Paralegals are the real MVPs behind the scenes at law firms, keeping things running smoothly. And if you’ve been thinking about jumping into the field, now’s the time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 37,300 openings each year for paralegals.
The best way to enter the field is to earn credibility from paralegal certification organizations. It helps you build credibility, makes you more competitive for jobs, can lead to better pay, and shows employers they can count on you.
In this guide, we’re going to chat about why getting certified matters now more than ever, and more importantly, who’s offering the best certifications this year. We’ll look at the top paralegal certification organizations (NALA, NFPA, NALS, AAP, and a few state-specific options), what they offer, how you can qualify, and what makes each one unique.
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Why Paralegal Certification Matters
Getting certified as a paralegal isn’t required to start working in the field, but why bother with certification?
You’ll likely earn more money.
Not all employers require a paralegal certificate, but the ones that do are usually willing to pay more. While the median salary for paralegals in the U.S. is around $61,010 per year, having a certificate could bump that up by $5,000 or more, especially if you’re working in high-demand cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Phoenix, or Denver.
You’ll stand out in a competitive job market.
Getting hired is tough, and anything that gives you an edge helps. A paralegal certificate shows you’ve taken the initiative to build your skills and that you’re serious about the legal field.
Bonus: If you ever want to keep going with your education, a certificate often counts toward an associate’s degree. So you’re already halfway there.
You’ll look good to law firms (and their clients).
Law firms care about their image just like any other business. Having certified paralegals on staff shows clients the firm is committed to quality, professionalism, and accuracy. That trust factor makes law firms more likely to hire candidates with credentials. In short, your certification doesn’t just help you; it helps your future employer, too.
In the following sections, we will discuss the best paralegal certifications for 2025. It will include a quick guide of what each organization offers, who they’re best suited for, and what you need to know to get certified.
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing paralegals through certification and ongoing professional development.
NALA offers a wide range of tools and support, including paralegal certification programs, continuing education, networking opportunities, industry reports, and publications, all designed to keep paralegals informed, skilled, and competitive in the legal field.
NALA offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential, recognized by the American Bar Association and many legal organizations as a top mark of paralegal professionalism. Earning the CP shows you can deliver excellent service to law firms and corporations.
The NALA paralegal certification exam has two parts:
- Knowledge Exam: A three-hour multiple-choice test on key paralegal topics, available year-round at testing centers. You must pass this first to move on.
- Skills Exam: A two-hour written assignment offered four times a year (Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct).
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
Founded in 1974, NFPA was the first national paralegal association. As a nonprofit federation, it’s a member-driven, policy-focused group made up of over 50 member associations and more than 11,000 individual paralegals with diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
The NFPA is one of the top paralegal credential providers, offering two main certification programs:
- The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is a high-level certification for experienced paralegals aiming to advance their careers. It involves a four-hour exam that tests knowledge in areas like client matter management, legal research and writing, and office administration.
- The Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) is designed for entry-level and early-career paralegals. It’s ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a similar mix of education and experience.
The NFPA paralegal certification 2025 has updated its prep materials to include more real-world case studies and scenario-based questions.
National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS)
The National Association for Legal Secretaries (now NALS) began in 1929 with informal meetings among legal secretaries and grew into a national organization by 1949. Known as one of the oldest paralegal certification exam bodies, NALS has been offering certifications since 1960.
There are currently three NALS paralegal credentials: ALS (Accredited Legal Professional), PLS (Professional Legal Secretary), and PP (Professional Paralegal).
Accredited Legal Professional (ALS) Certification
Perfect for when you’re just starting, the ALS Certification requires that you complete a legal or business course or the NALS Legal Training Course, or gain at least a year of office experience. The test covers writing, basic legal knowledge, and people skills.
PLS (Professional Legal Secretary)
If you’ve got 3 years of experience in the legal field (or 2 with a degree or other certification), you’re good to go. The exam covers writing, office tech, ethics, and legal knowledge, all in one day.
Professional Paralegal (PP) Certification
This one’s for experienced paralegals. If you don’t have a degree, you’ll need 5 years of experience. Got a certificate or degree? You’ll need less. The exam covers writing, legal skills, ethics, and substantive law.
Bonus: If you don’t pass a section, you can retake just that part. You’ll need to renew the certification every 5 years with continuing education.
American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAP)
AAP is one of the best accredited paralegal certifications in 2025. While it doesn’t always get as much attention as NALA or NFPA, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more streamlined. They really push for standardization in paralegal job titles and pay structures, so they’re more policy-oriented than some of the other paralegal certification organizations.
Their certification doesn’t require a separate exam. Instead, it’s based on your education and experience. If you’ve been working as a paralegal for five years and have completed a qualified program, you may already qualify.
State-Specific and Specialized Certifications
Some states have their own certification or registration systems. Here are a few examples of state-specific paralegal certification requirements for 2025:
- California: Requires paralegals to complete specific coursework and continuing education.
- Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP): Managed by the Florida Bar, this program ensures paralegals meet minimum education and ethics standards.
- Texas: Doesn’t mandate certification, but the TBLS offers a Board Certification in Paralegal specialty areas like Family Law and Civil Trial Law.
Thinking of focusing on a specific area like Intellectual Property, Litigation Support, or eDiscovery? There are certifications for that, too.
Comparing the Top Paralegal Certification Organizations
| Organization | Certification | Eligibility | Exam Type | Renewal Frequency | Cost (Approx.) |
| NALA | Certified Paralegal (CP) | Varies by education/experience; usually requires paralegal coursework or degree | Two-part: Knowledge (MCQ), Skills (written) | Every 5 years (CE credits required) | $300–$400 |
| NFPA | PACE (advanced), PCCE (entry-level) | – PACE: 4+ years’ experience – PCCE: entry-level w/ a degree or education | Computer-based; scenario-heavy for PACE | Every 2 years (CE credits required) | $225–$325 |
| NALS | ALS, PLS, PP | – ALS: Entry-level – PLS: 2–3 yrs experience – PP: 3–5 yrs or degree | Multiple-choice, writing, and legal skills | Every 5 years (CE credits required) | $150–$300 |
| AAP | AACP (credential, not exam-based) | 5 years’ paralegal experience + formal education | No exam; portfolio and resume review | Every 2 years (CE required) | $75–$125 |
How to Prepare for Paralegal Certification Exams in 2025
Studying for certification can be a beast, but you’ve got options:
- Official study guides: Always a good start, each organization typically offers its own.
- Online prep courses: Self-paced or live. Great if you’re juggling work and study.
- Practice exams: Seriously, don’t skip these. They help you get familiar with the format.
- Study groups: Whether in-person or virtual, talking through tough topics helps them stick.
Maintaining and Renewing Certification
A certificate isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ve got to keep learning. Here’s a quick look at what that usually involves:
- NALA: 50 CLE hours every five years
- NFPA: 12 hours every two years (and yes, that includes ethics)
- NALS: 75 hours every five years (for the PP certification)
- AAP: 18 hours every two years
Keep track of your hours as you go, and don’t wait until the last minute and scramble through old emails trying to remember what you did. Also, keep an eye out for any changes to the requirements.
Conclusion
The job market in the legal industry is brutal. If you want to keep up, you need to earn at least one credential from the mentioned paralegal certification organizations. It can open doors to better job opportunities, higher pay, and professional growth.
All three are valuable. The best certification will vary based on your career goals, experience level, and personal circumstances. Take the plunge, start preparing, and join the ranks of skilled paralegals shaping the future of the legal field.
