Before planning your preparation for the Certified Paralegal exam, be sure to review the detailed description of the sections of the Certified Paralegal examination. This is found on the NALA web site under Certification/Certified Paralegal Exam Description. Click here to visit this page.
The Certifying Board has published a list of suggested study references which may be helpful in your preparation for the exam or exam sections. Click here to review and download this list.
Preparing for the Certified Paralegal exam can be a daunting task. NALA publishes several books that are helpful, on-line programs are available, and NALA affiliated associations offer local study groups. Below is a summary of these programs.
Publications
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The following publications, published by NALA through Cengage Publishers, are helpful for exam review:
- NALA Manual for Paralegals, Fifth Edition (out in 2009), authored by NALA members.
- Certified Paralegal Study Guide and Mock Exam, Fourth Edition, authored by NALA members and material contributed.
- Certified Paralegal Exam Review Manual, Third Edition, authored by Virginia Koerselman.
Click here for a description of these books and ordering information.
Please Note: The Elements of Style, Strunk & White, has been adopted by the NALA Certifying Board as the authority for the Communications section of the examination. A Uniform System of Citation, Harvard Law Review Association, has been adopted by the NALA Certifying Board as the authority for the Legal Research section.
On-line Programs
Your source for on-line programs is NALA Campus. NALA Campus offers continuing legal education programs in two forms:
Self Study Programs
Most of the subjects NALA Campus self study programs are included in the line up of these 24/7 programs. This includes:
- American Legal System
- Civil Litigation
- Contracts
- Ethics
- Judgment and Legal Analysis
- Legal Research
- Written Communications
The on-line programs consist of written text and slides, with audio recordings of the text. In addition, tests of the instructional material are featured. Participation in these programs is fun - and a convenient way to update your skills and review for the exam.
Live Web Based Programs
Generally, these programs are 1 1/2 to 2 hours in length. They consist of a web based slide presentation, and telephone conference call. NALA Campus LIVE! courses are offered from February-May and August-November. Each session consists of about 30 courses. Subjects for review for the CP examination are offered on a regular basis. The subjects include:
- American Legal System
- Basic Business Organizations
- Civil Litigation
- Ethics
- Legal Research
- Written Communications
The subjects/topics for each NALA Campus LIVE! session changes. Check the schedule for details. Also, several NALA Campus courses are recorded and available for sale in MP3 format. Those are also listed on our web site.
Click here for descriptions, costs, and schedules for the self-study and live web-based programs.
Live Programs
From NALA
Several live study programs are available to those preparing for the CLA/CP examination. This includes:
Essential Skills
During the NALA annual convention, an Essential Skills track is often part of the educational program. This is a four day (mornings) program and specifically designed for exam preparation. The sessions are Written Communications, Judgment and Legal Analysis, the American Legal System, and Legal Research. These are the essential exam review courses.
From NALA Affiliated Associations
NALA affiliated associations are located throughout the United States. These state and local paralegal organizations are tremendous resources for paralegal activities in a specific region. Affiliated associations in 22 states offer exam review programs. Click here for the list and web addresses - there just may be one in your area.
Another source of review programs for the Certified Paralegal examination are classes offered through local community colleges. These are particularly helpful if you need to review a specific subject. Remember, though, the Certified Paralegal Exam is a nationwide exam, no state laws or procedures are tested.
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