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STRENGTH THROUGH STATEWIDE ALLIANCE

Providing A Voice of Leadership in Promoting Education, Voluntary Examination, and Advancement of the Paralegal Profession

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Certification vs. Certificated Paralegals

Who is a "Certified" Paralegal?

Definition: A certified paralegal is someone recognized by a non-governmental agency or association for meeting specific predetermined qualifications. This typically involves:

  • Passing an examination designed by the sponsoring organization.
  • Meeting specified educational and/or experiential requirements.

Professional Certifications

Each organization has its criteria for permitting a person to take their exam, to earn a designation, and to maintain their credential. Here are some professional associations and their certifications:

  • NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants-Paralegals): CLA, CP, ACP, CAS
  • NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations): CRP, RP
  • NALS (National Association of Legal Professionals): ALP, PP, CLP
  • AAPI (American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.): AACP (No Proficiency Exam)
  • CAPA (California Alliance of Paralegal Associations): CCP

Who is a "Certificated" Paralegal?

Definition: A certificated paralegal earns a certificate upon completing a paralegal program. The requirements vary widely in terms of study hours, content, and quality. Key points include:

  • Completing a formal course of study through a paralegal school or program.
  • Earning a certificate of completion or a diploma.
  • Graduating from a paralegal certificate program makes one a "certificated" paralegal, not a certified paralegal.

American Bar Association (ABA) Standards

  • ABA Endorsement: The ABA endorses paralegal programs with at least 60 semester-hours and discourages short-term certificate programs.
  • ABA on Certification: The ABA does not certify individual paralegals but approves paralegal education programs. Paralegals may not represent themselves as "ABA-certified paralegals," because the ABA's approval applies to the paralegal education program. Graduates from ABA-approved programs have credentials recognized by prospective employers.
  • Mission: The ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals aims to improve the justice system by setting standards for paralegal education and promoting effective and ethical use of paralegals by attorneys.
  • Approved Paralegal Programs: View the 230+ ABA approved paralegal programs Directory listed on the link found on the Resources tab; along with information about the Committee.
 

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