Top 11 Legal Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a legal assistant’s job market success. A certification serves as proof that the legal assistant has acquired specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of law, such as estate planning or corporate law. Having certifications demonstrates to employers that the candidate is serious about their career and has taken the time to invest in developing their professional qualifications. Additionally, certifications can help legal assistants stand out from other candidates in a highly competitive job market. Finally, having certifications helps to ensure that the legal assistant is up-to-date with industry trends and developments, making them more attractive to potential employers.

The article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Legal Assistants and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Legal Assistant Certifications?

Legal assistant certification is a voluntary certification obtained by legal assistants who have met certain educational and professional experience requirements. It is intended to demonstrate that the legal assistant has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for successful performance of their job duties. This certification can be obtained through various organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP).

Having a legal assistant certification can help in many ways. It allows employers to recognize that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in their field and provides assurance that they will perform their duties with competence and professionalism. Additionally, obtaining a certification may open up more job opportunities and provide access to higher salaries. Finally, having a certification may also increase one’s reputation within the legal profession, as it demonstrates commitment to their career and dedication to the highest standards of practice.

Pro Tip: Always make sure to research the legal assistant certification requirements and regulations of your state or country before applying for certification. It is important to know the qualifications and experience needed to obtain a legal assistant certification, as well as any continuing education requirements that may be necessary for maintaining the credential.

Related: What does a Legal Assistant do?

Top 11 Legal Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) is a professional certification for paralegals and legal assistants. It is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and is recognized nationally as a standard of excellence in the field. The CLA designation demonstrates that the legal assistant has met NALA's stringent requirements for education, experience, and ethical conduct.

To become certified as a CLA, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having completed at least two years of college-level coursework or its equivalent in paralegal studies; having worked full-time as a paralegal for at least three years; and passing a comprehensive examination. The exam covers topics such as legal research, writing, ethics, and technology.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. After submitting an application to NALA along with proof of eligibility, the applicant will receive study materials and have six months to prepare for the exam. Once they pass the exam, they will be awarded their CLA designation.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NALA. If you are not a member, it will cost $395 to apply for certification plus $225 for the exam fee. If you are already a member of NALA, it will cost $195 to apply plus $225 for the exam fee.

2. Certified Paralegal (CP)

Certified Paralegal (CP) is a professional certification for paralegals. It is granted by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The certification validates a paralegal’s knowledge and experience in the legal field, and demonstrates their commitment to professionalism.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements set by NALA. These include completing an approved paralegal program or having equivalent education and experience, passing a comprehensive exam, and maintaining ethical standards of conduct.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CP exam. Preparation may include taking classes or studying independently with study materials provided by NALA.

To get the certification, applicants must submit an application to NALA along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of education/experience, and a fee. The fee is currently $350 for NALA members and $450 for non-members.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and submitted all required documentation, they will be awarded their Certified Paralegal (CP) designation from NALA. This designation is valid for 5 years before needing to be renewed.

3. Accredited Legal Professional (ALP)

Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of legal professionals working in the field of law. It is offered by the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP). The ALP certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in legal practice, and has met rigorous standards set by NALP.

To become an ALP, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience as a practicing lawyer or paralegal, or have completed at least one year of study at an accredited law school. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by NALP. The exam covers topics such as ethics, legal research and writing, civil procedure, contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and other areas related to legal practice.

The process for becoming an ALP typically takes several months to complete. After submitting their application and passing the exam, applicants must complete additional requirements such as completing continuing education courses and attending seminars on various topics related to legal practice.

The cost for becoming an ALP varies depending on the state where you are applying for certification. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the state’s requirements.

4. Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)

Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize paralegals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the legal field. The ACP is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and it is the only nationally recognized advanced paralegal certification.

To become an ACP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of current full-time paralegal experience and passing a comprehensive examination. The exam covers topics such as legal research, litigation, contracts, ethics, and technology. It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam and can cost up to $500 for the application fee and exam fees.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your ACP designation from NALA. This certification can help you stand out from other paralegals in your field by demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence. Additionally, many employers may require applicants to have their ACP designation before they can be considered for a job or promotion.

5. National Association of Legal Assistants Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (NALA-PACE)

The National Association of Legal Assistants Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (NALA-PACE) is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of experienced paralegals. It is designed to assess a paralegal’s ability to apply their knowledge and experience in a variety of legal areas. The exam focuses on topics such as legal research, writing, interviewing, and client counseling.

The NALA-PACE exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To get the NALA-PACE certification, applicants must first register with NALA and pay the required fee. Once registered, applicants will then need to take the exam at an approved testing center or online through NALA's online proctoring service. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification from NALA.

The cost to take the NALA-PACE exam is $395 for members of NALA or $495 for nonmembers. This fee includes all materials needed for taking the test including study guides, practice tests, and registration fees.

6. American Alliance of Paralegals Certification Exam (AAPC-CE)

The American Alliance of Paralegals Certification Exam (AAPC-CE) is a comprehensive exam for paralegals that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of legal research, writing, interviewing, and other related topics. The exam is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). It is designed to ensure that paralegals have the necessary qualifications to perform their job duties effectively.

The AAPC-CE consists of two parts: Part I covers legal research and writing, while Part II focuses on interviewing techniques and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, you must score at least 75% or higher.

To get certified, you must first meet certain requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an accredited paralegal program or having at least two years of work experience in the field. Once these requirements are met, you can register for the AAPC-CE through NALA's website. The cost of the exam is $225 USD.

Once you have passed the AAPC-CE, you will receive your certification from NALA which will be valid for five years. After five years, you will need to renew your certification by taking a refresher course or passing another examination.

7. Professional Paralegal Certification (PPC)

Professional Paralegal Certification (PPC) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize paralegals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of law. It is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and ethics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions. The exam covers topics such as legal research, writing, interviewing clients, preparing documents, and other areas related to the practice of law.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application with proof of their educational background and work experience in the legal field. They must also provide references from attorneys or paralegals they have worked with in the past. After submitting their application materials, applicants will receive a notification if they are eligible to take the exam.

The cost for taking the PPC exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 for NALA members and $300-$400 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations or for retaking it if necessary.

Overall, Professional Paralegal Certification is an important credential that can help paralegals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the field of law. It can also help them stand out among other job applicants when seeking employment opportunities in the legal industry.

8. Registered Paralegal (RP)

Registered Paralegal (RP) is a professional designation that recognizes paralegals who have met specific educational, experience, and ethical standards. Becoming an RP requires the successful completion of an examination administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal research, legal analysis, communication skills, judgment and discretion, ethics, technology, and more. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time paralegal experience or its equivalent in part-time work.

To get registered as an RP, applicants must submit an application to the NFPA along with a fee of $125. The application includes a detailed description of the applicant's education and work experience in addition to references from employers or colleagues. Once approved by the NFPA Board of Directors, applicants will receive their RP certification within 4-6 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam and submitting an application to the NFPA, applicants must also adhere to the NFPA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility which outlines standards for conduct in both professional and personal matters.

9. Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP)

Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS). The CLSP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field of litigation support. The CLSP credential demonstrates expertise in the management and use of electronic discovery, computer forensics, document review and other related disciplines.

The CLSP certification requires successful completion of an online examination that covers topics such as legal technology, data collection, processing, hosting and production; legal project management; eDiscovery tools and techniques; and ethical considerations. It also requires passing a practical exam that tests skills in using eDiscovery software tools.

It typically takes two to three months to prepare for the CLSP exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks, attending webinars or seminars, taking practice exams and completing self-study courses.

To obtain the CLSP certification, you must first register with ACEDS and pay a fee of $595 USD. You will then be provided with access to course materials and an online assessment platform where you can take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ACEDS.

The cost for obtaining the CLSP certification is $595 USD.

10. Certified Document Reviewer (CDR)

A Certified Document Reviewer (CDR) is an individual who has been certified by a professional organization to review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The CDR certification process includes passing an exam that tests the individual’s knowledge of document review principles and best practices.

The length of time it takes to become a CDR depends on the organization offering the certification. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the application process and pass the exam.

In order to get certified as a CDR, an individual must meet certain criteria set by the certifying organization. This typically includes having at least two years of experience in document review or related fields, such as legal research or paralegal work. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed specific courses or have taken part in other educational activities related to document review.

The cost of obtaining a CDR certification varies depending on the certifying organization. Generally, fees range from $200 - $500 USD for application processing and examination fees.

11. Certified eDiscovery Specialist (CeDS).

Certified eDiscovery Specialist (CeDS) is a certification program created by the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of eDiscovery. The CeDS certification is intended to provide assurance that an individual has the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage electronic discovery projects.

The CeDS certification requires that applicants pass an online examination, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data collection, preservation, review, production, and presentation. The exam also covers legal principles related to eDiscovery. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and costs $495 USD.

To become certified as a CeDS, you must first register with ACEDS and pay the registration fee. After registering, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams. Once you feel prepared for the exam, you can schedule your test date with ACEDS. Upon passing the exam, you will receive your official CeDS certificate from ACEDS.

Do You Really Need a Legal Assistant Certificate?

Yes, you do need a legal assistant certificate. A legal assistant certificate is an important credential to have when pursuing a career as a legal assistant. It demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of law, which can be beneficial to potential employers. Additionally, it may be required for certain positions or promotions within the legal field.

Having a legal assistant certificate also opens up more opportunities for professional development and continuing education. For example, some states may require continuing education credits in order to maintain certification or licensure as a legal assistant. This can help you stay current on changes in the law and ensure that your skills are up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

In addition, having a legal assistant certificate can also give you better job security since it shows that you are qualified for the job and have taken steps to improve your knowledge and skills through formal training. This makes you more desirable to employers who want to hire individuals who are committed to their profession and willing to learn new things.

Overall, having a legal assistant certificate is beneficial because it demonstrates competence in the field of law, qualifies you for more opportunities, and provides job security. It is an important credential that should not be overlooked when considering a career as a legal assistant.

Related: Legal Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Legal Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Legal Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Legal Assistant Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as legal assistants in law offices, government agencies, and other organizations. The certification includes topics such as legal terminology, document drafting, research techniques, and ethics.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Legal Assistant Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Legal Assistant Certification can open up career opportunities in law offices, government agencies, and other organizations. It also increases your marketability for any job related to legal services. Additionally, it shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for working in the field of legal services.

3. How long does it take to complete a Legal Assistant Certification?

Answer: Typically, completing a Legal Assistant Certification takes between six months and two years depending on the program and your ability to complete coursework.

4. Is there an exam required to obtain a Legal Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most programs require you to pass an exam in order to receive your certification. The exam will typically cover topics such as legal terminology, document drafting, research techniques, ethics, etc.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Legal Assistant Certification?

Answer: Most programs require you to have either an associate’s degree or at least two years of experience working in the field of legal services before enrolling in the program. Additionally, some programs may also require you to pass an entrance exam or take certain courses prior to enrollment.