Legal Assisting and Paralegal Certification

While most employers do not require certification, legal assistants and paralegals may wish to pursue certification from a industry organization in order to enhance employment and promotional opportunities. Most certifications require an initial exam and some continuing education credits in the legal field in order to renew/maintain the credential (these credits can be earned by attending various seminars, workshops, or course work in the field). Most also require a minimum amount of experience in order to qualify for candidacy.

Graduates of the Herzing University Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal degree will have met the educational requirement for the following certification opportunities:

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) and Certified Paralegal (CP) – This exam is given over a two day period and requires comprehensive knowledge of federal law and procedure.

American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.

American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) – To be eligible, candidates must have five years of experience in the profession. No exam is required, but continuing legal education requirements must be met in order to maintain the credential.

National Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)

Professional Paralegal (PP) – This is a one-day, four-part exam that requires five years of experience performing paralegal/legal assisting duties. A one- or two-year partial waiver for this experience is available for candidates with a degree.

National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA)

PACE Registered Paralegal (RP) – Candidates must possess two years of experience in the field in order to sit for this exam. This credential requires continuing legal education credits in order to maintain the certification.

Herzing University student data for Legal Assisting / Paralegal programs