Paralegal Certification Programs

Written by Megan Carter, Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Quick Answer

Paralegal certification through NALA, NFPA, or NALS is voluntary but increasingly valued by employers. Certification costs $150-$300, requires passing an exam after meeting education or experience requirements, and can increase earning potential by $4,000-$16,000 annually. The three main certifications are NALA’s CP/ACP, NFPA’s CRP/RP, and NALS’ PP/SC. While not legally required to work as a paralegal, professional certification demonstrates competency and can lead to better job opportunities.

In a field without mandatory licensing requirements, professional certification has become the gold standard that sets exceptional paralegals apart. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance after years of experience, earning a nationally recognized credential shows employers, clients, and colleagues that you’re committed to excellence in the paralegal profession.

This guide covers everything you need to know about paralegal certification, including which organizations offer credentials, what each certification requires, how much they cost, and whether certification is the right choice for your career goals. You’ll also learn about salary benefits, exam preparation, and state-specific certification options.

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Table of Contents

• Is Paralegal Certification Required?
• Which Certification Should I Choose?
• Cost of National Certification
• Certified Paralegal Salary
• NALA’s CP (Certified Paralegal)
• NALA’s ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal)
• NFPA’s CRP (Core Registered Paralegal)
• NFPA’s RP (Registered Paralegal)
• NALS PP (Professional Paralegal)
• NALS Specialty Certificate
• Other Certification Options
• State Certification
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Key Takeaways

Is Paralegal Certification Required?

No, paralegal certification is not legally required in any state. The paralegal profession remains largely unregulated, meaning you can work as a paralegal without holding any certification as long as you work under attorney supervision. To date, there is no mandatory licensing or regulation of paralegals at the national level.

But voluntary professional certification has become increasingly important for several reasons. First, it provides a standardized way for employers to evaluate your skills and knowledge in a profession that lacks uniform requirements. Second, many employers actively prefer or even require certification for paralegal positions, especially at law firms and corporate legal departments. Third, certification can open doors to higher salaries, promotions, and specialized practice areas.

Professional certification differs from academic certificates. An academic certificate program is educational training you complete through a college or university. Professional certification is a credential you earn by passing a standardized exam offered by a national paralegal organization. You can hold an academic certificate with straight Ds, but you can’t earn professional certification without demonstrating mastery of paralegal knowledge and skills through a rigorous examination.

Which Certification Should I Choose?

Three major organizations offer nationally recognized paralegal certifications: NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants), NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and NALS (Association for Legal Professionals). Each offers both entry-level and advanced certifications.

All three are well-respected in the field and have similarly high standards. The American Bar Association acknowledges NALA’s CP certification as a credible measure of paralegal competence. Some employers may have preferences based on regional familiarity or their own paralegal staff’s certifications, so it’s worth checking job postings in your area to see which credentials appear most frequently.

Organization	Entry-Level Credential	Advanced Credential	Member Cost	Non-Member Cost	Focus
NALA	CP (Certified Paralegal)	ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal)	$250	$275	Comprehensive skills assessment
NFPA	CRP (CORE Registered Paralegal)	RP (Registered Paralegal)	$215-$225	$250	Professional competency standards
NALS	PP (Professional Paralegal)	SC (Specialty Certificates)	$150	$200	Legal knowledge and judgment

When choosing your certification, consider these factors:

• Employer preference: Check job postings in your area to see which certifications appear most often in requirements or preferred qualifications
• Cost: If budget is a concern, NALS offers the most affordable option
• Timeline: If you’re currently enrolled in or just finishing a paralegal program, NFPA’s CRP allows you to test within 2 months of graduation
• Experience level: Entry-level certifications (CP, CRP, PP) are designed for newer paralegals, while advanced options (ACP, RP, SC) require substantial experience
• Specialty focus: If you want to specialize in a specific area of law, NALA’s ACP and NALS’ SC programs offer numerous specialty options

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Cost of National Certification: Professional Certification Is a Sound Investment

The cost to take national certification exams ranges from $150 to $300, excluding study materials or preparation courses. Here’s the complete breakdown:

NALA Certification Costs

• CP (Certified Paralegal): $250 for NALA members or $275 for non-members
• ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal): $250 for NALA members or $300 for non-members per specialty area
• Renewal: Every 5 years with 50 hours of continuing legal education (CLE), including 5 hours of ethics

NFPA Certification Costs

• CRP (CORE Registered Paralegal): $215 for NFPA members or $250 for non-members
• RP (Registered Paralegal): $225 for NFPA members or $250 for non-members
• Application fee: $25 (non-refundable)
• Renewal: Every 2 years with 12 hours of CLE (RP) or 8 hours (CRP), including 1 hour of ethics

NALS Certification Costs

• PP (Professional Paralegal): $150 for NALS members or $200 for non-members
• SC (Specialty Certificate): $150 per specialty for members or $200 for non-members
• Renewal: Every 5 years with 75 hours of CLE (50 hours substantive law, 5 hours ethics)

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond exam fees, you may incur costs for:

• Study materials: Practice exams, study guides, or exam prep books ($50-$200)
• Preparation courses: Optional review courses offered by paralegal associations or schools ($100-$500)
• Membership dues: Joining the certifying organization often provides exam discounts and other benefits ($100-$300 annually)
• Retake fees: If you don’t pass on the first attempt, retake fees typically match or slightly exceed initial exam costs
• Continuing education: Ongoing CLE requirements for maintaining certification ($300-$800 per renewal period)

Many employers recognize the value of certification and will cover these costs for their paralegal staff. Some local paralegal associations also offer scholarships or grants to help paralegals afford certification exams. Don’t hesitate to ask your employer about reimbursement policies or to apply for available financial assistance.

Certified Paralegal Salary

Professional certification can be a smart financial decision in addition to demonstrating your commitment to the profession. While salary varies based on location, experience, and employer, certification typically correlates with higher earnings.

According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the national median salary for paralegals is $61,010, with the top 10% earning $98,990 or more annually. This wide range shows how much earning potential can grow for paralegals who invest in their professional development.

Experience Level	Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
Entry-Level	10th Percentile	$39,710	$19.09
Mid-Career	Median (50th)	$61,010	$29.33
Experienced	75th Percentile	$78,280	$37.63
Top Performers	90th Percentile	$98,990	$47.59

A NALA salary survey showed that certified paralegals earn more than their non-certified counterparts. Paralegals with the CP certification earned an average of $59,660 compared to $55,187 for those without certification. The gap is even more significant for advanced certification holders: paralegals with NALA’s ACP certification earned an average of $73,321, while those without this advanced designation earned $57,340.

These salary differences can add up significantly over a career. A paralegal earning $4,000-$16,000 more per year due to certification will see hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime earnings. Law firms may also bill certified paralegals at higher rates to clients, making these professionals more valuable to their employers.

NALA’s CP (Certified Paralegal): Establish Yourself as a Competent Professional

NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) program, established in 1976, is one of the most recognized credentials in the paralegal profession. More than 18,000 paralegals have earned this designation, making it widely understood by employers.

Qualifying to Take the CP Exam

You must meet one of these requirements to qualify for the CP exam:

1. Complete a paralegal program: Graduate from an ABA-approved program, an associate degree in paralegal studies, a post-baccalaureate certificate program, or a program with at least 60 semester hours, including 15 hours of substantive legal courses
2. Bachelor’s degree plus experience: Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and have at least 1 year of paralegal experience, plus 15 semester hours of substantive legal courses
3. Experience-based qualification: Have a high school diploma and at least 7 years of paralegal experience under attorney supervision, plus 20 hours of CLE credit within the last 2 years

Applying for the CP Exam

Complete the Certified Paralegal Examination Application Form and pay the $250 member or $275 non-member fee. Once approved, you’ll schedule your exam through PSI testing centers located throughout the country.

Taking the CP Exam

The CP exam consists of five sections covering:

• Communications: Grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, written correspondence, verbal and nonverbal communication, interview techniques
• Ethics: Professional responsibility, client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, attorney discipline
• Legal Research: Sources of law, research methodology, analysis techniques
• Substantive Law: Legal terminology, court systems, civil litigation, corporations, contracts
• Judgment and Analytical Ability: Fact identification, legal application, issue analysis

Maintaining the CP Credential

Your CP certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires completing at least 50 hours of continuing legal education, including at least 5 hours in legal ethics. You can earn these hours through conferences, seminars, webinars, teaching, publishing, or completing paralegal courses.

NALA’s ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal): Demonstrate Specialized Expertise

Once you’ve achieved an advanced level of knowledge in a specific area of law, consider NALA’s Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) designation. This credential is only available to paralegals who already hold the CP certification in good standing.

NALA offers ACP certification in 26 practice areas, including:

• Business Organizations (Incorporated and Noncorporate Entities)
• Contracts Management and Compliance
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Discovery
• E-Discovery
• Entity Governance and Compliance
• Estate Planning and Probate
• Family Law
• Immigration Law
• Personal Injury (multiple subspecialties)
• Real Estate
• Social Security Disability
• Trademarks
• Trial Practice

Each ACP course is web-based, approximately 20 hours in length, and delivered through a curriculum-based model with exercises and assessments. The course fee is $250 for NALA members or $300 for non-members per specialty area. You can earn multiple ACP credentials in different practice areas to demonstrate broad expertise.

NFPA’s CRP (CORE Registered Paralegal): Get a Jump Start Early in Your Career

NFPA, founded in 1974 as the nation’s first paralegal association, represents more than 9,000 members. The organization offers two certification levels: the CRP for entry-level paralegals and the RP for mid-career professionals.

Qualifying to Take the PCCE Exam

To take the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) for the CRP credential, you must meet one of these requirements:

• Associate degree in paralegal studies
• Associate degree in any subject plus a paralegal certificate
• Associate degree in any subject, plus at least 1 year of experience and 6 CLE units, including 1 hour of ethics
• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject plus a paralegal certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject, plus at least 6 months of experience and 1 hour of ethics CLE
• Active duty, retired, or former military personnel qualified as a paralegal with 1 hour of ethics CLE
• Paralegal certificate plus at least 1 year of experience and 6 hours of CLE
• High school diploma or GED plus at least 5 years of experience and 12 hours of CLE, including 1 hour of ethics
• Within 2 months of graduating from a qualifying paralegal program

Applying for the PCCE Exam

Complete the Candidate Application and Affidavit of Work Experience, have it notarized, and arrange for notarized copies of your education credentials to be sent to NFPA. Pay the $215 member or $250 non-member fee, plus a $25 application processing fee.

Once approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter and can schedule your exam through Prometric Test Centers. You have 90 days from your approval date to take the exam.

Taking the PCCE Exam

The PCCE consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 2.5 hours. Questions are divided between paralegal practice (52%) and substantive areas of law (48%). Study materials are available in the Candidate Handbook.

Maintaining the CRP Credential

Your CRP certification requires renewal every 2 years. You must complete at least 8 hours of continuing legal education, including 1 hour in legal ethics, during each renewal period.

NFPA’s RP (Registered Paralegal): Demonstrate Your Advanced Experience

Once you’ve gained substantial experience in the paralegal field, you can advance to the RP designation by taking the Paralegal Advanced Competency (PACE) Exam.

Qualifying to Take the PACE Exam

PACE exam candidates must meet one of these requirements:

• Associate degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved program or accredited institution, and at least 6 years of paralegal experience
• Bachelor’s degree in any field and at least 3 years of paralegal experience
• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or bachelor’s degree followed by a paralegal progra,m and at least 2 years of paralegal experience
• At least 4 years of paralegal experience (if obtained on or before December 2000)

Applying for the PACE Exam

Submit your Candidate Application through NFPA and pay either $225 for members or $250 for non-members. Once approved, schedule your exam through a Prometric testing center.

Taking the PACE Exam

The PACE exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 4 hours. Questions cover five domains:

• Administration of Client Legal Matters (23%)
• Development of Client Legal Matters (30%)
• Factual and Legal Research (22%)
• Factual and Legal Writing (20.5%)
• Office Administration (4.5%)

Ethics, technology, and terminology are integrated throughout all domains.

Maintaining the RP Credential

Your RP certification requires renewal every 2 years with at least 12 hours of continuing legal education, including at least 1 hour of ethics.

NALS PP (Professional Paralegal): Display Your Commitment to Continued Learning

The Professional Paralegal (PP) designation offered by NALS: The Association for Legal Professionals provides another well-respected certification option for paralegals.

Qualifying for the PP Exam

You must meet one of these requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience performing paralegal or legal assistant duties
• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies
• Graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program
• Graduation from an accredited paralegal program with at least 60 semester hours, including 15 hours in substantive law
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and at least 1 year of paralegal or legal assistant experience

Taking the PP Exam

Complete the PP Examination Application and pay $150 for members or $200 for non-members. The one-day, four-part examination covers:

• Written Communications
• Legal Knowledge and Skills
• Ethics and Judgment Skills
• Substantive Law

Testing locations are arranged when you submit your application.

Maintaining the PP Certification

The PP certificate is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires at least 75 hours of continuing legal education, with at least 50 hours on substantive areas and at least 5 hours on ethics.

NALS Specialty Certificate: Establish Yourself as an Expert

Once you’re ready to demonstrate expertise in a specific area of law, pursue the NALS Specialty Certificate in one of 19 available areas:

Practice Area	CLE Hours Required	Validity Period
Administrative Law	50 hours	5 years
Appellate Law	50 hours	5 years
Bankruptcy Law	50 hours	5 years
Business Law	50 hours	5 years
Civil Litigation	50 hours	5 years
Contract Law	50 hours	5 years
Corporate Law	50 hours	5 years
Criminal Law	50 hours	5 years
E-Discovery	50 hours	5 years
Estate Planning and Probate	50 hours	5 years
Family Law	50 hours	5 years
Immigration Law	50 hours	5 years
Insurance Law	50 hours	5 years
Intellectual Property	50 hours	5 years
Juvenile Law	50 hours	5 years
Law Office Management	50 hours	5 years
Personal Injury Law	50 hours	5 years
Real Estate Law	50 hours	5 years
Trial Management	50 hours	5 years

You earn a Specialty Certificate by completing 50 continuing legal education credit hours within a five-year period in your chosen specialty. Credits can come from seminars, workshops, webinars, teaching, publishing articles, or completing postsecondary education courses.

The cost for each specialty certificate is $150 for members or $200 for non-members. Certificates are valid for 5 years. After earning a specialty certificate, you can display your designation as: Jane Doe, PP-SC Civil Litigation.

Other Certification Options to Consider

The American Alliance of Paralegals Inc.

The American Alliance of Paralegals offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) designation. Unlike examination-based certifications, this credential is awarded based solely on education and experience.

To earn the AACP, you must have at least 5 years of substantive legal experience plus one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in any discipline
• Associate degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved program or AAFPE voting member institution
• Certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program or AAFPE voting member institution

Submit an Application for Certification with your transcripts and an attorney’s affidavit attesting to your work experience. The certification fee is $75. Maintain the AACP credential by completing at least 18 hours of continuing legal education every three years, including at least 3 hours in ethics.

The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants

The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) offers the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) designation for registered nurses who serve as consultants in the legal field.

To qualify for the LNCC exam, you must currently hold an RN license, have at least 5 years of experience practicing as an RN, and have at least 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting experience within the last 5 years.

The certification examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering civil rights, employment discrimination, forensic/criminal law, life care planning, long-term care litigation, medical malpractice, Medicare, personal injury, product liability, regulatory compliance, risk management, toxic tort, and workers’ compensation.

Take the exam at an IQT testing site. The cost is $325 for AALNC members or $425 for non-members. The LNCC designation is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, proof of 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting practice in the past 5 years, and 60 contact hours of continuing education.

Association of Legal Administrators

The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) offers the Certified Legal Manager (CLM) designation for legal administrators. While not a paralegal certification, this credential may interest paralegals moving into management roles.

To qualify, you must be employed full-time in a legal organization and have at least 24 months of experience in a legal setting. You must also complete at least 2 hours of coursework in each of these management categories within 2 years of applying: writing skills, communication skills, self-management skills, information technology, and organizational development.

The CLM exam assesses knowledge in financial management, human resources management, legal industry/business management, and operations management. The exam is offered in spring and fall at Pearson VUE testing sites. The cost is $529 for ALA members or $629 for non-members.

State Certification and Other Legal Requirements

Several states offer their own certification processes to encourage high professional standards and help employers identify qualified employees. State certifications can be valuable additions to national credentials, but they’re primarily recognized within state borders or the immediate region.

State Bar Associations Offering Voluntary Certification

Four state bar associations offer voluntary paralegal certification:

• Florida Bar: Offers the Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) and Florida Certified Paralegal (FCP) credentials
• North Carolina State Bar: Offers the North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP) designation
• Ohio State Bar Association: Offers the Ohio State Bar Association Certified Paralegal (OSBA-CP) credential
• Texas Board of Legal Specialization: Offers board certification in six specialty areas: civil trial law, criminal law, family law, personal injury trial law, estate planning and probate law, and real estate law

Specialized State Roles

Some states have created specialized paralegal roles with specific requirements:

California Legal Document Assistant (LDA): California paralegals who want to offer legal document preparation services as independent contractors must hold LDA certification through the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA). This designation is distinct from traditional paralegal work but allows for independent practice in document preparation.

Arizona Legal Document Preparer (LDP): Similar to California’s LDA, Arizona’s LDP certification allows paralegals to prepare legal documents independently within specific practice areas.

Washington Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT): Washington State implemented the LLLT program to recognize paralegals who meet education, experience, and exam requirements, proving they can provide limited legal services and advice to clients without attorney oversight in certain areas of law. Several other states are considering similar programs.

Professional Association Certifications

In states without bar-offered certification, local paralegal professional associations may offer voluntary credentials. These designations provide local recognition and demonstrate commitment to professional standards, but they don’t expand practice privileges or replace national certification through NALA, NFPA, or NALS.

When considering state certification, remember that it complements rather than replaces national certification. Many paralegals earn both state and national credentials to maximize their professional recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who offers professional certification for paralegals?  

Three major organizations offer nationally recognized professional certification: NALA (The Paralegal Association), NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations), and NALS (The Association for Legal Professionals). Each offers both entry-level and advanced certifications.

Several states also offer certification through their bar associations, including Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Ohio. Some states have professional associations that offer certification options, including Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Delaware.

You can earn state certification, national certification, both, or neither. The choice is yours based on your career goals and employer preferences.

Is professional certification mandatory to practice as a paralegal?  

No, the paralegal profession remains largely unregulated at the national level. Professional certification through NALA, NFPA, NALS, or state organizations is voluntary. There’s no legal requirement to be certified as a paralegal in any state if you’re working under attorney supervision.

But many employers prefer or require certification, and it can significantly impact your career opportunities and earning potential.

Will professional certification increase my salary?  

Professional certification often correlates with higher salaries, but results vary by employer and location. NALA surveys show that certified paralegals earn more on average than non-certified paralegals. Some data suggests certified paralegals can earn $4,000-$16,000 more annually.

Some employers place more emphasis on professional designations and may offer higher starting salaries or better advancement opportunities to certified paralegals. Law firms may also bill certified paralegals at higher rates to clients, making them more valuable to their employers.

As you establish yourself in your career, pay is increasingly tied to the value you bring to your employer. Advanced, specialized certifications can make you more valuable as a specialist, and some employers cover the cost of certification for their staff.

Do I need experience to pursue professional certification?  

Many paralegals pursue their primary professional certification immediately upon earning a paralegal degree. Most entry-level certifications (CP, CRP, PP) can be earned by recent graduates who meet the educational requirements.

You can pursue professional certification at any point in your career. Some paralegals find that gaining a few years of experience helps them prepare for these exams, but it’s not required for entry-level certifications.

Advanced paralegal certifications (ACP, RP, SC) are reserved for paralegals with several years of experience in the field and require holding an entry-level certification first.

Do I need a degree in paralegal studies to pursue professional certification?  

Not necessarily. You can qualify for primary certification through experience or a combination of experience and education in most cases. NALA, NALS, and NFPA accept candidates who’ve earned degrees in fields other than paralegal studies and who’ve been working in the paralegal field for several years.

There are also options for highly experienced paralegals who started years ago and don’t have any degree at all to qualify through experience alone.

That said, education is the most common qualification path since it provides the quickest route to certification eligibility. All certification requires passing an exam as the final step.

Once certified, can I use professional credentials after my name?  

Yes. NALA’s certified paralegals earn either the Certified Paralegal (CP) designation or the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) designation in a legal specialty.

NFPA’s certified paralegals earn either the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) designation or the more advanced Registered Paralegal (RP) designation.

NALS-certified paralegals use the Professional Paralegal (PP) designation. After completing the NALS Specialty Certificate program, some add the specialty area after the PP designation (for example, PP-SC Civil Litigation).

In all cases, you can display your credentials after your name on business cards, email signatures, and professional profiles. Example: Jane Doe, RP

Do I need to maintain professional certification?  

Yes, NALS, NALA, and NFPA all require that paralegals maintain their professional certification through continuing education. This includes taking continuing legal education (CLE) courses or participating in professional activities related to the paralegal profession.

Activities like attending seminars and lectures, publishing articles, and teaching courses qualify as CLE. NALA and NALS credentials must be renewed every 5 years, while NFPA’s credentials must be renewed every 2 years.

Do I have to be a member of the organization offering certification?  

No, membership isn’t required. But many paralegals find that membership in a professional organization provides valuable benefits, including networking opportunities, professional development resources, job boards, and access to CLE courses.

NALA, NALS, and NFPA all offer discounted exam fees for members, which can offset membership costs. For example, NALA members save $25 on the CP exam compared to non-members.

How much does professional certification cost?  

Certification through NALS costs $150 for members and $200 for non-members. Certification through NALA costs $250 for members and $275 for non-members. Certification through NFPA costs $215-$225 for members and $250 for non-members.

Additional costs include non-refundable application fees (typically $25-$50), study materials, potential preparation courses, and continuing education for recertification. Many employers will cover these costs for their paralegal staff.

Is paralegal certification worth it?  

For many paralegals, certification is worth the investment. It can lead to higher salaries (often $4,000-$16,000 more annually), better job opportunities, and greater professional recognition. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and validates your knowledge and skills through a standardized assessment.

Consider certification if you want to stand out in a competitive job market, qualify for positions that require or prefer certification, advance to higher-level roles, specialize in a particular area of law, or increase your earning potential.

That said, many paralegals have successful careers without certification. The decision depends on your career goals, local job market, employer preferences, and personal commitment to professional development.

How long does it take to become certified?  

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can typically schedule and take a certification exam within 2-3 months of applying. The timeline includes time to gather documentation, submit your application, receive approval, and schedule your exam at a testing center.

Preparation time varies based on your experience and study habits. Some paralegals study for 2-4 weeks, while others prefer 2-3 months of preparation. Study groups, review courses, and practice exams can help you feel confident before test day.

If you don’t currently meet eligibility requirements, you’ll need to complete additional education or gain more experience first. This could add months or years to your timeline, depending on your starting point.

What’s the difference between NALA, NFPA, and NALS certification?  

All three organizations offer respected, nationally recognized certifications with similar benefits. The main differences are in exam format, cost, renewal requirements, and the number of specialty options available.

NALA offers the most specialty certification options (26 practice areas) and has the longest-standing program (since 1976). NFPA was the first national paralegal association (founded in 1974) and offers both entry-level (CRP) and advanced generalist (RP) credentials. NALS offers the most affordable certification option and focuses on legal knowledge and professional skills.

Check job postings in your area to see which credentials appear most frequently, as some regions or practice areas may have stronger preferences for one organization’s certification over another.

Key Takeaways

• Paralegal certification is voluntary, but it can increase earning potential by $4,000-$16,000 annually and demonstrate professional competency to employers
• Three major organizations offer nationally recognized certifications: NALA (CP/ACP), NFPA (CRP/RP), and NALS (PP/SC), with exam costs ranging from $150-$300
• Most entry-level certifications require either completing a paralegal program or having several years of experience, while advanced certifications require holding an entry-level credential first
• Professional certification differs from academic certificates: certification requires passing a standardized exam, while certificates are simply educational programs you complete
• All certifications require continuing legal education (CLE) for renewal: NALA and NALS every 5 years, NFPA every 2 years
• State certifications are available in some states through bar associations or professional organizations, complementing but not replacing national certification

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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.

Megan Carter Megan L. Carter is a senior litigation paralegal with 14 years of experience and holds the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential from NALA. See Full Bio