Did you know that the US real estate market is projected to generate the highest value in the world? Indeed, its estimated worth is $136.62 trillion in 2025. By 2029, its projected market volume is $155.60 trillion or a 3.31% CAGR (2025-2029).
With market expansion, paralegals with a real estate paralegal specialization are in demand. Real estate paralegals perform support services for licensed lawyers, including:
- Prepare and review legal documents
- Perform property and title research
- Coordinate real estate closings
- Maintain file documents and compliance
- Support due diligence initiatives
But the real estate job market for paralegals is a competitive one. You’ll want to stand out from the competition with a specialist certification. Why not consider becoming a Certified Real Estate Paralegal (CREP)?
Here, you’ll know what the CREP credential is. We’ll discuss the steps to become one and its career benefits, too.
You’ll want to become one, too, considering the high salary potential. Real estate paralegals earn $95,049/year average salaries (Glassdoor, 2025). In contrast, paralegals in general earned $61,010/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024).
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What Is the CREP Certification?
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) awards the CREP certification. The NALA real estate certification is a nationally recognized and specialized credential. The program attracts paralegals who work or plan to work in real estate law.
The CREP certification NALA offers has many differences from the general paralegal certification. An example is the Certified Paralegal (CP) certification, also offered by NALA.
- Scope
- The CREP certification has a real estate law focus, while the CP credential has a general scope.
- Level
- The CP certification is an entry-level credential. The CREP is a specialty certification for experienced paralegals.
- Continuing legal education (CLE)
- The CREP certification requires completion of real estate law-specific CLE courses. The CP credential requires completion of general CLE courses.
Indeed, the CREP credential focuses on preparing paralegals for real estate law roles. There’s a strong emphasis on specialized legal knowledge and skills. These include real property contracts and closings, among others.
Core Skills and Competencies Covered
If you’re a CREP, you can take on these real estate paralegal responsibilities.
- Property transactions – Understanding real estate contracts, disclosures, and closings.
- Title searches and abstracts – Research property ownership and liens.
- Zoning and land use – Knowledge of local laws and municipal codes.
- Documentation – Drafting of deeds, leases, and legal descriptions.
Title search training for paralegals is a critical aspect of CREP training. It ensures legal accuracy and increases efficiency in real estate transactions.
Eligibility Requirements for CREP
If you’re wondering how to become a real estate paralegal, read on. Here are the eligibility requirements that you should follow.
Educational Background
You must have one of these two educational credentials.
- An associate degree in paralegal studies; or
- A paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program and relevant work experience
Be a Certified Paralegal (CP)
You should have the CP certification, too, before you can apply for the CREP designation.
Real Estate Law Experience
You can meet either of these requirements as proof of real estate law experience.
- Completion of real law coursework (i.e., strongly recommended); or
- At least one year of work experience in a real estate legal setting (i.e., advisable)
Earning the property law certification for paralegals also requires passing a certification exam. The steps in the application process include:
- Submit a formal application to the NALA portal.
- Provide valid documentation of your eligibility.
- Pay the application fees.
- Receive approval to take the CREP specialty exam.
- Follow the exam scheduling instructions.
- Take and pass the exam.
- Receive your official certification as a CREP.
You should also maintain your CREP certification through CLE, as required.
By meeting these criteria, you’re prepared to handle a CREP’s responsibilities. You’ll also enjoy the career benefits of being one, such as high demand and salary potential.
Exam Structure and Preparation Tips
The NALA real estate certification exam is in a computer-based format. Applicants can take it in one of two ways, as follows.
- Online. This is a proctored exam conducted through a secure testing platform.
- In-person. The exam is conducted at approved testing centers (e.g., PSI Test Centers).
Candidates can then choose based on their comfort level and schedule.
The CREP certification NALA offers doesn’t come by easily. Candidates must pass a rigorous exam that assesses their real estate law competencies.
The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions distributed as follows.
- Real Property Law and Principles – 30%
- Real Estate Transactions and Closings – 25%
- Title Searches, Abstracts and Surveys – 20%
- Zoning, Land Use, and Environmental Regulations – 15%
- Drafting and Legal Documentation – 10%
NALA reserves the right to change the distribution as it sees fit.
You must prepare for the certification exam if you want to pass it.
- Use official and reliable third-party study materials and prep resources. NALA offers recommended textbooks and downloadable outlines. Online prep courses and webinars are also available. Use study guides and flashcards, too.
- Take as many practice exams as possible. Be as familiar with the exam questions and format as possible.
Keep in mind these study tips, too.
- Be sure to study for at least 3 months before your exam schedule.
- Create a study schedule that suits your learning style and lifestyle.
- Focus on one major topic at a time.
- Review legal outlines.
- Understand both the theories and their applications.
Consistent preparation is a must for success in the exam.
Cost of CREP Certification
The CREP certification is among the most affordable paralegal certifications. Here are the estimated costs to earn it.
- The exam and application fees are between $150 and $200 for specialty certification.
- Official study materials and prep course cost from $215 to $315, depending on NALA membership status.
- Other costs range between $50 and $100.
We suggest allotting $400 to $600 in total costs. You may have to budget for higher costs if you plan on taking more prep courses.
Keep in mind, too, that there are generally no financial aid options available. But you may be able to ask for employer assistance from your current employer. You can also save for these costs.
NALA members usually receive membership discounts, too. If you’re a member, you can get discounts on the certification fees and review course bundles.
The NALA real estate law paralegal certification offers real value. Note that it’s a nationally recognized credential that gives a competitive edge.
Career Opportunities for CREP-Certified Paralegals
You can establish a successful real estate paralegal career. But it takes strategic planning, given the competitive job market. Here’s what you need to know first.
Professionals with the CREP designation can work in diverse workplaces, including:
- Real estate law firms
- Title companies
- Mortgage lenders and escrow agencies
- Government agencies
- Corporate legal departments
Job titles for Certified Real Estate Paralegal jobs include:
- Real estate paralegal
- Title examiner
- Property law legal assistant
Urban areas usually offer more job opportunities and higher salaries. But rural areas can have strong opportunities, too.
Being a CREP offers higher earning potential, too. Employers place a premium on professionals with specialist knowledge.
Advantages of CREP Certification
As a Certified Real Estate Paralegal, you’ll enjoy these advantages.
- Demonstrate your commitment to legal specialization.
- Increase your job competitiveness and credibility with employers.
- Enjoy potential salary increases and advancement into senior roles.
- Expand your networking opportunities through NALA.
Indeed, the real estate paralegal specialization isn’t easy to come by, but its rewards make it worth it.
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step Guide
- Ensure eligibility and obtain necessary foundational certification (e.g., CP).
- Complete real estate law coursework or gain work experience.
- Submit the application to NALA.
- Prepare using CREP exam study materials.
- Schedule and pass the exam.
- Renew certification as required (every 5 years; CE credits).
For more information, explore NALA’s official website.
Conclusion
Becoming a CREP brings a wide range of benefits. You’ll be recognized for your specialized knowledge and skills. Better competitiveness for jobs and higher earning potential can be yours, too. You’ll definitely enjoy more career advancement opportunities in the real estate industry.
So, take the next step toward specialization and certification today.
Comparison Table: CREP vs. General Paralegal Certification: What’s the Difference?
| Category | General Paralegal Certification (CP) | CREP |
| Focus and Level | Broad legal knowledge and entry-level | Specialized knowledge in real estate law and advanced/specialist level |
| Eligibility Requirements | Paralegal education or work experience | Usually requires CP certification and real estate coursework or experience |
| Career Applications | Entry- to mid-level paralegal roles | Real estate law firms, mortgage lenders, and title companies |
| Salary Impact | Standard pay range for paralegals | Can lead to higher pay |
FAQ Section
What does a Certified Real Estate Paralegal do?
A CREP specializes in providing attorneys with support services in legal matters related to real estate transactions.
Is CREP certification worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it because of the better job opportunities and higher pay.
Can I earn the CREP online?
Yes, you can. In fact, the entire CREP certification process can be completed online through the NALA website.
