Paralegal Certification Florida
Registering as a paralegal in Florida is optional. However, many paralegals are interested in the paralegal certification because it is an excellent designation to have when looking for a paralegal job. It shows potential employers that not only are you ambitious, but have the core skill sets in place to do well right from the get go. However, applicants must be aware that the certification process is not without work or commitment. The are certain requirements that need to be met before an applicant is even allowed to register the exam. From there, applicants must successfully pass the exam and meet ongoing education requirements to keep their paralegal certification status.
Florida Paralegal Certification Requirements:
Education and Work Experience
Paralegals can satisfy the educational and/or work experience prerequisites for getting certified in a number of ways. Applicants who have earned a paralegal bachelor’s degree from a college accredited by the American Bar Association or earned a juris doctorate from an American Bar Association approved university needs only 1 year of job experience to apply. Three years of work experience is required for those that have a bachelor’s degree in another major other than paralegal studies from a an accredited university. Meanwhile, applicants that have an associate degree in paralegal need 2 years of job experience to apply. Paralegals with an associate degree in another major requires 4 years of work experience. Also note that work experience only counts when it is with a Florida-based American Bar Association lawyer.
Application
After meeting the necessary work and education requirements, paralegals must register with the Florida Bar Association. Fill out the necessary application paperwork which includes your school transcripts and recommendations. Along with the application, submit the $150 application fee.
Paralegal Exam
Lastly, paralegals must pass the paralegal certification exam. There are two exam options.
- Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal (CLA/CP) administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
Continuing Education
Paralegals that have earned the paralegal certification in Florida, must complete 30 credit hours of education related to paralegal studies every 3 years to maintain their status. 5 credit hours need to be related to legal ethics and professionalism.
To find out more information on paralegal certification in Florida, please visit the link below: