Congratulations on your decision to become a paralegal. You are joining a growing career field that promises to expand even more in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 22 percent growth rate for the paralegal field within the decade between 2006 and 2016—which is faster than the average rate for any other occupation. But before you can take advantage of the amazing opportunities of this career, here are some educational opportunities that you may want to consider.

What do I Need to Become a Paralegal?

Oddly enough, there are no “legal” educational or certification requirements to becoming a paralegal. But because this is an occupation of tremendous growth, there is heavy competition for paralegal jobs. Those with more education are expected to have better chances at obtaining the better positions.

Training Options

There is a wide range of paralegal studies degrees and other training options for paralegals. There are approximately 1,000 paralegal training programs in the United States. Some of these options include:

• Employer training. Some employers offer on-the-job training for newcomers to the field or they train their legal secretaries for paralegal work. This is an option, however, that is becoming very rare.
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Many vocational or technical schools offer certificate programs in paralegal studies. These programs can usually be completed in less than one year.
• Associate’s Degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most paralegals have a 2-year associate’s degree in paralegal studies. A large number of community colleges offer these degree programs. Having an associate’s degree will make it easier for you to enter this competitive career field.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Paralegal Studies. A smaller number of colleges and universities offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees degree programs in this field.

Coursework for Paralegal Studies Degrees

The type of courses that you will take in a paralegal program varies considerably from school to school. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends that, before you enroll in any paralegal school, you review the experiences of current or former students of the program. At the very minimum, however, you should expect to have courses in:

• Legal terminology
• Legal research
• Legal applications of computers
• Legal documentation
• Drafting pleadings and other court papers

After Graduation

After you graduate with a paralegal studies degree, you may want to consider certification. Although most employers do not require that their paralegals be certified, having a certification can keep you competitive in this field. There are two agencies that certify paralegals.

• The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). After meeting a certain predetermined set of educational and experiential requirements, you may be eligible to take a 2-day certification exam from the NALA. If you pass this exam, you will receive either a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or a Certified Paralegal (CP) credential.
• The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. Those paralegals that have at least 5-years of paralegal experience and meet one of three educational requirements may apply for the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential. The AACP must be renewed every two years with and include the completion of 18 hours of continuing education courses.
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