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Certified Paralegals are required to meet certain continuing legal education requirements to maintain the certification. This page describes the CLE requirements, and provides links to important forms and information related to the ongoing requirements.
Use of the CLA or CP Credential
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The terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" are synonymous terms. This is not a choice or opinion of NALA, but a fact. The terms are defined as such throughout the United States in state supreme court rules, statutes, ethical opinions, bar association guidelines and other similar documents. These are the same documents which provide recognition of the legal assistant/paralegal profession and encourage the use of paralegals in the delivery of legal services.
NALA has become increasingly aware that a preference in terms is emerging; different geographic areas use one term more than another. For this reason, we filed for a certification mark "CP" with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The certification mark CP® was successfully registered on July 20, 2004. Those who are admitted to the program and successfully complete the certification examination may use either credential, but not both. Using both credentials could imply two different certifications.
 to read the instructions on using the CP and CLA certification marks
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Online CLE Reporting form to report CLE credit to NALA
Certificate of Attendance Form to obtain signatures for supporting documentation
Recertification Form - use this to file a request for recertification at the end of your five year period.
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Continuing Education Requirements
The Certified Paralegal credential is awarded for a period of five years. To maintain Certified Paralegal status, paralegals must submit proof of participation in a minimum of 50 hours of continuing legal education programs or individual study programs, which must include five hours on the subject of legal ethics. Credit is also awarded for significant achievement in the area of continuing paralegal education such as successful completion of a state certification test, completion of an Advanced Paralegal Certification program, or teaching in a legal assistant program.
to review the CLE requirements
Many have questions about the CLE requirements, such as if a particular program qualifies, or when the five year period begins and ends. General questions and answers have been compiled. If you have a question, it may already be addressed in this document. Click here, or visit the link on the menu bar under "For Certified Paralegals" for further information.
Filing Requests for Continuing Education Credits
Certified Paralegals may now file requests online for credit for attendance at continuing legal education seminars and workshops as programs are attended. When CLE credit submissions are received at NALA Headquarters, an acknowledgment of the credit submission is provided. Special requests for CLE credit under Categories D or E must still be submitted in writing to NALA Headquarters with backup documentation. For complete details on the CLE requirements and the online CLE Reporting form, click here.
Fifty hours (50) of continuing legal education credit is required every five years. In support of the efforts of local paralegal organizations that hold regular luncheon meetings, the Certifying Board will grant CLE credit for a qualified educational program offered during a luncheon meeting, provided the educational portion of the program is a minimum of 50 minutes long. One hour of credit will be awarded. For all other CLE programs, CLE credit is determined and awarded on the basis of actual hours (or partial hours) of instruction. Breaks and lunchtime are not considered instruction time. If a luncheon is offered as part of a day-long educational topic, the time may be considered for CLE credit, less 30 minutes.
to send an e-mail message to NALA Headquarters to request a summary of continuing education hours that have been recorded for you.
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Here are some other tips about the recertification process:
- The five year period begins the day after you finished the Certified Paralegal Exam. If you attend a seminar immediately after taking the exam, it may qualify for continuing education credit.
- Credit is awarded for participating in continuing legal education programs. Volunteer work for your local association does not qualify.
- An Emeritus category is available for those who retire and want to maintain their credential. Ask Headquarters about this if you have retired and are no longer working as a paralegal. This is also available to those who are permanently disabled.
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Disciplinary Rules
The Certifying Board has established disciplinary rules and procedures for investigation in the unfortunate event a Certified Paralegal is alleged to have violated the rules governing use of the credential.
to review the disciplinary rules
The CLA or CP designation may be revoked for any one of the following reasons:
- Falsification of information on the application form.
- Subsequent conviction of the unauthorized practice of law.
- Failure to meet educational and other re-certification requirements.
- Divulging the contents of any examination question or questions.
- Subsequent conviction of a felony.
- Violation of the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Maintaining your certification and proper ethical conduct are important to all professionals. Please do not hesitate to contact NALA headquarters if you have any questions about the requirements.
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