Top 10 Paralegal Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for paralegal assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide assurance to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable and competent in the field. Certified paralegals have a higher level of expertise than non-certified professionals and can be trusted with more responsibility. Certification also gives employers confidence that the applicant has been trained in legal ethics and has passed rigorous exams to prove their knowledge. Paralegals who are certified have an advantage over those who are not, as employers often prefer candidates with certification when hiring for positions. Additionally, certifications can lead to salary increases, better job opportunities, and career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Paralegal Assistants and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Paralegal Assistant Certifications?

Paralegal assistant certification is a type of professional development that provides formal recognition of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform legal support duties. It is offered by various organizations and can be obtained either through online or in-person courses.

The primary benefit of obtaining paralegal assistant certification is that it helps to demonstrate competence in the field and can be used as a valuable credential when applying for jobs. It also provides an opportunity to stay up to date on relevant industry topics and trends, which can help with job performance and advancement opportunities. Additionally, certified paralegals may have access to additional resources and networking opportunities that can help them build their careers. Finally, having certification may provide peace of mind knowing that you have the necessary qualifications to do your job effectively.

Pro Tip: When considering paralegal assistant certification, make sure to research the requirements and curriculum of the program you are interested in. Many programs require a certain number of hours of legal experience or an associate's degree prior to enrollment. Additionally, look for programs that offer industry-recognized certifications so that potential employers can easily verify your qualifications.

Related: What does a Paralegal Assistant do?

Top 10 Paralegal Assistant Certifications

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

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

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal is a professional certification for paralegals. It is the only national certification program for paralegals, and it is recognized by employers and courts throughout the United States. The NALA Certified Paralegal credential demonstrates that a paralegal has met the highest standards of knowledge and experience in the field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience. Applicants must also complete continuing education courses every two years to maintain their certification.

The NALA Certified Paralegal exam consists of four parts: legal research, legal writing, ethics and professionalism, and general law. The exam takes about four hours to complete and costs $350 for NALA members or $450 for non-members. Applicants must score at least 70% on each part of the exam in order to pass.

In addition to the exam fee, applicants may also have to pay a processing fee when they submit their application materials. This fee varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NALA.

2. National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Certified Paralegal

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Certified Paralegal is a professional certification program that recognizes paralegals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience, and ethical standards in their field. The NFPA Certified Paralegal credential is the only national certification for paralegals. It is recognized by employers, courts, and bar associations as evidence of a paralegal’s commitment to excellence in the profession.

In order to become an NFPA Certified Paralegal, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant within the last five years; completing at least 60 semester hours of college-level courses; and passing the NFPA's comprehensive examination.

The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as communication skills, legal research and writing, ethics, technology, and substantive law. The exam can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers throughout the United States.

It typically takes about four to six months to prepare for the exam and complete all necessary paperwork for certification. The cost to take the exam is $395 for members of NFPA or other approved paralegal organizations, and $495 for non-members.

3. American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP) Certified Paralegal

The American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP) Certified Paralegal is a professional certification program that recognizes paralegals who demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge and skill in their field. This certification is designed to promote excellence in the profession, as well as to provide employers with a reliable measure of an individual’s qualifications.

It typically takes around six months to complete the certification process, but this can vary depending on the individual and their level of experience. To become AAP Certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of full-time paralegal experience or its equivalent. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal research, legal writing, and ethics.

The cost for the AAP Certified Paralegal program varies depending on the type of application chosen. The standard fee is $325 for members and $425 for non-members. There are also discounts available for those who submit multiple applications at once or take advantage of other special offers.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years and paying an annual maintenance fee of $50 for members and $75 for non-members.

4. National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Certified Legal Secretary

The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Certified Legal Secretary (CLS) is a professional certification for legal secretaries. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of legal secretaries in the areas of legal terminology, court systems, document production, law office management, and legal research.

To become a CLS, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a legal secretary or have completed an approved paralegal program. They must also pass an exam administered by NALS. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as civil litigation, criminal law, family law, real estate law, and wills and estates.

It typically takes two to four months to prepare for the exam and complete the application process. Applicants should plan to spend at least 10 hours per week studying for the exam during this time period.

The cost to take the CLS exam is $225 USD for NALS members and $275 USD for non-members. Additionally, applicants must pay a one-time certification fee of $50 USD upon passing the exam.

Overall, obtaining the CLS certification is an important step in establishing yourself as a qualified legal secretary with specialized knowledge and skills that are highly sought after by employers in the field.

5. National Notary Association (NNA) Certified Notary Public

The National Notary Association (NNA) Certified Notary Public is a professional designation for notaries public who have completed additional training and testing to demonstrate their knowledge of notarial law and best practices. It is the highest level of recognition available to a notary public in the United States.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete the NNA certification process, depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required steps. The first step is to complete an online application and pay the $40 fee. After your application is approved, you must then take an online exam that covers topics such as notarial laws, procedures, ethics, and technology. Once you pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will be issued your NNA Certified Notary Public certificate.

The cost of becoming an NNA Certified Notary Public includes a $40 application fee plus any additional fees for state-required background checks or other items needed for completion of the certification process.

6. American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Program

The American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Program is a program that is designed to certify paralegals who have met the educational and professional standards set forth by the ABA. The program provides students with a comprehensive education in the legal field, including courses in legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts, torts, family law, criminal law, bankruptcy law, and more.

In order to be eligible for an ABA-approved paralegal program, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they must pass an entrance exam and complete an approved paralegal studies course. The length of time it takes to complete the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs take two years to complete.

The cost of enrolling in an ABA-approved paralegal program will vary depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees for these programs range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. In addition to tuition fees, students may also need to pay for books and other materials related to their studies.

Once students have completed their ABA-approved paralegal program and passed all required exams, they will receive certification from the ABA that verifies their competency as a legal assistant or paralegal. This certification is recognized across the United States and can open up many job opportunities for those who possess it.

7. Institute for Paralegal Education (IPE) Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program

The Institute for Paralegal Education (IPE) Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program is designed to provide paralegals with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful professional in the legal field. The program consists of 10 courses, which are designed to help students acquire the skills necessary to become an effective paralegal. This includes topics such as legal research, writing, interviewing, and litigation support. The program also provides students with an understanding of the ethical standards and responsibilities associated with being a paralegal.

The IPE Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program takes approximately two years to complete. Students can choose from either a full-time or part-time option depending on their availability and schedule. Full-time students typically take two classes per semester while part-time students can take one class at a time. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive an Advanced Paralegal Certificate from IPE.

To get started in the IPE Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program, applicants must meet certain requirements including having earned a high school diploma or GED and completing an application form online. Once accepted into the program, students must pay tuition fees which vary depending on their course load and other factors such as residency status. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $1,000-$2,500 per semester for full-time students and $400-$800 per course for part-time students.

In addition to tuition fees, there may also be additional costs associated with obtaining materials such as textbooks and software programs that are required for certain courses within the program.

8. NALS Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) Certification

NALS Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) Certification is a professional certification program offered by NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals. It is designed to recognize legal professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of professional competency. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal terminology, legal research, writing, technology, and ethics.

The ALP certification process typically takes between six and eight months to complete. The first step is to submit an application to NALS which includes a fee of $150. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online self-study course that covers all of the necessary topics for the exam. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants are awarded their ALP certification.

The cost of obtaining ALP certification varies depending on how much time it takes to complete the self-study course and pass the exam. In addition to the application fee of $150, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking review courses offered by NALS or other organizations.

9. The Institute for Paralegal Studies, Inc. Professional Paralegal Certification Program

The Institute for Paralegal Studies, Inc. Professional Paralegal Certification Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide paralegals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified professionals in the field of legal studies. The program consists of three components: an online course, a final examination, and a professional certification exam.

The online course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of paralegal studies and provides them with an understanding of the legal system, legal terminology, and court procedures. This course takes approximately 10 weeks to complete and requires a minimum grade of 80% on all assignments.

Once the online course is completed, students must pass a final examination which tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course. This exam is administered by The Institute for Paralegal Studies, Inc., and typically takes two hours to complete.

Finally, once both components are successfully completed, students are eligible to take the professional certification exam which is administered by The National Association for Legal Professionals (NALP). This exam tests their knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, ethics and other areas related to paralegal studies. Upon completion of this exam, students will be awarded their Professional Paralegal Certification from NALP.

The cost for this program varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges between $1,000-$2,000 USD including tuition fees and textbooks.

10. The Institute for Professional Development's Professional Law Clerk Certification

The Institute for Professional Development's Professional Law Clerk Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful law clerks. The certification is designed to provide legal professionals with the necessary training and experience to become competent, ethical, and successful law clerks.

The certification process takes approximately 6 months to complete. During this time period, students will be required to complete an online course that covers topics such as legal research, legal writing, client relations, court procedure, and more. Upon completion of the coursework, students must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a professional law clerk, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of experience working as a paralegal or similar position in a law firm or other legal setting; being able to demonstrate proficiency in English; having completed at least 60 college credits or equivalent work experience; and passing a background check.

The cost of obtaining the Professional Law Clerk Certification from the Institute for Professional Development varies depending on the type of program chosen. Typically, there is an application fee of $50-$100 plus additional fees for course materials, textbooks, and exams.

Do You Really Need a Paralegal Assistant Certificate?

The short answer is that it depends. If you are serious about pursuing a career as a paralegal assistant, then obtaining a certificate can be an important step in your professional development. A certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality work within the legal industry.

Having a certificate can also help you to stand out from other applicants in the job market. Employers typically look for candidates with specialized training and experience, so having a paralegal assistant certificate on your resume can give you an edge over those who do not have one. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire individuals with certifications as they demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development.

Moreover, having a certification may open doors for you to pursue higher-level positions or advance your career into other areas of the legal field. Certifications allow you to become more knowledgeable about legal topics and processes, which can make you more valuable as an employee. Furthermore, earning a certificate might lead to increased job satisfaction and better pay as employers recognize your qualifications and abilities.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not completing a paralegal assistant certificate program is worth it for you personally and professionally. However, if your goal is to obtain meaningful employment in the legal field or move up in your current position, then obtaining this type of certification could be beneficial for helping you reach these goals.

Related: Paralegal Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Paralegal Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a paralegal assistant?

Answer: To become a paralegal assistant, you typically need to have at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a related field, such as legal studies or criminal justice. You may also need to have certification from an accredited program, like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Bar Association (ABA).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a paralegal assistant?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a paralegal assistant will depend on which certification you choose and how much prior education and experience you have. Generally, certifications can be obtained within one year or less with adequate preparation.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that you complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification status. The number of hours required varies depending on the organization, but typically ranges from 12-15 hours per year.

4. What is the job market like for paralegal assistants?

Answer: The job market for paralegals is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade due to increasing demand for legal services and an aging population of lawyers who will be retiring soon. This growth rate is faster than average compared to other occupations and provides excellent job prospects for those interested in becoming paralegals.

5. How much money do paralegal assistants make?

Answer: Salaries vary based on experience and location, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for paralegals was $50,940 in 2019. Those working in law firms tend to earn more than those working in other settings such as corporate offices or government agencies.