Top 10 Process Server Certifications

Certifications are important for process servers in the job market because they demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill and expertise in their field. Certification is a voluntary process that requires an applicant to pass a written exam and complete an approved training program. This ensures that applicants have the necessary skills and understanding to perform their duties as a process server. Additionally, certifications also provide employers with assurance of an individual’s qualifications and abilities, which can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Finally, certifications demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the industry, which can help boost an individual’s reputation among peers and employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Process Servers and explains how they can help advance a process server's career.

What are Process Server Certifications?

Process server certification is a voluntary credential that is offered by the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS). It is designed to demonstrate a process server's knowledge, experience, and commitment to professional standards. By obtaining certification, process servers can demonstrate to clients and potential employers that they have met certain standards of practice and are knowledgeable in their field.

Certification helps to ensure that process servers understand the laws governing service of process in their state or jurisdiction, as well as any other relevant legal rules. Certification also provides assurance to clients and employers that process servers are properly trained and qualified to serve legal documents accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Additionally, certified process servers may be able to access additional resources from NAPPS such as continuing education opportunities and support from other certified members.

Pro Tip: When considering process server certification, make sure to research the requirements and regulations in your state. Different states have different requirements for certification, so it is important to ensure that you are meeting all of the necessary criteria before pursuing a certification.

Related: What does a Process Server do?

Top 10 Process Server Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Process Servers today.

1. Certified Process Server (CPS)

A Certified Process Server (CPS) is an individual who has been certified by a state or local court to serve legal documents. This includes serving summonses, subpoenas, complaints, writs and other legal documents.

In order to become a CPS, individuals must complete a training program approved by the court in their jurisdiction. The length of the training program varies depending on the state or local court requirements. Generally, it takes between 8-20 hours of classroom instruction and/or online coursework to become certified.

In addition to completing the required training program, applicants must also pass an exam administered by the court in order to be certified. After passing the exam and completing all other requirements, applicants will receive a certificate of completion from the court that allows them to serve as a process server in their jurisdiction.

The cost of becoming a CPS varies from state to state and can range from $50-$200 for registration fees and training materials. In some cases, additional fees may be required for background checks or fingerprinting services.

2. Certified Professional Process Server (CPPS)

Certified Professional Process Server (CPPS) is a certification offered by the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS). The CPPS certification is designed to recognize process servers who demonstrate professionalism, competence, and ethical behavior in their profession.

To become a Certified Professional Process Server, individuals must meet certain requirements. These include being at least 18 years old and having a minimum of two years experience as a process server. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAPPS that covers topics such as civil procedure, service of process laws, legal terminology, and ethics.

The cost of the CPPS certification varies depending on the applicant’s state or province. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $150 to $200 USD for members of NAPPS and $250 to $300 USD for non-members.

The entire CPPS certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. This includes completing the application form, taking the exam, and waiting for results from NAPPS. Once an individual has passed the exam and been approved by NAPPS, they will receive their official CPPS certificate in the mail.

3. Certified Legal Process Server (CLPS)

A Certified Legal Process Server (CLPS) is an individual who has been certified by the state to serve legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, and other court papers. The process server must be knowledgeable about the laws governing service of process and must be able to properly serve legal documents in accordance with those laws.

It typically takes up to two weeks for an individual to become a CLPS. To get certified, you must first complete a training course or program approved by the state in which you plan to serve legal documents. This can include online courses, seminars, or workshops. After completing the training course, you must then pass a written examination administered by the state in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming a CLPS varies from state to state but generally ranges from $50-$200. Additionally, some states may require that you pay an annual fee or renewal fee in order to maintain your certification status.

4. National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)

The National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1982. It is the largest and oldest professional association for process servers in the United States. NAPPS provides training, education, networking, and support to its members who serve legal documents throughout the country.

To become a member of NAPPS, you must meet certain requirements such as having two years of experience as a process server or being employed by an agency that serves legal documents. You must also pass a background check and adhere to the NAPPS Code of Ethics.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the application process for membership. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your official NAPPS membership card.

The cost of joining NAPPS depends on which type of membership you choose. There are three different levels: Individual ($50/year), Agency ($100/year), and International ($150/year). All memberships include access to exclusive discounts on products and services related to process serving, access to educational materials and resources, and more.

5. International Association of Professional Process Servers (IAPPS)

The International Association of Professional Process Servers (IAPPS) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of process serving and its members. The IAPPS offers certification for process servers, which is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and excellence in the field.

It takes approximately two weeks for applicants to receive their certification after submitting all required documents and fees. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of one year of experience as a process server or two years in a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the IAPPS that covers topics such as legal terminology, service of process laws, and civil procedure rules.

The cost for certification varies depending on the country where the applicant is applying from. Typically, it costs between $100 to $200 USD to become certified by the IAPPS.

Once certified, members have access to exclusive resources such as online forums and educational materials, discounts on products and services related to process serving, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.

6. American Association of Professional Process Servers (AAPPS)

The American Association of Professional Process Servers (AAPPS) is a professional organization that provides certification to process servers who meet certain standards. The AAPPS certification is designed to ensure that process servers are knowledgeable, competent and ethical in their practice.

It takes an average of 3-4 weeks to complete the application process for AAPPS certification. To become certified, applicants must first submit an online application form and provide proof of their experience as a process server. Applicants must also pass a written exam and background check before they can be approved for certification.

The cost of AAPPS certification varies depending on the state in which you live, but typically ranges from $100-$500. The fee includes the cost of the written exam, background check and any other administrative costs associated with the application process.

Once certified, members are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses every two years. This ensures that members stay up-to-date on changes in laws and regulations related to serving legal documents.

7. National Notary Association Certified Signing Agent

The National Notary Association Certified Signing Agent (NSA-CSA) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional standards of notaries who specialize in loan document signings. This certification is designed to help ensure that notaries are knowledgeable, experienced, and ethical in their practice.

In order to obtain NSA-CSA certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

• Be an active NNA member in good standing for at least one year;
• Have completed a minimum of 25 loan document signings within the past 12 months;
• Successfully complete the NNA Certified Signing Agent Course; and
• Pass the NNA Certified Signing Agent Exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The NNA Certified Signing Agent Course can be completed online and typically takes about 8 hours to complete. The cost of the course is $99 for members and $139 for non-members. Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive your NSA-CSA certificate. This certificate is valid for two years from the date it was issued. After two years, you must renew your certification by completing continuing education credits as required by the NNA.

8. National Federation of Paralegal Associations Certified Legal Document Preparer

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations Certified Legal Document Preparer (NFPA CLDP) is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to competently prepare legal documents. The NFPA CLDP is a voluntary certification program that is open to all paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal professionals who have experience in preparing legal documents.

The NFPA CLDP requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as legal terminology, document preparation techniques, and ethical considerations. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of the applicable state laws by completing a state-specific essay question.

To obtain the NFPA CLDP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $125 USD. Once the application has been approved, applicants will be sent an invitation to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from the NFPA within four weeks.

The NFPA CLDP certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain certification status, applicants must complete 12 hours of continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam after three years has elapsed since passing it initially.

9. American Bar Association Accredited Paralegal

The American Bar Association (ABA) Accredited Paralegal program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have met the ABA’s standards for professional paralegals. The ABA Accredited Paralegal program provides a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of paralegal studies.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the ABA Accredited Paralegal program. To become certified, applicants must complete an approved paralegal education program, pass a comprehensive exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and meet other requirements set forth by the ABA.

The cost of becoming an ABA Accredited Paralegal varies depending on factors such as the type of school attended, location, and length of study. Generally speaking, tuition for a two-year program ranges from $4,000 to $8,000. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the NALA exam and applying for certification through the ABA.

In addition to completing an accredited paralegal education program and passing the NALA exam, applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practice in the legal profession by submitting letters of recommendation from attorneys or judges who have observed their work performance. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for certification through the ABA website.

10. International Association for Court Administration Registered Court Filing Agent

The International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Registered Court Filing Agent program is a voluntary certification program that provides court filing agents with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to the practice of court filing. The program is designed to ensure that court filing agents have the necessary knowledge, experience, and qualifications to provide quality services in a professional manner.

The IACA Registered Court Filing Agent program requires applicants to successfully complete a written exam and an in-person assessment. The written exam consists of questions covering topics such as court filing procedures, rules of civil procedure, legal research, document preparation, service of process, and other related topics. The in-person assessment involves a practical demonstration of the applicant’s ability to file documents correctly and accurately.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time an application is submitted until the applicant receives notification of their results. Applicants who pass both components will receive an IACA Registered Court Filing Agent certificate and be listed on the IACA website as a certified court filing agent.

The cost for the IACA Registered Court Filing Agent program varies depending on where you are located. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for both components (written exam and practical assessment).

Do You Really Need a Process Server Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you plan to do with the process server certificate. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to obtain a process server certificate in order to legally serve legal documents such as court summonses and subpoenas. In other cases, however, it may not be required.

If you are planning on working as a professional process server, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a process server certificate. This is because most states require those who serve legal documents to be certified by the court or other governmental agency. The certification process helps ensure that the individual is qualified and competent to perform their duties. Furthermore, many employers require their employees who serve legal documents to have a valid process server certification before they are allowed to begin work.

On the other hand, if you simply plan on serving legal documents on an occasional basis (such as when acting as an agent for another party), then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a process server certificate. However, even in these cases, it can still be beneficial to become certified since it demonstrates your commitment and knowledge of the profession and may give potential clients more confidence in your abilities.

In summary, whether or not you need a process server certificate depends largely on what type of work you plan on doing with it. If you intend to work professionally as a process server then obtaining certification is likely necessary; otherwise, it may not be required but can still help demonstrate your competence and professionalism when dealing with potential clients.

Related: Process Server Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Server Certifications

1. What is a Process Server Certification?

Answer: A Process Server Certification is an official recognition of a person's qualifications and experience as a process server. It requires passing an examination that tests knowledge of the laws and regulations governing service of process.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training course and pass the certification exam. You will also need to submit proof of your identity, education, and experience in order to apply for the certification.

3. Does my state require certification?

Answer: It depends on the state you live in. Some states require certification while others do not. You should contact your local court or government office to find out if your state requires certification for process servers.

4. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you live and what type of course you take. Generally speaking, courses range from $100-$500, with the exam costing around $50-$100 in addition to the course fees.

5. How long is my certification valid for?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for two years from the date they are issued and must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.