What is Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) Certification?

Ask any paralegal today, and they’ll probably say the same thing: the legal world is changing fast. It’s no longer just enough to know “a little bit of everything.” Attorneys, law firms, and even government agencies want specialists—people who can handle complex cases without needing constant handholding.

That’s why more and more paralegals are turning to the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification offered by NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants).

This article will break down what ACP is, how you can earn it, what specialties you can choose from, and how it could change your career.

Related:

• What is Certified Paralegal with Advanced Specialty (CPAS) Certification?
• What is Certified Paralegal (CP) with a Specialty Certification?
• Corporate Paralegal Specialization: Roles and Responsibilities
• What Are the Different Paralegal Certification Bodies and Exams?

What is the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) Certification?

ACP is a specialty credential offered by NALA, the leading professional group for paralegals. Unlike the CP exam, which tests your broad paralegal knowledge, the NALA ACP certification is more like a focused course with a final assessment.

ACP is about continuing legal education (CLE) and ongoing professional growth. Attorneys know that someone with ACP certification has invested the time to learn the nuances of a specific field. And that’s huge when they’re choosing who to trust with sensitive cases.

Both matter, but the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification is what sets you apart when firms are hiring or promoting.

Eligibility Requirements for ACP Certification

The ACP program isn’t open to just anyone. To qualify, one needs to already be a Certified Paralegal (CP). NALA made it this way because ACP isn’t about proving entry-level competence. It’s about building on what you already know.

There’s no degree requirement. Professionals don’t need a master’s, a law degree, or even additional certificates. In other words, if you’ve been wondering how to become an Advanced Certified Paralegal, the path is straightforward:

• Be an active CP.
• Choose your specialty area.
• Register and pay for the course.

Having work experience in your chosen specialty definitely helps, but it’s not mandatory. Many paralegals use NALA ACP certification as a way to gain expertise before transitioning into a new area of law.

So, what is an ACP paralegal? In short, it’s a certified paralegal who has taken additional training in a specific legal specialty. That specialty could be trial practice, contracts, real estate, or dozens of others.

Specialties Available in the ACP Certification Programs

One of the best things about ACP is the flexibility. You don’t get just one “advanced paralegal” certificate. Instead, you choose from a list of specialties that fit your career path. Here are some of the NALA advanced paralegal specialties:

• Trial Practice
  • Learn everything about trial prep, courtroom procedure, and evidence rules.
  • Perfect for paralegals in litigation-heavy firms or anyone who spends time prepping cases for trial.
• Discovery
  • Focuses on managing discovery, from e-discovery software to document production.
  • Great for paralegals handling large case files or corporate litigation.
• Trademarks
  • Covers trademark law, filings, and infringement disputes.
  • A strong fit for paralegals in IP firms or companies with heavy branding needs.
• Social Security Disability (SSDI)
  • Teaches the ins and outs of disability claims and appeals.
  • Ideal for paralegals in advocacy roles or firms working with vulnerable clients.
• Business Organizations: Incorporated Entities
  • Focuses on forming corporations, compliance, and governance.
  • Perfect for corporate paralegals or those supporting business law practices.
• Family Law – Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
  • Dives into adoption cases, custody disputes, and reproductive law.
  • A must-have for paralegals in family law firms.
• Contract Management
  • Teaches how to draft, negotiate, and enforce contracts.
  • Valuable for paralegals in corporate, government, or procurement roles.
• Criminal Litigation
  • Covers criminal court procedures, evidence rules, and defense prep.
  • Best for paralegals supporting defense attorneys or prosecutors.

Each Advanced Certified Paralegal certification specialty takes you beyond theory. The goal is to give you practical tools you can apply on the job the next day.

Program Format: What to Expect from an ACP Course

ACP courses are built with working professionals in mind. That means no fixed class times, no travel, and no all-nighters (unless you want to).

Here’s what the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification prep looks like:

• 100% Online: Accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Self-Paced: You can spread it over a few weeks or binge it on a weekend.
• Time Commitment: About 20–30 hours total per course.
• Final Assessment: A test at the end proves you’ve mastered the material.
• Digital Badge: NALA issues a badge you can proudly share on LinkedIn, resumes, or your firm’s website.

It’s flexible, straightforward, and manageable.

Cost and Renewal

Compared to law school tuition, ACP is a bargain. You’re not looking at tens of thousands of dollars in student loans to pursue the best paralegal specialty certifications, just a few hundred bucks for a credential that lasts a lifetime.

• Cost per ACP course: Typically around $250–$300 for NALA members. If you’re not a member, expect to pay a bit more, but even then, it’s still manageable compared to most legal education programs.
• CLE Credits Included: Every ACP course counts toward your continuing legal education (CLE) requirements. That means you’re not just getting a credential, you’re also staying compliant with professional standards.
• No Renewal Required: Unlike some certifications that expire every few years, the ACP credential is permanent. Once you’ve earned it, that’s it. There is no retesting, no hidden annual fees, no extra hoops.

This makes ACP one of the most cost-effective career investments for paralegals. You pay once, gain lifelong recognition in your specialty, and continuously reap the benefits in credibility, marketability, and potentially higher pay.

Career Benefits of Becoming an ACP

The Advanced Certified Paralegal certification isn’t just about adding letters after a name. It’s about measurable career impact.

Here are the career benefits of ACP certification:

Instant Credibility

Attorneys and hiring managers notice ACP credentials immediately. A paralegal with “ACP in Trial Practice” or “ACP in Trademarks” signals advanced training. According to NALA, over 75% of employers reported giving preference to candidates with specialty certifications.

Access to Niche Jobs

Specialized training opens doors that generalists often can’t access. For example, intellectual property firms frequently prefer candidates with trademark knowledge, while Social Security Disability practices value paralegals trained in SSDI law.

Higher Pay Potential

Paralegals with advanced credentials report annual salaries 10–15% higher than those without. In some high-demand fields like IP law, the difference can be even greater.

Promotion and Growth

ACP certification can be the deciding factor when firms allocate complex cases or leadership roles. For example, a mid-sized litigation firm may assign multi-million-dollar trial preparation tasks to someone with an advanced legal assistant certification in Trial Practice rather than a general CP, simply because the credential demonstrates proven expertise.

Personal Confidence

Beyond the resume boost, ACP certification empowers paralegals by giving them mastery over areas of law that many others find intimidating.

ACP vs CP: Which Is Right for You?

So, which is better: ACP vs CP certification?

The truth is, the Certified Paralegal (CP) and Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credentials are not in competition with one another. Each serves a distinct purpose within a paralegal’s career path.

• CP = Foundation. This credential demonstrates overall competence across the core responsibilities of a paralegal.
• ACP = Specialization. This credential signals advanced knowledge and expertise in a chosen legal niche.

For individuals new to the profession, the CP serves as the essential starting point. Once experience has been gained and a particular area of law has been identified, that becomes the ideal stage to pursue the ACP.

Recommended Online Programs and Resources to Prepare for ACP

The best way to prepare for the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential is to treat it as a continuation of the CP. Solid CP-prep programs and specialty courses lay the groundwork for success.

Paralegal Programs with CP Prep

Schools like the University of Houston and Florida Atlantic University offer online paralegal programs that integrate NALA CP exam prep. These programs cover legal research, drafting, and litigation basics—skills that transfer directly into ACP courses.

Specialty Training

Because ACP is specialty-based, paralegals should choose electives or continuing education in areas such as trial practice, trademarks, or family law. Early exposure makes the transition into ACP smoother.

Pairing CP and ACP Plans

The smartest approach is to map out both credentials together. Start with an online paralegal specialty certification, identify a specialty area early, and use NALA’s study guides and webinars to align learning with future ACP goals.

Final Thoughts: Is ACP Certification Worth It?

The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential may not be the path for everyone, but for paralegals determined to grow, it stands out as one of the wisest career investments. With its balance of affordability, flexibility, and permanence, the ACP elevates professionals by showcasing expertise in areas like trial practice, trademarks, or family law.

In a profession built on both skill and credibility, this kind of specialization offers more than recognition; it provides the defining edge that can shape an entire career.