Entry-Level Paralegal Certification Requirements

Paralegals are legal professionals who perform support services for lawyers, including:

Gather and investigate the facts of lawsuits and other legal actions
Research laws, rules and regulations, and legal articles related to cases
Draft legal documents and correspondence

Are you interested in becoming a paralegal? Start by knowing the entry-level paralegal certification requirements. Becoming a certified paralegal will boost your credibility and, thus, job prospects.

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In this article, we’ll guide you through the entry-level paralegal certification requirements.

Related:

What Is an Entry-Level Paralegal?

An entry-level paralegal is a newbie in the paralegal field who:

Has foundational training in paralegal work through formal education or certification;
But has limited hands-on experience in paralegal work; and
Works under the direct supervision of a licensed lawyer to perform paralegal work.

Even as a newbie, an entry-level paralegal also performs the above tasks. But their specific responsibilities may be limited due to their limited experience.

Entry-level paralegals work in a wide range of settings, too, including:

Private law firms
Corporate legal departments
Government agencies
Nonprofit organizations

Paralegals earned a median wage of $61,010/year (BLS, May 2024).

Job growth among paralegals will show little to no change (BLS, 2024-2034). But paralegals will continue to be in high demand because of the growth of the legal industry.

Why Certification Matters in the Paralegal Field

A distinction between a trained and a certified paralegal must be made.

A trained paralegal has either:

Completed formal education in paralegal studies; or
Received on-the-job training as a paralegal

A certified paralegal has:

Met the specific education and/or work experience requirements of a certifying body;
Passed a certification exam administered by said certifying body (e.g., NALA or NFPA); and
Earned the legal right to use a professional designation (e.g., Certified Paralegal).

Between being a trained and a certified paralegal, the latter makes more sense. This is because certification offers excellent value in:

Boosting your professional credibility
Highlighting your commitment to the profession
Increasing your competitiveness for promotions

Indeed, employers either prefer or require certification from applicants. Certified paralegals are usually seen as more prepared for the job.

Certification also has a positive impact on salary. Certified paralegals earned $73,000/year, on average (2021 NALA survey). Non-certified paralegals earned $58,500/year – or a $14,500/year difference.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level Paralegals

A high school diploma or a GED is the minimum requirement for aspiring paralegals. You’ll need it to apply to programs offering either a certificate or a degree in paralegal studies.

Many entry-level paralegal positions require one of these paralegal education requirements:

An associate’s degree in paralegal studies
A bachelor’s degree in any field and a paralegal certificate
A paralegal certificate if you already have an undergraduate degree

We strongly recommend enrolling in ABA-approved programs (i.e., American Bar Association). These programs adhere to ABA’s strict standards in paralegal education. These include qualified faculty, rigorous curriculum, and good student support.

As a result, their graduates may have a competitive edge. Employers usually see them as more prepared for the job, too.

But it isn’t an absolute requirement either. Some employers prefer on-the-job training, among other reasons.

How do accredited paralegal programs online compare to in-person accredited programs? Both are legitimate pathways. But online programs offer more flexibility, convenience, and affordability.

Required Coursework and Skills Development

The best paralegal training programs feature a strict curriculum with common courses like:

Legal research and writing
Legal ethics
Contract law

The basics of criminal law and civil litigation are also discussed. Students then gain a broad foundation in the law.

Online paralegal courses are as rigorous as in-person courses. But online courses are delivered through a learning management system (LMS).

Students also develop strong soft skills that employers expect, including:

Communication
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Problem-solving

If internships are available, students are well-advised to take advantage. Internships provide valuable hands-on learning experiences. Students then become more job-ready and confident in their skills.

Work Experience: Is It Required for Certification?

It depends on the certifying body and your educational background. The following certifying bodies may require a combination of formal education and experience:

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) for its Certified Paralegal (CP) designation
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) for its Registered Paralegal (RP) credential
The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) for its Professional Paralegal (PP) certification. This is in case the applicant doesn’t meet the education requirement.

And then some certifications accept formal education alone. A foremost example is the NFPA for its Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE).

Candidates can also build experience through alternative routes, like:

Internships
Externships
Volunteer work

Hands-on experiences also expand your network and build your resume.

Top Entry-Level Paralegal Certifications

NALA Certified Paralegal (CP)

To become a NALA-certified CP, you can choose between one of these two pathways:

Complete an ABA-approved program; or
Combine education and work experience if you didn’t attend an ABA-approved program.

Then, you must pass a two-part (Knowledge and Skills) paralegal certification exam. The application fee ranges from $300-$350, depending on NALA membership. Apply online through NALA’s website.

NFPA Core Registered Paralegal (CRP)

This is an entry-level paralegal certification for recent graduates from an ABA-approved program. There are no work experience requirements if you meet the educational criteria. Applicants must pass the PCCE to earn the designation.

NALS Professional Paralegal (PP)

The PP designation is less common, but it’s still respected in the paralegal field. Applicants must have either of the following:

At least five years of legal experience; or
A combination of formal education and legal experience. A paralegal certificate/degree and less than five years of experience will suffice.

Applicants must also pass a certification exam.

State-Specific Certifications

Examples include the:

Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP)
Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS)

Here are good reasons to consider state-specific certifications.

If you’re planning to work on a long-term basis in your preferred state.
If prospective employers strongly require or prefer a state certification.
If you want access to state-specific continuing education resources and networks.

Plus, earning more paralegal certifications can boost your career growth.

Steps to Get Certified as an Entry-Level Paralegal

Here are the basic steps you can take.

Complete your education (associate, bachelor’s, or paralegal certificate).
Gain relevant legal experience, if required.
Choose the right certification body.
Prepare and study for the exam.
Submit an application and pass the exam.

You can also use a paralegal certification checklist, as follows.

Completed an accredited or ABA-approved paralegal program
Met any required legal experience (work, internship, or volunteer)
Selected a certification body (NALA, NFPA, NALS, or state-specific)
Studied with exam prep materials and practice tests
Submitted application and paid exam fee
Passed the certification exam

Tips for Succeeding in Certification Exams

The paralegal certification test is the culmination of your hard work. But it isn’t an easy exam either. You should keep these tips in paralegal exam preparation if you want to succeed.

Take practice tests. Be more familiar with the certification exam’s format and pace.
Enroll in review courses. Get insights and tips on answering questions.
Use study apps and flashcards.
Manage your text anxiety and timing. Practice time management during practice tests.
Use the recommended exam prep materials by the certification body.

After Certification: What’s Next?

Now that you know how to become a certified paralegal, you may want to take the next step. Finding entry-level paralegal jobs makes sense. Here are tips to make it happen in your favor.

Understand the paralegal job requirements first. This way, you can determine if your credentials align with them.
Submit an application packet tailored to the job requirements. Highlight your certification, internship, and any relevant work experience.
Leverage your network for recommendations and referrals. Use the local bar association and job boards for leads.
Prepare for interviews, too.

Go beyond your entry-level paralegal certification. Take full advantage of continuing education opportunities. Consider specialized courses, paralegal conferences, and advanced certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get certified as a paralegal without a degree?

Yes, you can through a combination of a paralegal certificate and work experience.

How long does it take to become certified?

It varies. But it can take 6-24 months, depending on your educational background and experience.

Is online paralegal certification legitimate?

Yes, it is, but it must come from an ABA-approved program or an accredited school.

Comparison Table: Side-by-side Look at CP vs. CRP vs. PP Certifications

Feature	CP	CRP	PP
Eligibility	Education OR education and experience	Recent graduates from accredited programs, OR with relevant legal experience	5 years of legal experience OR education and experience
Work Experience Required	Yes, if there’s no ABA-approved education	None	Yes
Cost	$300–$350	$175–$300	$200–$300
Ideal Candidate	Paralegals with relevant experience OR a strong formal education	New graduates and entry-level paralegals	Experienced paralegals

Conclusion

Entry-level professionals are well-advised to earn paralegal certification. Doing so boosts their credibility and career growth.

Be sure to explore accredited online programs. You’ll enjoy more flexibility, convenience, and affordability.

Start your paralegal journey today and reap its benefits soon.