Top 10 Paralegal Certifications

Certifications are important for paralegals in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competency and commitment to excellence that employers look for when hiring. Certification indicates that the paralegal has taken the necessary steps to ensure they have the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to provide quality legal services. A certified paralegal is seen as someone who is dedicated to their profession and will go above and beyond what is expected. This can be a valuable asset when it comes time for an employer to choose between two similarly qualified candidates. Certifications can also open up career opportunities that may not have been available otherwise, as some employers require certification in order to be considered for certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how top certifications for Paralegals can positively contribute to a paralegal's career.

What are Paralegal Certifications?

Paralegal certification is a voluntary process in which a paralegal has met certain standards of education and experience set by a certifying organization. It is important to note that paralegal certification is different than a license, which is typically required for attorneys. Certification indicates that a paralegal has met the highest standards of training and ethics in the field, which can help boost credibility with potential employers. Furthermore, those who are certified may have an advantage when seeking employment over those who are not certified, as employers may prefer to hire someone who has demonstrated their commitment to the field through certification.

In addition to providing an edge in the job market, paralegal certification can also provide professional development opportunities such as continuing education courses and networking events. This can be beneficial for those who already hold a paralegal position as they will stay up-to-date on the latest legal trends and technologies. Additionally, being certified can demonstrate one’s dedication to the profession and reinforce their commitment to staying current with relevant laws and regulations.

Overall, obtaining paralegal certification can be an important step for any individual looking to build or strengthen their career in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for paralegal certification in your state before beginning the process. Many states have different requirements and it’s important to make sure you meet all of them in order to become certified.

Related: What does a Paralegal do?

Top 10 Paralegal Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to 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 voluntary certification program that recognizes paralegals who have met certain educational and experiential criteria. It is designed to demonstrate a paralegal's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the legal field.

To become certified as a CP, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of two years of full-time equivalent experience as a paralegal;
• Successfully complete NALA’s approved paralegal studies program or its equivalent;
• Pass the NALA Certified Paralegal Examination.

It typically takes about two years to obtain the CP certification, depending on how quickly you can complete your education and experience requirements. The cost for taking the exam is $200 for NALA members and $400 for non-members. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining the necessary education or experience required for certification.

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

The Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize paralegals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in their field. The CLA/CP is one of the most widely recognized and respected credentials in the legal profession.

In order to become certified, an individual must meet certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements as outlined by NFPA. To be eligible for certification, an individual must have either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved school, or have completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit including 24 semester hours in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal within the past seven years prior to application.

The CLA/CP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering seven subject areas: legal research; legal writing; ethics; civil litigation; corporate law; real estate law; and probate law. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center located throughout the United States.

The cost for the CLA/CP examination is $375 for NFPA members and $475 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there is also a $50 application fee that must be paid when submitting your application to take the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate in approximately six weeks after passing the test.

Overall, obtaining your Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) certification from NFPA can help demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in your field as well as give you more credibility with potential employers. It may also help you stand out among other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within your current organization.

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

The Professional Paralegal (PP) credential from the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALS) is a voluntary certification that recognizes the expertise and experience of paralegals. This certification is designed to demonstrate a paralegal’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the legal profession.

In order to obtain the PP credential, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time paralegal experience within the last five years or three years of part-time experience within the last five years, as well as passing an examination administered by NALS. The exam consists of both multiple-choice questions and essay questions that cover topics such as legal research, writing, ethics, litigation support services, client relations, and technology.

The cost for obtaining the PP credential varies depending on your membership status with NALS. If you are a non-member, you will need to pay a $125 application fee and an additional $175 for the exam fee. If you are a member of NALS, you will only need to pay a $100 application fee and an additional $150 for the exam fee.

It typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, your PP credential will be issued by NALS.

4. Advanced Paralegal Certification from the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAP)

Advanced Paralegal Certification from the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAP) is a voluntary certification program for paralegals who have achieved a high level of professional development and experience in their field. The certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to perform advanced paralegal tasks.

The certification process takes approximately three months to complete and requires applicants to pass an examination administered by the AAP. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional experience, education, and training in order to be eligible for the certification.

To get certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time work as a paralegal or equivalent experience; completion of an approved paralegal program; or completion of at least 60 hours of approved continuing legal education courses. Additionally, applicants must have no criminal convictions within the past five years and no disciplinary action within the past three years related to their practice as a paralegal.

The cost for Advanced Paralegal Certification from the AAP is $250 for members and $350 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam as well as any other associated fees such as application processing fees.

5. Certified Document Preparation Professional (CDPP) from the Institute for Paralegal Education and Training, Inc. (IPET)

Certified Document Preparation Professional (CDPP) from the Institute for Paralegal Education and Training, Inc. (IPET) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the preparation of legal documents. This certification is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of document preparation techniques, as well as an understanding of the rules and regulations governing legal documents.

The CDPP program consists of three courses: Introduction to Document Preparation, Advanced Document Preparation, and Legal Writing. The courses are offered online or in person at IPET's training center in Houston, Texas. Each course takes approximately eight hours to complete. Upon completion of all three courses, participants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a CDPP, applicants must have at least two years of experience preparing legal documents for clients or employers. Applicants must also submit an application form along with payment for the certification fee ($150). Once approved by IPET’s Certification Board, applicants will be issued their CDPP certificate.

The CDPP certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits or retaking the final exam.

6. Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) from The National Association of Legal Investigators, Inc. (NALI)

Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) is an internationally recognized professional certification offered by The National Association of Legal Investigators, Inc. (NALI). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional practice for legal investigators.

To become a Certified Legal Investigator, applicants must meet certain requirements, including: a minimum of three years of investigative experience in a law enforcement or related field; completion of at least 45 hours of approved training; and passing a comprehensive written examination.

The process typically takes between six and nine months to complete. Applicants must first submit their application to NALI, along with the required documentation and fees. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive information regarding the training requirements and examination dates. After completing the required training, applicants must take and pass the written exam before becoming certified.

The cost to become a Certified Legal Investigator varies depending on the type of membership chosen. The standard fee is $350 for NALI members or $450 for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam, such as travel expenses or test proctor fees.

7. Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) from The National Association of Litigation Support Professionals, Inc.

Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) is a certification offered by The National Association of Litigation Support Professionals, Inc. (NALS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved the highest level of expertise in the field of litigation support. The CLSP certification is a mark of excellence and demonstrates that an individual has attained a high level of knowledge and proficiency in all areas related to litigation support.

To earn the CLSP designation, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as e-discovery, document management, legal research and analysis, trial preparation, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CLSP certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of litigation support or related areas. They must also complete an application form and pay an examination fee.

The cost for the CLSP examination is $395 for NALS members and $495 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams, sample questions, and reference materials. Additionally, applicants can purchase additional practice exams for $50 each.

8. Certified Immigration Specialist-Paralegal Certification Program from The American Immigration Lawyers Association

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Certified Immigration Specialist-Paralegal Certification Program is a voluntary certification program for paralegals that specialize in immigration law. The program is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills of paralegals who work in the field of immigration law.

The program consists of an online course, which covers topics such as immigration procedures, legal research, and client interviewing. Participants must also pass an exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material. The entire program takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To get certified, participants must have at least one year of experience working with immigration law and be sponsored by an AILA member attorney or firm. After completing the course and passing the exam, participants will receive a certificate from AILA recognizing them as a Certified Immigration Specialist-Paralegal (CIS-P).

The cost for the certification program is $495 for AILA members and $595 for non-members.

9. Certified eDiscovery Specialists Program from The Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists

The Certified eDiscovery Specialists Program from The Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the electronic discovery process. It is designed for legal professionals, IT professionals, paralegals, and other professionals working in the field of electronic discovery.

The program requires candidates to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as data collection, preservation, processing, review and production. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of applicable laws and regulations related to electronic discovery.

The program takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete. Candidates must first register for the program and pay a fee of $1,795 USD before they can begin studying for the exam. After registering, candidates will receive access to an online learning portal where they can study course materials including videos, webinars, practice tests and other resources.

Once they have completed their studies, candidates must take a proctored certification exam at an approved testing center. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as data collection methods, preservation techniques and review strategies. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their ACEDS Certified eDiscovery Specialist (CEDS) credential which is valid for two years.

10. Advanced Certifications in Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law available through NALS

Advanced Certifications in Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law available through NALS are designed to recognize attorneys who demonstrate a high level of expertise in their respective fields. The certifications are offered by the National Association of Legal Specialists (NALS), which is a professional organization dedicated to providing quality legal education and certification programs for lawyers.

The certification program requires that applicants have at least five years of experience practicing in the field of law for which they are applying. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by NALS that tests their knowledge and skills in the particular area of law. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will be awarded the advanced certification.

In order to obtain an advanced certification from NALS, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with a fee. The fee varies depending on the type of certification being sought, but typically ranges from $75-$150. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants must then take and pass the examination administered by NALS. The length of time it takes to receive results from the exam depends on when it was taken; however, typically results are received within 6-8 weeks after taking the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the examination, they will be awarded an advanced certification from NALS in either Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law or Bankruptcy Law. This certification serves as recognition for their expertise in their respective field and may be used as a credential when looking for employment or advancing one's career.

Do You Really Need a Paralegal Certificate?

Whether or not you need a paralegal certificate depends on the type of work you want to do as a paralegal. If you are looking for an entry-level position in a law firm or corporate legal department, then it is likely that employers will require you to have some kind of certification or qualification. This is because the work of a paralegal requires knowledge and understanding of legal concepts and procedures, so employers want to make sure they hire someone who is competent in this field.

Having a paralegal certificate can also be beneficial if you are looking for promotion opportunities within your organization. Having formal qualifications can demonstrate to your employer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to take on more responsibility and help them with their legal needs.

It is important to note, however, that there are other ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed by a paralegal without having to obtain a certificate. Many people choose to attend classes at their local community college or through online courses in order to become familiar with the principles of law and how they apply in practice. Additionally, many employers look favorably upon individuals who have volunteered with legal aid organizations or interned at law firms as this shows that they have hands-on experience in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a paralegal certificate depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking for an entry-level job or promotion opportunities, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial but if not, there are other ways to gain the necessary skills.

Related: Paralegal Resume Examples

FAQs About Paralegal Certifications

1. What is a Paralegal Certification?

A paralegal certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of paralegals. It is earned by completing an accredited program and passing an exam.

2. How do I become certified?

In order to become certified, you must complete an accredited paralegal program and pass the appropriate exam. The exam may be administered by a variety of organizations, including the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Bar Association (ABA).

3. Are there different types of certifications?

Yes, there are several different types of certifications offered for paralegals, such as Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Paralegal (CP), or Professional Paralegal (PP). Each type has its own set of requirements that must be met before certification can be awarded.

4. What are the advantages of becoming certified?

Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to your profession and increases your value as a paralegal in the eyes of employers, clients, and other professionals in the legal field. It also shows that you have mastered certain skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.

5. How long does it take to get certified?

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on which certification you are pursuing and how quickly you can complete the requirements. Generally speaking, it will take at least six months to one year to finish all requirements for most certifications.