The job market for paralegals is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will grow 22 percent in the decade of 2006 to 2016—much faster than the growth rate of other occupations.

This growth rate not only creates more jobs for paralegals, it creates more paralegals to fill these jobs. Consequently, the competition for the good jobs in this field could get very intense.

In order to have an advantage over the competition, you should obtain a paralegal certification as soon as you can.

What is Paralegal Certification?

Paralegal certification is an official recognition by specific organizations that you have the training, the knowledge, and the ability to become a paralegal. It is an impressive “seal of approval” that can distinguish you from other job applicants for the same positions.

Currently, there are no certification or licensing requirements for paralegals. But obtaining such certification will increase your chances of obtaining the good paralegal jobs and a;sp create advancement opportunities for you within the legal field.

What do I Need to Become Certified?

All certification agencies have their own requirements that you have to meet to become certified. Chief among these requirements is that of education. Before you enroll in any paralegal training program, therefore, make sure that it will help you to meet the minimum educational requirements of the certification bodies.

Currently, there are three different agencies that certify paralegals.

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA

The NALA awards the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal credential to applicants who have passed a 2-day exam.

In order to be eligible to take this exam, you must have met one of the following three requirements (taken from the website of the NALA).

1. Graduation from a paralegal program that is:

1. Approved by the American Bar Association; or

• An Associate’s Degree program; or
• A post-baccalaureate certificate program in legal assistant studies; or
• A bachelor’s degree program in legal assistant studies; or
• A legal assistant program which consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours…of which at least 15 semester hours…are substantive legal courses.

2. A bachelor’s degree in any field plus one year’s experience as a paralegal.
3. A high school diploma or equivalent plus (7) years’ of experience as a paralegal under the supervision of a member of the Bar, plus evidence of a minimum of twenty (20) hours of continuing legal education credit to have been completed within a two (2) year period prior to the examination date.

Upon passing this exam, you will be awarded the CLA or CP credential.

See the NALA website for more information about registration fees and specifics about the exam.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFRA)

Like the NALA, the NFPA requires that you meet a certain combination of experience and educational levels in order to take their certification exam. Once you pass this exam—called the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE)—you will be certified as a Registered Paralegal (RP).

Consult the NFPA for detailed information about PACE.

The American Alliance of Paralegals (AAPI)

It is not necessary for you to take an exam to become certified through the AAPI. They do, however, require that you to have a minimum of five-years of work experience in combination with a certain amount of education.

Detailed information about this certification program can be found on the AAPI’s official website.

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