Top 10 Legal Administrative Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important way for legal administrative assistants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Having certifications can make a legal administrative assistant more attractive to employers because it shows that they have taken the initiative to gain specialized knowledge and training in the field. Certifications also provide recognition of an individual’s qualifications, which may give them a competitive edge over other candidates. In addition, having certifications can help legal administrative assistants stay abreast of changes in the legal field and keep up with new technology and processes.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Legal Administrative Assistants and explain how they can contribute to a legal administrative assistant's career growth.

What are Legal Administrative Assistant Certifications?

Legal administrative assistant certification is a designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals who provide administrative support in legal settings. This certification can help individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of legal terminology, laws and regulations, court procedures, document preparation, and other related skills. It also gives employers assurance that those certified have the necessary qualifications for the job.

Having this certification can help an individual stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in this field. It provides evidence of the holder's commitment to professional growth and development, as well as their dedication to maintaining a high level of competence in their work. This certification may also open up opportunities for career advancement or promotions within an organization. In addition, it could lead to higher salaries or increased job security since certified individuals are often seen as more reliable and trustworthy than non-certified ones.

Pro Tip: Pursue certification in legal administrative assistant to demonstrate your commitment to the field and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Certification programs vary, so be sure to research which program best meets your needs. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited or recognized by professional organizations such as The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

Related: What does a Legal Administrative Assistant do?

Top 10 Legal Administrative Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Legal Administrative Assistants today.

1. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)

Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) is an internationally recognized professional certification program for secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals. It is offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of office professionals.

The CPS program consists of three examinations: Office Technology, Business Communications, and Business Management. Each exam covers topics related to the skills needed to be a successful office professional. To become certified, applicants must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the exams. IAAP offers study materials such as textbooks, practice tests, and online courses to help applicants prepare for the exams.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an IAAP member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for all three exams; for non-members, it costs $495. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exams at a testing center or proctoring service.

2. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The CLS certification demonstrates a mastery of legal secretarial skills and knowledge, and is designed to recognize the expertise of experienced legal secretaries.

The CLS certification process involves passing an examination that covers topics such as legal terminology, filing procedures, court rules and regulations, document production, ethics and professional responsibility, office management and technology. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a legal secretary role or equivalent part-time experience.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. It is offered twice a year in April and October at testing centers across the United States.

The cost for the exam is $175 for NALS members and $200 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials as well as membership in NALS if you are not already a member.

3. Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals working in today’s complex business environment. It is one of the most widely recognized credentials for administrative professionals.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of a variety of topics related to administrative work. The exam covers areas such as communication, technology, project management, finance and accounting, customer service, human resources, office operations and more.

The CAP exam can be taken at any time throughout the year at IAAP-approved testing centers around the world. Candidates must submit an application form along with payment before they are allowed to take the exam.

The cost of taking the CAP exam varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD to take the exam in North America or Europe; however, fees may vary depending on location and other factors.

It typically takes about four months for candidates to receive their results after taking the CAP exam. Once all requirements have been met and the candidate has passed the exam, they will be awarded their Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential which is valid for three years from the date of issue.

4. Certified Legal Administrative Assistant (CLAA)

Certified Legal Administrative Assistant (CLAA) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in legal administrative skills and knowledge. The certification is intended to demonstrate that the individual has achieved a level of competence necessary to perform legal administrative services effectively.

The CLAA program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical component. The online exam covers topics such as legal terminology, document preparation, court filing procedures, research methods, and ethical considerations in the legal field. The practical component requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge through hands-on activities related to legal administrative tasks.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CLAA program. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to NALA. After submitting the application, applicants will be given access to an online study guide and practice exams which they must complete before taking the actual exam. Once they have passed both parts of the exam, they will receive their official CLAA certificate from NALA.

The cost of obtaining a CLAA certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NALA. For non-members, the cost is $295 for the application fee plus $175 for each part of the exam ($350 total). For members, it is $195 for the application fee plus $125 for each part of the exam ($250 total).

5. Certified Paralegal (CP)

Certified Paralegal (CP) is a professional certification for paralegals that demonstrates a high level of knowledge, experience and competence in the legal field. It is awarded by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), which is an organization dedicated to promoting the paralegal profession and improving its standards.

To become certified as a CP, you must first meet certain educational and experience requirements. These include having an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or having completed at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework in areas related to law such as legal research, legal writing, contracts, torts, civil procedure and criminal law. You must also have at least two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal in the United States.

Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to take the NALA Certified Paralegal examination. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal ethics, civil litigation procedure and substantive law. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $350.

If you pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will be eligible for certification as a CP. Once certified, your credentials will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits and payment of a renewal fee.

6. National Association of Legal Assistants Certification (NALA-Certified Paralegal)

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certification is a voluntary certification program for paralegals. It is designed to demonstrate that the paralegal has achieved a high level of professional competency and knowledge in the legal field. The NALA-Certified Paralegal designation is recognized by employers, courts, and other organizations throughout the United States.

In order to become a NALA-Certified Paralegal, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements as well as pass an examination. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within the past five years. They must also have completed either an associate degree in paralegal studies from an accredited institution or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus one year of full-time work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within the past five years.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal research, writing, ethics, litigation support, client relations and technology. The exam takes about four hours to complete and costs $250 for members of NALA or $350 for non-members.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, individuals will receive their official NALA-Certified Paralegal certificate from NALA. This certificate must be renewed every three years by taking continuing education courses and paying an annual fee of $125 for members or $175 for non-members.

7. International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification (IAAP-CAP)

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification for Administrative Professionals (CAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of administrative support. The CAP credential is a globally recognized mark of excellence that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession, as well as their knowledge and skills.

To become certified, candidates must pass an examination that covers topics such as communication, customer service, office technology, problem solving and project management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CAP exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in an administrative role or have completed a minimum of 30 college credits in related coursework. Candidates are also required to submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors attesting to their professional qualifications.

The cost for taking the CAP exam is $295 USD for IAAP members and $345 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD. Once a candidate has passed the exam they will receive their official CAP certificate and can begin using the “CAP” designation after their name on business cards and resumes.

Overall, obtaining the IAAP Certification for Administrative Professionals (CAP) credential is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to your profession and your knowledge in the field of administrative support.

8. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification for Office 365

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification for Office 365 is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in using Microsoft Office 365. It is available for both the Windows and Mac versions of Office 365. The certification covers core skills such as creating and formatting documents, working with spreadsheets, managing emails, and more.

The certification exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as creating documents, managing data in Excel, working with email and calendar items in Outlook, and more. The exam also includes questions on collaboration tools like SharePoint and OneDrive.

To get certified, you must pass the Microsoft Office Specialist Exam for Office 365. This exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center or online through the Microsoft Learning Portal. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media or added to your resume or LinkedIn profile. You will also receive a certificate from Microsoft that verifies your achievement of the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification for Office 365.

9. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Certificate

The American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Certificate is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s competency in the legal field. The ABA is a voluntary organization that sets standards and provides guidance to lawyers, judges, law students, paralegals and other legal professionals. The ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate is designed to provide paralegals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in a variety of legal settings.

The ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate typically requires completion of at least 60 semester hours of coursework from an accredited college or university. This coursework includes classes in legal research, writing, ethics, civil procedure, criminal law and more. It also includes practical experience through internships or externships with law firms or other legal organizations.

To obtain the certificate, individuals must first complete the required coursework and pass an exam administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Once they have successfully completed the exam, they will receive their certificate from the NFPA.

The cost of obtaining an ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate varies depending on where you take your courses and how many credits you need to complete your program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $5,000-$10,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books and materials as well as any applicable fees associated with taking the NFPA exam.

10. Notary Public Certification

Notary Public Certification is a process in which an individual is appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and to verify the identity of the signer. The Notary Public is responsible for ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the contents of the document and that they have signed it willingly.

The process of obtaining a Notary Public certification varies by state, but typically involves taking an exam and completing a training course. Depending on the state, applicants may also be required to submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and pay a fee. The entire process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

To become a Notary Public, you must first meet your state’s requirements for becoming one. This includes being at least 18 years old, having no criminal record or history of dishonesty, and being able to read and write English fluently. Once these requirements have been met, you must then complete an application with your local county clerk's office or other designated authority. After submitting your application, you will need to take an exam covering topics such as notarial law and procedures. Once you have passed this exam, you will receive your commission certificate from your state government authorizing you as a Notary Public.

The cost for becoming a Notary Public varies by state but typically ranges between $50-200 depending on fees associated with training courses, exams, background checks, etc.

Do You Really Need a Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals. For some, a Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate may be beneficial in helping them obtain employment or advance their career in the legal field. For others, it may not be necessary.

For those considering a career in the legal field, having a legal administrative assistant certificate can help demonstrate knowledge and competency for employers. This certificate can also increase chances of being selected for an interview and help establish credibility with potential employers. Additionally, having the certificate may open doors to higher paying positions as well as provide access to specialized training opportunities that could give an edge over other applicants.

On the other hand, those who already have experience in the legal field may not need a Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate to move forward in their careers. Depending on one's qualifications and job history, they might already have enough experience and knowledge to apply for more advanced positions within the legal field without needing additional certification. In addition, some employers may prefer candidates with real-world experience rather than certifications alone.

In summary, whether or not you need a Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. It is important to weigh your options before making a decision about obtaining certification or pursuing other options such as gaining additional experience or education that could be beneficial for your desired career path.

Related: Legal Administrative Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Legal Administrative Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Legal Administrative Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Legal Administrative Assistant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the legal field. It is designed to give administrative professionals the skills needed for success in a wide range of legal office roles, including document preparation, client service, court filing, and more.

2. How long does it take to get a Legal Administrative Assistant Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the program you choose and your level of experience or education prior to enrolling. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within six months to one year.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Legal Administrative Assistant Certification?

Answer: In order to obtain certification as a Legal Administrative Assistant, applicants must have at least two years of related work experience or equivalent education and demonstrate proficiency in computer applications relevant to legal administrative support roles such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, e-filing systems, etc.

4. What kinds of jobs are available for those with a Legal Administrative Assistant Certification?

Answer: There are many job opportunities available for individuals who possess a Legal Administrative Assistant Certification. These include positions such as paralegals, executive assistants in law firms and corporate legal departments, court clerks or administrators in government offices, document preparers in private practices or other organizations dealing with legal matters, and more.

5. Is there any continuing education required after obtaining my certification?

Answer: Continuing education is not required after obtaining your certification; however, it is highly recommended that you stay up-to-date on changes in the legal field by taking courses or seminars related to your particular area of specialization periodically throughout your career. This will help ensure that you remain knowledgeable about current laws and regulations applicable to your profession so that you can provide the best possible service to clients and employers alike.