Paralegal Certification

Paralegal certification is currently not a requirement for undergraduate careers a in the legal field. However, many paralegals elect to study toward a paralegal certification to make themselves more valuable to employers and clients. For those who have an undergraduate degree and experience, a paralegal certification can be obtained from several sources by passing an exam.

Paralegal certification represents to employers that you have a mastery of skills, and knowledge, in the field. A paralegal certification exam tests advanced paralegal procedures and knowledge, ethics, research and writing. It also boosts one’s credibility and shows that he or she is committed to the field. Also, a paralegal certification may increase employment opportunities and income.

The National Association of Legal Assistants offers certification exams for paralegals and legal assistants. Eligibility for paralegal certification requires one of the following sets of prerequisites: graduation from a legal assisting program approved by the American Bar Association; or a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience as a legal assistant; or a high school diploma with seven years of experience in the legal assisting field and 20 hours of continuing education credit taken within the past two years. The exam is an intensive, two-day test that encompasses many subjects within the legal field, such as terminology, research, ethics, communications, interviewing techniques, analytical ability and judgment.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations is another agency that offers paralegal certification. This certification is called the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE) and requires one of the following sets of prerequisites: an associate’s degree in paralegal studies and six years of paralegal experience; or a bachelor’s degree in any field, along with three years of paralegal experience; or a bachelor’s degree, completion of a paralegal degree and two years of paralegal experience; or four years of paralegal experience obtained before December 31, 2000. This paralegal certification addresses ethics and basic legal issues.

The National Association for Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers three choices for those looking to obtain a paralegal certification: a basic certification (ALS), one especially for paralegals (PP) and an advanced certification (PLS). The education requirements are not as strict as the other certifications. To take the ALS, the prerequisite is an accredited legal course; or the NALS Legal Training Course; or one year of office experience. The PP paralegal certification requires five years of paralegal experience; or a paralegal degree combined with three years paralegal experience. The PLS is open to anyone with three years of experience in the legal field.