Paralegal Certification
Despite the growing demand for paralegals, this field is still competitive for the best paralegal positions. For those that want to gain an edge against other paralegal job candidates, getting the paralegal certification is a must. It is not mandatory, but obtaining a paralegal certificate demonstrates to potential employers that you have fundamental paralegal knowledge and skills. Employers can rest assured and be confident in hiring someone that is competent and can hit the ground running.
Paralegal Certification Prerequisite Requirements
In general, a paralegal meets the certification prerequisite requirements if they have the proper education, job experience, employed with a lawyer, corporation, law office, governmental agency or any other company that handles legal work that involves a lawyer. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state but in general they include education/training, continuing law education, and professional references. Only after you have met these criterion can you take the paralegal certification exam.
Paralegal Certification Exam Topics
- Procedural and Substantive Law
- Ethics
- Legal Writing and Research
- Computer Skills
- Communication
- Law Office Management
Paralegal Certification Cost
Fees vary from state to state, but in general each fee can range from $100 t0 $200.
- Application Fee
- Examination Fee
- Biennial Report Fee
- Recertification Fee
Paralegal Certification Organizations
There are four associations that provide certification for paralegals. They each require a paralegal to meet aforementioned eligibility requirements and then successfully pass the exam.
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)
Continuing Paralegal Certification Requirements
After obtaining your paralegal certification, be aware that it is good for a certain period of time. To continue to carry the certification qualification, paralegals must complete a set number of hours in continuing legal education. Usually this is 12 credit hours of law education every 2 years. Requirements varies from state to state. This may seem like a lot of work, but the legal field is always changing and updating your legal knowledge is needed to keep up with this field.
Biennial Report
Every 2 years during November and December, paralegals must file a biennial report to maintain their certification. Paralegals are required to report any material changes in information provided in the paralegal application for certification. If there have been changes, full documentation must be provided to the certification board. In addition, certified paralegals must show the board that they have completed 12 credit hours in continuing legal education.
Paralegal Recertification
Paralegal certification lasts for 4 years before they have to meet all the prerequisite requirements pass the exam again. This is a small price to pay to get this highly sought after credential.
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