Top 11 Legal Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for legal clerks in the job market because they demonstrate the clerk's knowledge and skills in specific areas of law. Certifications provide employers with a way to assess potential employees’ abilities and qualifications, allowing them to make more informed hiring decisions. Furthermore, certifications can help legal clerks stand out from other applicants and give them an edge when pursuing certain positions. They also provide evidence that a clerk is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date on new laws and regulations. Ultimately, certifications can help legal clerks secure better jobs with higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Legal Clerks and how they can help advance their career.

What are Legal Clerk Certifications?

Legal clerk certification is a designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of professional competence in the legal field. It is generally awarded to those who have completed an approved training program and passed an examination. This type of certification can help demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professionalism, as well as provide potential employers with evidence of competency in the field.

Having this certification can give candidates a competitive edge when applying for legal jobs and may also qualify them for higher-level positions or promotions. Additionally, it can help holders stay up to date on changes in the industry, as most certifications require regular continuing education courses or other forms of professional development. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to specialize their skillset or move into new areas of law. In the end, having legal clerk certification can be a valuable asset for those seeking advancement in the legal profession.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research and understand the legal clerk certification requirements in your state. Certification requirements vary widely from state to state, so make sure you are familiar with the regulations before beginning the process. Additionally, many states require continuing education to maintain certification. Make sure you plan ahead and budget for any additional costs associated with obtaining and maintaining your certification.

Related: What does a Legal Clerk do?

Top 11 Legal Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Legal Administrative Specialist (CLAS)

Certified Legal Administrative Specialist (CLAS) is a certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of legal administrative specialists. The CLAS credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the areas of legal terminology, legal document production, and legal office procedures.

The certification process requires applicants to pass an exam administered by the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, torts, and ethics. Applicants must also complete an online application and pay a fee.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CLAS exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks and taking practice exams. Many people also choose to enroll in a study course or workshop offered by NALA or another organization.

The cost of the CLAS exam varies depending on whether you are a member of NALA or not. For non-members, the fee is $325; for members, it is $275. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing textbooks or enrolling in a study course or workshop.

2. Certified Paralegal (CP)

A Certified Paralegal (CP) is a professional designation awarded to paralegals who have met certain standards of education and experience, and have passed an examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The CP designation demonstrates that a paralegal has achieved a level of knowledge and expertise that meets or exceeds NALA's standards.

To become certified, a paralegal must have completed at least two years of college-level coursework in paralegal studies, or its equivalent in work experience. The applicant must also pass the NALA Certified Paralegal Examination. The exam consists of three parts: Civil Litigation, Business Organizations, and Contracts.

The cost for taking the examination is $295 for NALA members and $345 for non-members. In addition, there may be fees associated with obtaining transcripts from educational institutions or other documentation required to verify qualifications.

Once certified, CPs are required to complete continuing legal education courses in order to maintain their certification status. This typically involves taking at least 15 hours of approved CLE courses every year.

3. Certified Legal Professional (CLP)

Certified Legal Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program developed by the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in legal professionals. The CLP credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the areas of legal research, writing, analysis, and advocacy.

The CLP program consists of four parts: an online assessment, an in-person workshop or seminar, a written examination, and an oral examination. The online assessment tests the candidate’s knowledge of legal terminology and concepts. The in-person workshop or seminar provides instruction on legal research, writing, analysis, and advocacy skills. The written examination tests the candidate’s ability to apply those skills to real-world scenarios. Finally, the oral examination tests the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with clients and other attorneys.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on how quickly the candidate can complete each step. Candidates must also pay a fee for each part of the program as well as for any additional materials needed for study purposes. The total cost for obtaining the CLP credential varies but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD depending on what materials are needed for study purposes.

4. Certified Legal Document Preparer (CLDP)

A Certified Legal Document Preparer (CLDP) is a professional who has been certified by the state to prepare legal documents for individuals and businesses. CLDPs are not lawyers, but they can provide assistance in areas such as drafting wills, filing court documents, preparing contracts, and more.

To become a CLDP, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the state. Depending on the state, this process can take anywhere from two weeks to four months. In some states, you may also need to complete an apprenticeship or have some work experience in the legal field before you can be certified.

The cost of becoming a CLDP varies from state to state. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500 and $1,000 for the training program and exam fees. You may also have to pay additional fees for things like background checks or fingerprinting if required by your state.

Once you become a CLDP, you will be able to offer your services to individuals and businesses in need of legal document preparation services. You should check with your local bar association or court system for information about how to get started as a CLDP in your area.

5. Certified Legal Secretary (CLS)

Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the legal secretary profession. The CLS certification is offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS).

The CLS certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as legal terminology, document production and filing, and court procedures. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience working in a legal setting.

The CLS exam can be taken in either a paper-and-pencil format or online. It typically takes four hours to complete and costs $195 for NALS members and $245 for non-members.

To prepare for the exam, NALS offers study materials, including practice tests and study guides. Additionally, many law schools offer courses on legal secretarial skills that can help candidates prepare for the exam.

6. Registered Paralegal (RP)

Registered Paralegals (RPs) are paralegals who have completed additional training and passed an examination to become certified by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). The NFPA is a non-profit organization that sets standards for the profession, educates paralegals, and provides resources to help them succeed.

In order to become an RP, you must first meet certain educational requirements. You must have either a two-year associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least 15 semester hours of legal courses. Additionally, you must complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education every two years.

Once you meet the educational requirements, you can take the Registered Paralegal Examination administered by the NFPA. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. It covers topics such as legal research and writing, ethics, contracts, civil procedure, torts and criminal law.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your membership status with the NFPA. If you are not a member of the NFPA, it will cost $295 to take the exam. If you are a member of the NFPA, it will cost $195 to take the exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will be granted RP status and can use this designation after your name when practicing as a paralegal. The RP designation is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing 10 hours of continuing education credits and paying an annual renewal fee of $50-$75 depending on your membership status with the NFPA.

7. National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certification

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certification is a voluntary professional certification program for legal assistants and paralegals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform their job duties in a competent manner. The NALA certification program consists of two parts: the Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) examination and the Professional Development Program (PDP).

The CLA/CP exam is a comprehensive, multiple-choice test that covers all aspects of legal assistant/paralegal work. It takes approximately three hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center. The cost of the exam is $395 for members of NALA and $495 for non-members.

The PDP consists of two components: the Professional Development Activity (PDA) and the Professional Responsibility Exam (PRE). The PDA requires applicants to complete at least 30 hours of approved continuing education courses or activities within five years prior to taking the PRE. The PRE is an open-book, online exam that tests applicants’ understanding of ethical standards applicable to legal assistants/paralegals.

Once both components are successfully completed, applicants will receive their official NALA Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal certificate. This certificate must be renewed every five years by completing at least 15 hours of approved continuing education courses or activities during that time period.

In total, it can take up to six months or longer to become certified through NALA depending on how quickly you are able to complete all requirements. The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member, but typically ranges from $400-$500 plus any additional costs associated with completing continuing education courses or activities.

8. American Institute of Paralegals Certification

The American Institute of Paralegals (AIP) is a professional organization that offers certification for paralegals. AIP certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced paralegals. It is open to all paralegals who have at least two years of experience in the legal field, regardless of their educational background or type of employer.

The AIP certification process involves taking an online exam that tests knowledge in core areas such as legal research, writing, ethics, and technology. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive certification.

The cost for the AIP certification process varies depending on which membership package you choose. The basic package costs $125 and includes access to study materials and practice exams, as well as a one-year membership with the AIP. The premium package costs $250 and includes additional benefits such as access to webinars and discounts on continuing education courses.

Overall, it typically takes about six weeks from start to finish for candidates to complete the entire AIP certification process.

9. National Federation of Paralegal Associations Certification

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of paralegals. It is designed to demonstrate a commitment to ethical practice and professional development in the field of paralegal studies.

To become certified, an individual must meet NFPA’s eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. The examination consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as legal research, legal writing, ethics, and substantive law. The oral portion tests the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and other members of the legal team.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application packet that includes proof of eligibility (such as educational transcripts or employment verification), a resume or CV, and a non-refundable fee. Once approved by NFPA’s board of directors, applicants can then register for the exam.

The cost for the NFPA Certification Exam is $500 plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and tutorials. Additional fees may be required for retakes or additional materials requested during the exam period.

10. International Association of Administrative Professionals Certification

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrative professionals. The IAAP certification program is offered in four levels: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), and Certified Management Assistant (CMA).

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam for each level. The exams are administered by Prometric, a third-party testing organization. The CAP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions; the MOS exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions; the CPS exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions; and the CMA exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.

The cost to take each exam varies depending on which level you are taking. The CAP exam costs $225 USD; the MOS exam costs $125 USD; the CPS exam costs $175 USD; and the CMA exam costs $200 USD.

In order to prepare for any IAAP certification exams, individuals can enroll in an online course or attend a live seminar. Additionally, study materials are available through IAAP’s website. It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for any IAAP certification exams.

11. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Certificate

The American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Certificate is a program that provides paralegals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful in the legal field. The certificate is designed to provide paralegals with an understanding of legal terminology, research, writing, interviewing, and other aspects of the law. The program typically takes six months to complete and requires a minimum of 60 hours of coursework.

In order to get the ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate, students must meet certain requirements. These include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, completing a paralegal studies program from an ABA-approved institution, passing the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) exam, and completing a supervised internship or externship in a law office.

The cost of obtaining an ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate will vary depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition fees for these programs range from around $2,000-$5,000. Additional costs may include textbooks and materials as well as any fees associated with taking the NFPA exam.

Do You Really Need a Legal Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals. A legal clerk certificate may be needed if an individual is seeking a job as a legal clerk or other related position in a law firm. It may also be beneficial for someone who wishes to become a paralegal, although it is not usually required.

A legal clerk certificate can provide an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a legal clerk, such as filing documents, researching legal materials, and assisting attorneys with case preparation. The certificate program will typically cover topics such as civil procedure, contracts, business law, and criminal law. Upon completion of the program, individuals are typically able to demonstrate their understanding of court procedures and other legal matters.

In addition to providing individuals with knowledge of the law, many employers also value the credentials that come with having completed a certificate program. This can help individuals stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the field. Having a certificate may also open up opportunities for higher pay or more advanced positions within the field.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a legal clerk certificate depends on their goals and career aspirations within the field of law. For those who wish to pursue a job as a legal clerk or paralegal, obtaining such certification can prove invaluable in terms of both knowledge and job prospects.

Related: Legal Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Legal Clerk Certifications

Q1: What is a Legal Clerk Certification?

A1: A Legal Clerk Certification is a professional certificate that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in performing legal administrative tasks such as filing documents, managing databases, and preparing legal briefs.

Q2: How do I obtain a Legal Clerk Certification?

A2: To obtain a Legal Clerk Certification, you must complete a certified program from an accredited institution. Depending on the program, this may involve taking classes or completing on-the-job training.

Q3: How long does it take to get a Legal Clerk Certification?

A3: The amount of time it takes to get a Legal Clerk Certification varies depending on the program and the individual. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary coursework and training.

Q4: What are the benefits of obtaining a Legal Clerk Certification?

A4: Obtaining a Legal Clerk Certification has many benefits including demonstrating your knowledge and skills in the legal field, increasing your job prospects, and enabling you to earn higher salaries.

Q5: Are there any requirements for maintaining my certification?

A5: Yes, most programs require that you renew your certification every few years by taking additional courses or passing exams.