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How to Obtain Paralegal Certification
How to Obtain Paralegal Certification
You're interested in a career as a paralegal, and want to learn more about what kind of credentials you need to enter the legal field. Sound familiar? If so, read this article and find out more about what types of paralegal certification are available, and how you can obtain them.
Understand the Benefits of Certification
As with other professional certifications, you are not required to become certified in order to work as a paralegal. However, although it isn't mandatory, it is in your best interest to consider it necessary. Becoming certified is an excellent way to show potential employers, colleagues, and clients that you are committed to the legal field, and that you have mastered the necessary skills and knowledge. Beyond enhancing your credibility, certification can also increase your earning potential and opportunities for advancement. You can obtain paralegal certification through several professional organizations, including the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Explore Eligibility
Professional organizations have their own list of eligibility requirements, which you should examine carefully. For example, NALA requires certification candidates to be graduates of an American Bar Association-approved diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree program. Whereas, to be eligible for other types of certification, you must complete an accredited program, possess extensive professional experience, or have a combination of the two.
Study for the Examination
Paralegal certification examinations can be quite intense. For example, the NALA examination lasts two days and tests your knowledge in six diverse subject areas:
- Legal terminology
- Ethics
- Communications
- Human relations and interviewing techniques
- Legal research
- Judgment and analytical ability
Some certifying organizations offer training programs to prepare you to take the examinations. Others offer study material that you can purchase and use to prepare on your own. And finally, some professional organizations team up with accredited schools to offer programs that include preparation for their certification examination.
Continue Your Education
Most professional organizations have some kind of continuing education component within their certification programs. In other words, you must prove on a regular basis that you possess the most up-to-date knowledge about your profession.
Are you ready to find a school that can prepare you to obtain your paralegal certification? If so, this guide to paralegal programs is one of the best places to start!
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