

The Certified Managerial Paralegal Certification (CMP) from NALS is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced paralegals. It is an advanced certification that demonstrates a mastery of legal concepts, management principles, and technical competencies. The CMP is offered by NALS, the association for legal professionals.

To earn the CMP designation, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a managerial role as a paralegal or legal assistant, or hold an associate degree in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as administrative law, civil procedure, contracts, ethics and professional responsibility, litigation support services, and research and writing.

The CMP exam can be taken online or in-person at designated testing centers. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple choice section with 50 questions and an essay section with two essay questions. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of NALS or not. For non-members, the fee is $295; for members it is $245. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $25 for all applicants regardless of membership status.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your CMP certificate within four to six weeks.

8. Advanced Corporate Law Certificate Program from NALA

The Advanced Corporate Law Certificate Program from NALA is a comprehensive program designed to help attorneys become more knowledgeable and proficient in the field of corporate law. The program is offered through the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALA).

The program consists of four courses, each lasting two weeks. The courses cover topics such as corporate governance, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and contract drafting. Each course includes lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises. Upon completion of all four courses, students will receive a certificate in advanced corporate law from NALA.

To get the certificate, you must first register for the program online through NALA’s website. Once registered, you will be given access to the course materials and will have up to six months to complete all four courses. You must also pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive credit for it.

The cost of the program varies depending on your location; however, it typically costs around $2,500 USD for all four courses. This fee includes access to course materials as well as any exams or certifications required for completion of the program.

In total, it takes approximately three months to complete the Advanced Corporate Law Certificate Program from NALA.

9. Advanced Business Law Certificate Program from NALA

The Advanced Business Law Certificate Program from NALA is a comprehensive program designed to provide legal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to practice business law. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as contracts, corporate law, securities regulation, intellectual property, and business organizations. Each course is completed online and takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. After completing the four courses, participants will receive an Advanced Business Law Certificate from NALA.

The cost of the program is $349 for non-members and $299 for NALA members. To get started, you must first become a member of NALA by registering on their website. Once registered, you can purchase the program online or call their customer service line at 1-800-952-6272. After purchasing the program, you will be given access to the four courses which can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of all four courses and passing the final exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will receive your Advanced Business Law Certificate from NALA.

10. Corporate Law Certificate Program from NFPA

The Corporate Law Certificate Program from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) is a comprehensive program designed to provide paralegals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in corporate law. The program consists of five courses that cover topics such as business organizations, contracts, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy. Participants must complete all five courses within two years in order to earn the certificate.

To get the Corporate Law Certificate Program from NFPA, participants must first register for the program online. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access their course materials and begin their studies. Each course includes lectures, readings, quizzes and assignments that must be completed in order to earn credit for the course. Upon completion of all five courses, participants will receive a certificate verifying their successful completion of the program.

The cost of the Corporate Law Certificate Program from NFPA is $1,095 USD for members or $1,295 USD for non-members. This fee covers all course materials and access to online resources needed throughout the duration of the program.

11. Business Organizations and Transactions Certificate Program from NFPA

The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Business Organizations and Transactions Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the legal elements of business organizations and transactions. The program covers topics such as business formation, corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, secured transactions, mergers and acquisitions, financing, securities regulation, taxation, bankruptcy and more.

The program consists of four online courses that can be completed in approximately six months. Each course is self-paced and provides an interactive learning experience with videos, exercises and quizzes. Upon successful completion of the four courses students will receive a certificate from NFPA.

To get the certificate students must register for the program on NFPA’s website. The cost for the entire program is $1,295 USD.

Do You Really Need a Corporate Paralegal Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a corporate paralegal certificate to become a successful corporate paralegal. However, having a corporate paralegal certificate may provide certain advantages that can help you in your career.

For starters, having a corporate paralegal certificate shows potential employers that you have received specialized training specifically for the field of corporate law. This demonstrates to employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the subject matter and have had formal instruction on how to perform the job correctly. It also shows them that you are serious about your profession and have taken the time to further develop your skills in this area.

Additionally, having a corporate paralegal certificate may open up more opportunities for advancement within your organization or even lead to higher salaries. Employers often look favorably upon those with certifications and may be more likely to promote them or give them better pay than those without such credentials.

Finally, having a corporate paralegal certificate may make it easier for you to transition into other areas of law if you decide to switch careers down the line. The knowledge and experience gained from the certification program can be transferable and help give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs outside of the field of corporate law.

In conclusion, whether or not you obtain a corporate paralegal certificate is ultimately up to you; however, doing so can certainly provide certain advantages that can help advance your career in this field.

Related: Corporate Paralegal Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Paralegal Certifications

1. What types of Corporate Paralegal Certifications are available?

Answer: The following certifications are available for corporate paralegals: Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Paralegal (CP) and Professional Paralegal (PP).

2. How long does it take to get a Corporate Paralegal Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification program, it can take anywhere from six months to one year to complete the necessary requirements for a corporate paralegal certification.

3. What is the cost of getting a Corporate Paralegal Certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a corporate paralegal certification varies depending on the certification program chosen. Generally, fees range from $500 to $1,000.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Corporate Paralegal Certification?

Answer: Yes, most corporate paralegal certifications require applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in a related field and/or an associate degree in paralegal studies or related field.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Corporate Paralegal Certification?

Answer: With a corporate paralegal certification, you can pursue many different career paths such as legal assistant, litigation support specialist, contract manager or compliance officer.