Paralegal Certification
Posted Nov 10th 2008, 18:12Most employers prefer hiring paralegals who are trained through an American Bar Association-approved program, but for many of them that isn't the only requirement.
Another concern that should be on your radar as a paralegal student is the array of paralegal certifications offered by various professional organizations. Though it isn't usually required, paralegal certification can help your employability a great deal.
There are four major groups that offer specific certification procedures. In no particular order, they are:
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- Paralegals who pass the NALA's two-day exam can be credentialed as Certified Legal Assistants (CLA) or Certified Paralegals (CP). NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal certification as an online program for experienced paralegals who wish to specialize.
- American Alliance of Paralegals (AACP)
- The AACP offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential to paralegals with at least five years of paralegal experience who meet one of three educational criteria.
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- This group offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with at least two years experience and a Bachelor's degree, who pass an exam. RP re-certification requires 75 additional hours of continuing education.
- National Association for Legal Professionals (NALP)
- NALP offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification, which can be achieved through a four-part test.
Why should I get certified even though it's not required?
While job prospects are expected to grow, so are the number of people applying to these positions. Employers generally prefer candidates who have a degree and are certified, as well as those who are proficient in certain relevant technologies. Certification can be a good way to make yourself stand out from the rest of the stack.
Posted by Ramesh Manapragada on 9/3/09
Hi! I am a practising Advocate in India. I am interested in the American legal system and would like to do a online course in paralegal training or , if available, a law degree. Can any one suggest how do I go about..
Thank you
Ramesh
Posted by Oslo on 9/3/09
Hey Ramesh,
There are a few schools that teach paralegal courses online. Everest has a reputable program, and so does Keiser University Online. You can find out about Everest by copying and pasting this URL:
http://everestuniversityonline.edu-search.com/index.php
and Keiser is here: http://keiseronline.edu-search.com/index.php
Good luck!
Posted by joanna jensen on 6/7/09
Hi,
regarding online paralegal courses: I have been searching as well. I have found a few courses that are accredited and have live video lectures. This is just a small list of what ive found, I really like the idea of live video audio lectures:
The advanced center for legal studies, ABA approved you can take most of the course online but you do have to take 3 courses at a campus.
I have also found, The Center for legal studies, its different that the one above. not too pricey $3000 approx,
UC Berkley, a little pricey $7500 approx, there is also saint mary of the woods seems like a good course. they have won an aba award but its not aba approved, they have all of the qualifications NFPA want for an online school.
If anyone know of these programs let me know I want to sign up very soon. I prefer online live lectures with student interaction. Job placement and tutoring. Makes it just like a brick and mortor school.
Thank you.
Posted by joanna jensen on 6/7/09
Hi,
regarding online paralegal courses: I have been searching as well. I have found a few courses that are accredited and have live video lectures. This is just a small list of what ive found, I really like the idea of live video audio lectures:
The advanced center for legal studies, ABA approved you can take most of the course online but you do have to take 3 courses at a campus.
I have also found, The Center for legal studies, its different that the one above. not too pricey $3000 approx,
UC Berkley, a little pricey $7500 approx, there is also saint mary of the woods seems like a good course. they have won an aba award but its not aba approved, they have all of the qualifications NFPA want for an online school.
If anyone know of these programs let me know I want to sign up very soon. I prefer online live lectures with student interaction. Job placement and tutoring. Makes it just like a brick and mortor school.
Thank you.
Posted by sean on 3/2/10
Hi Oslo,
Are those online schools aba approved college?
Posted by JOHN MULINGWA 1 week, 6 days ago
Hi
I am a paralegal working in Kenya and i am interested in furthering my career although in my country we normally use the British law system do you provide training in this area?