Qualifying as a Testing Center

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Members' Area

Certification

This area includes details of the examination program and provides information for those seeking and those maintaining professional certification. In addition, employers may refer to these pages for more details about the certification program and its requirements.

Click learn more about advanced

certification for paralegals!

Established in 1976, the CLA /CP (Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal) program has enabled the profession to develop a strong and responsive self-regulatory program offering a nationwide credential for all paralegals. Today over 15,000 paralegals have achieved this credential.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!

As of the Fall of 2010, the Certified Paralegal Exam will move to computer based testing. CLICK HERE for information desribing the new process, just released by the NALA Certifying Board.

Professional certification is a time honored career development tool. It is helpful to employers and those seeking to enhance their career options. Because of the reliance on certification programs for career decisions, it is important a program is professionally managed and administered. NALA's over 30 years of experience in this area, and over 15,000 paralegals attest to the professionalism of the program.

CLE Look Up for Certified Paralegals
Click this link to review the CLE credits recorded on your account. This information includes the expiration date of your certificate, the total credits awarded, as well as the credits that are classified as non-substantive credits, and ethics. Detail of the event and date recorded is included. This information is updated every 24-48 hours during the business week.

Members need to log in with their NALA Net User name, and member number as the password. Non-members will be provided login information in an electronic newsletter. If you do not have this handy, click here to request this information from NALA Headquarters.

Current Directory of Certified Paralegals
This link opens a form that may be used to verify one's certification status. Please check the update date if a name is not listed.

Need to pay an exam fee?
here for a payment window.

Want to file a request for CLE credits on-line?

to save time and energy!

News & Upcoming Events

Commercial Bankruptcy APC Course Released!

A new Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) course in Commercial Bankruptcy under Chapters 7 and 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is now available to paralegals seeking advanced certification in this specialty practice area. ...

More

CLE Gift for NALA Active Members!

Active members of NALA - new and renewals - are receiving an $80 gift certificate from NALA to apply toward any NALA educational program or Facts & Findings subscription ...

More

New for Certified Paralegals!

Now, Certified Paralegals may access their records of continuing education credits on-line, on a 24/7 basis. In addition, this access also works on smart phones and tablets. Now, information about your progress in accumulating the required 50 hours is at your finger tips!

More

Advanced Paralegal Certification in Criminal Litigation Released!

Several years in development, the Advanced Paralegal Certification board announces the ACP Certification program in Criminal Litigation!

More

Need a product or service for your office?

The NALA Vendor Directory is a terrific place to start. This is a list of legal vendors offering a great range of help including deposition services, document services, and investigations. Click the link below...

Click here for more news articles

Qualifying as a Testing Center

In 2010, the Certified Paralegal examination transitioned from paper-pencil to computer based testing. The examination is now available in all ACT testing center network locations -- over 200 universities, community colleges, and private testing centers.

Employers and schools that are not designated as an ACT testing center may apply to NALA to become a testing center for the Certified Paralegal examination.

Click here to open/download a booklet that outlines the requirements and includes forms for applying to be a testing center for the Certified Paralegal examination.

For Schools and Employers

Certification as a paralegal should be a part of the career management tools of all wishing to join this profession, and to make the paralegal profession the focus of their career. For employers, certification confirms that NALA has verified the education and experience background of the certified paralegal, and that the paralegal has demonstrated knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the written examination. The examination is now in its 35th year of research and development.

After one achieves the Certified Paralegal credential, paralegals must submit proof of a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education, every five years, to maintain certification. This requirement also allows paralegal employees to demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and continued professional development.

Recognition of the Certified Paralegal program of NALA is nationwide. In private law offices, those with the credential generally have higher billing rates which are accepted by courts when awarding attorney fee award petitions. In corporations, the Certified Paralegal program is utilized as a means of providing a growth path for paralegal staff members. For all, the CP program provides a win-win commitment.

Why Become a Testing Center?

Providing the opportunity for students and employees to take the Certified Paralegal examination on your premises offers the following opportunities:

For Schools:

Provide a program for students to help them become more competitive in the workplace, enhancing and supporting the degree provided
Allow students and graduates to participate in the Certified Paralegal program at a lower cost.
Provide a welcome service to students, graduates, and paralegals in the community.

For Employers:

Provide a service to employees that allows them to participate in the Certified Paralegal program at a lower cost.
Use the Certified Paralegal program, including study and preparation, as an employee training and development program.
Use the Certified Paralegal program as a means of reward for employees.
Use the Certified Paralegal program as a standard of excellence for non-lawyer services provided by the firm.

Click here to read more about qualifying as a Certified Paralegal examination testing center.