Paralegal certification is the certification process for working paralegals. Students who enroll in a paralegal certification program can expect to take courses related to law and ethics. They will learn the proper techniques to assist attorneys prepare cases. Paralegal certification is granted by some organizations that have specific exams and stringent requirements.
The National Association of Legal Assistants, The American Alliance of Paralegals, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations are some of the groups that can determine whether or not a paralegal has passed certification. Typically, a paralegal has a degree and must take and pass an exam offered by one of the organizations. Some of the organizations have specific educational requirements as well. For example, according to ParalegalTraining.net, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations requires that paralegals have a degree and experience as a paralegal. The organization offers a PACE exam which evaluates paraprofessional’s competencies over several different categories, according to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations website. The organization also has a guidebook to assist applicants in studying for the exam. To take the PACE, applicants must have an associate’s degree and six years of experience. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject need only to have three years of experience as a paralegal. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree who have completed a paralegal program, need only two years of experience as a paralegal to take the exam, according to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Experience as a paralegal should be substantial, meaning that the person worked as a full paralegal during the time period in question. Applicants who pass the PACE are considered registered paralegals.
It can be difficult to decide between paralegal exams and certification options, because there are such a wide number of selections available. Paralegals should try to take an exam for which they are currently qualified to take or nearly qualified to take. As they become more qualified for more stringent exams, and certifications, it may be worth it to try for those as well. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associates, a certificate from an institution is not the same as being a certified paralegal. Paralegals can become certified by taking the PACE, CLA or the PP exams.