Paralegals in Texas don’t just assist lawyers anymore. They’re carving out their own space as specialists. With laws getting more complex and clients expecting sharper expertise, standing out takes more than just experience.
This is where the Certified Paralegal with Advanced Specialty (CPAS) credential comes in. In Texas, this advanced certification is commonly referred to as the Board Certified Paralegal (BCP), overseen by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). It demonstrates that a paralegal has already mastered a specialty area through education, practical experience, and a comprehensive exam.
This article takes a closer look at how paralegals in Texas can become a Certified Paralegal with Advanced Specialty (CPAS). You will see a breakdown of the requirements, the specialties available, and the benefits of certification.
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What is CPAS Certification?
The Certified Paralegal with Advanced Specialty (CPAS) or Board Certified Paralegal (BCP) credential is designed to validate a paralegal’s expertise in a specific area of law. Unlike general certifications, CPAS/BCP focuses on specialization, showing that a paralegal is not only skilled in legal practice but also highly knowledgeable in one niche.
- Issuing Authority: Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS)
- Focus: Proves advanced skill in one of seven areas of law
- State-Based: Different from national programs like NALA’s CP or ACP
- Goal: Align paralegal expertise with attorney board certification for stronger legal teams
This credential tells employers, clients, and attorneys that a paralegal isn’t just experienced; they’re highly specialized, reliable, and committed to their professional growth.
Who is Eligible to Apply for CPAS?
Not every paralegal can apply for the CPAS certification in Texas. TBLS has strict standards to make sure only experienced, qualified paralegals earn this title. To be eligible, a paralegal must:
- Education: Graduate from an ABA-approved paralegal program or have equivalent professional experience.
- Experience: Have a minimum number of years working in their chosen specialty area.
- Exam: Successfully pass the TBLS BCP examination in that specialty.
- Demonstrate mastery of complex legal tasks, showing they can work independently and effectively in their field.
- Commit to ongoing professional growth, staying up to date with developments in their specialty area.
Specializations Offered Through the CPAS Program
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization paralegal offers eight specialties. This gives professionals the chance to focus on a wide range of legal specialties, each reflecting a distinct area of expertise.
Bankruptcy
- Tasks: Filing bankruptcy cases, assisting with creditor negotiations, guiding clients through debt relief
- Employers: Bankruptcy firms, corporate legal departments
Civil Trial
- Tasks: Drafting pleadings, managing discovery, assisting during trials
- Employers: Litigation-focused law firms
Criminal
- Tasks: Preparing defense/prosecution cases, gathering evidence, coordinating with clients
- Employers: Criminal defense offices, district attorney’s offices
Estate Planning and Probate
- Tasks: Drafting wills and trusts, managing probate filings, assisting executors
- Employers: Estate planning and trust firms
Family Law
- Tasks: Preparing petitions, handling custody/support matters, supporting attorneys
- Employers: Family law practices
Oil, Gas, and Mineral
- Tasks: Managing property rights, contracts, and regulatory compliance
- Employers: Energy companies, law firms specializing in energy law
Personal Injury Trial
- Tasks: Investigating cases, documenting evidence, assisting in trial preparation
- Employers: Personal injury law firms
Real Estate
- Tasks: Assisting with property transactions, contracts, and closings
- Employers: Real estate law firms, corporate legal teams
Benefits of Becoming a CPAS
Here are the main benefits of becoming a board-certified paralegal in Texas:
Increased Marketability and Job Opportunities
CPAS/BCP-certified paralegals are often more competitive in the job market. Firms and corporate legal departments prefer candidates with specialized credentials, especially in high-demand areas like civil trial, estate planning, or personal injury. Certified paralegals are 20–30% more likely to be considered for senior or specialized roles compared to non-certified peers.
Enhanced Credibility and Recognition
Holding a CPAS demonstrates that a paralegal has achieved advanced expertise in a specific legal specialty. This recognition strengthens professional reputation, both among colleagues and clients. Attorneys often rely on CPAS-certified paralegals for complex cases, knowing they bring verified, high-level skills to the team.
Greater Earning Potential
Specialization pays. CPAS-certified paralegals typically earn 10–25% higher salaries than non-certified counterparts, depending on the specialty and region. For example, a civil trial CPAS in Texas may earn $65,000–$85,000 annually, while general paralegals may average $50,000–$60,000.
Demonstration of Commitment to Professional Excellence
Earning CPAS requires years of experience, continuing legal education (CLE), and passing rigorous exams. This shows employers and peers that the paralegal is dedicated to growth, high standards, and staying current in their specialty.
How to Apply for CPAS Certification
The TBLS application process for how to become a CPAS is detailed but straightforward.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility.
Applicants must already hold a Certified Paralegal (CP) credential and have years of documented experience.
Step 2: Gather documentation.
This includes:
- Employment verification forms
- CLE certificates
- Attorney references confirming specialty work
Step 3: Submit application.
Applications are filed directly with TBLS by the posted deadlines.
Step 4: Take the exam (if required).
Some specialties require an exam covering Texas-specific laws and procedures.
Step 5: Maintain certification.
Once earned, CPAS certification requires ongoing CLE and renewals.
Cost: Application fees vary by specialty but usually range from $200–$500. CLE costs and exam prep materials are additional.
CPAS vs CP vs ACP: What’s the Difference?
| Credential | Certifying Body | Focus | Requirements | Recognition |
| CP | NALA | Foundational | Exam coursework | National |
| ACP | NALA | Advanced, subject-specific | CP required + specialty course | National |
| CPAS/BCP | TBLS | State-based specialty | ABA-approved paralegal program + experience + CLE | Texas-specific |
When deciding between ACP vs CPAS vs CP paralegal certifications, it helps to think about your career stage and goals:
- CP (Certified Paralegal): Foundational, shows general paralegal knowledge and skills; national recognition; ideal for early-career paralegals.
- ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal): National, specialty-focused; requires CP plus advanced coursework; highlights subject-specific expertise.
- CPAS / BCP (Board Certified Paralegal in Texas): Texas-specific, advanced credential; requires CP, significant experience, and completion of paralegal legal specialization programs; demonstrates senior-level, state-recognized expertise.
Career Paths and Salary Potential with CPAS Certification
So, what happens after completing an advanced paralegal certification in Texas?
This often leads to specialized roles such as:
- Litigation Paralegal (civil or personal injury trial law)
- Probate Assistant (estate planning and probate law)
- Criminal Defense Paralegal (criminal law)
- Real Estate Paralegal (commercial and residential property law)
In Texas, salaries for paralegals average about $63,720. Earning legal specialty certifications for paralegals can help professionals earn closer to $70,000–$85,000, depending on their specialty. Civil trial law and personal injury law often offer the highest salaries.
Texas also has one of the largest legal markets in the U.S., especially in cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. That means strong demand for CPAS-certified professionals.
Resources for CPAS Certification Prep
Paralegals don’t have to prepare alone. Many resources are available:
- TBLS Website: Offers detailed requirements, specialty exam guides, and application forms.
- CLE Providers in Texas: Approved providers offer courses tailored to each specialty.
- Texas Paralegal Schools: Some universities and community colleges offer prep programs.
- Bar Associations: Local and state bar associations often provide networking and study opportunities.
Building a support system through CLE providers and professional organizations can make the process smoother.
Final Thoughts: Is CPAS Certification Right for You?
Specialization in the paralegal profession is no longer optional—it’s becoming the standard. Attorneys, clients, and employers want experts, not just generalists.
For Texas paralegals who already have their CP and several years of experience, pursuing the CPAS/BCP credential through TBLS is one of the smartest career investments available. It enhances credibility, increases salary potential, and opens doors to leadership roles within law firms.
If the goal is to build a long-term paralegal career in Texas, CPAS/BCP certification provides a clear path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be licensed to be a paralegal in Texas?
A: No, Texas does not require paralegals to hold a state license. However, certifications like CP, ACP, or CPAS/BCP can boost credibility, demonstrate expertise, and improve job prospects.
Q: Can I hold both CPAS/BCP and ACP certifications?
A: Yes. CPAS/BCP and ACP serve different purposes. CPAS is Texas-specific and demonstrates advanced state-recognized expertise. On the other hand, ACP is a national, specialty-focused credential. Holding both can strengthen your professional profile.
Q: Is CPAS only valid in Texas?
A: Yes, CPAS (also known as BCP) is a Texas-specific certification administered by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). While it is highly respected within Texas, it does not carry official recognition in other states.
Q: What are the best specialty certifications for paralegals?
A: The best specialty certifications for paralegals are those that showcase advanced knowledge in a specific legal field. Examples include CPAS/BCP certifications in Texas, civil trial, family law, bankruptcy, and other TBLS-recognized specialties. These certifications help paralegals stand out, increase earning potential, and open doors to higher-level roles.
