NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) credential is voluntary and costs $325 for members or $375 for non-members. You’ll pass a Knowledge Exam and a Skills Exam to earn it. Three eligibility pathways cover paralegal education, a bachelor’s degree, or five years of experience. Timing varies with your preparation and exam scheduling.
Professional certification can help you stand out in the competitive paralegal field. If you’re weighing whether to pursue it, NALA’s credentials are voluntary, recognized across the legal profession, and earned through a national examination rather than a course you sit through.
NALA has supported paralegal professional development since 1975, offering continuing education, networking, and nationally recognized certification programs. Its Certified Paralegal program launched a year later, in 1976, and remains the credential most closely associated with the organization.
Whether you’re starting your paralegal education or looking to specialize, understanding what NALA paralegal certification costs, requires, and delivers helps you decide if it belongs in your plan. Before pursuing certification, it helps to understand what to know before becoming a paralegal so the investment lines up with your career goals.
What Is NALA?
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is a nonprofit professional organization founded in 1975 to advance the paralegal profession through voluntary certification, education, and professional development. It now operates as NALA, The Paralegal Association, and serves paralegals across every practice area and state.
NALA’s mission centers on three core objectives:
- Voluntary professional certification: Administering certification exams that assess paralegal competency
- Continuing education: Providing current legal education through courses, webinars, and conferences
- Professional advocacy: Promoting paralegal professional standards and career development
NALA’s Certified Paralegal program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which granted accreditation on April 30, 2014. That makes it the only NCCA-accredited paralegal certification program. The American Bar Association recognizes the CP credential as a mark of high professional achievement. NALA certification is voluntary, and no state requires it to work as a paralegal.
One distinction worth getting right before you go further. A paralegal certificate is what a school awards when you complete a program. A certification is what a credentialing body awards after you pass an exam. Accreditation is a third thing entirely, and it applies to programs and credentialing bodies rather than to people. NALA’s CP is a certification.
NALA provides paralegals with networking opportunities, industry insights, and access to a nationwide community of legal professionals. Through its quarterly magazine Facts & Findings and its online resources, NALA keeps members current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.
Types of NALA Certifications
NALA’s principal voluntary credential is the Certified Paralegal (CP). Certified Paralegals can build on it through the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) program, which offers curriculum-based study in specific areas of law rather than a second parallel exam. Both are optional and may carry professional recognition depending on your employer and practice area. Learn more about paralegal certification options to compare NALA credentials with other professional certifications.
Certified Paralegal (CP)
The Certified Paralegal designation is NALA’s foundational voluntary credential. NALA’s CP Program Handbook reports nearly 21,000 Certified Paralegals in the United States, active and inactive, and more than 36,000 paralegals who have participated in the program since it began.
The CP certification signifies that you’ve demonstrated knowledge and skills assessed through NALA’s national examination process. This voluntary credential may help signal your capabilities to employers, though many successful paralegals work without certification, and employment outcomes depend on factors such as experience, location, and employer preferences.
Earning your CP designation requires:
- Meeting one of three eligibility categories based on education or experience
- Passing a Knowledge Exam covering federal law and procedure
- Completing a Skills Exam that assesses writing and critical thinking abilities
The CP credential serves paralegals across all practice areas and geographic regions. Since certification is voluntary and not a legal requirement for paralegal work, the decision to pursue it depends on your career goals and whether your target employers value the credential.
Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)
The Advanced Certified Paralegal credential recognizes deeper knowledge in a specific area of law. Each ACP course runs roughly 20 hours, includes interactive exercises and an assessment, and is delivered online with 24/7 access. NALA’s CP Program Handbook reports more than 5,500 Advanced Certified Paralegals in the United States.
Anyone can take an ACP course for professional development. The credential itself is available only to current Certified Paralegals. If you pass the CP exam within one year of completing an ACP course, NALA awards the ACP credential as well. ACP courses provide specialized training, and real-world expertise still develops through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and ongoing work under attorney supervision.
NALA currently offers ACP courses in these specialties, which align with common types of paralegal specializations:
- Business Organizations, Incorporated Entities
- California Advanced Specialization in Discovery
- Contract Management
- Criminal Litigation
- Discovery
- eDiscovery
- Family Law
- Family Law, Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
- Land Use
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate Principles
- Trial Practice
NALA updates and retires courses periodically and accepts suggestions for new topics, so check its course listing for the current lineup before you plan a specialization.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying to take the CP exam, you must meet one of three categories at the time you file your application. NALA designed these to accommodate different educational and professional backgrounds. If you file an incomplete application, you have 60 days from the date you filed it to supply the missing documentation or fees, or the application is voided.
Category 1: Paralegal Studies
You may qualify if you’ve graduated from a paralegal or legal studies program meeting one of the criteria below. If you haven’t graduated yet, NALA’s student pathway generally applies to candidates in their last semester or quarter who will meet the requirements, so check its student applicant rules before you apply.
- ABA-approved paralegal program
- Associate degree program in paralegal studies
- Post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies
- Bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies
- Paralegal program of at least 60 semester hours, of which at least 15 semester hours are substantive legal courses
NALA treats 900 clock hours as equivalent to 60 semester hours, and 225 clock hours as equivalent to 15 semester hours. You can combine college hours from more than one institution.
Category 2: Bachelor’s Degree Plus Paralegal Studies
You qualify with a bachelor’s degree in any field, plus either:
- One year of experience as a paralegal, OR
- At least 15 semester hours of substantive paralegal courses
If you’re using coursework in place of the work experience, you’ll need to submit an official transcript showing the completed courses.
Category 3: On-the-Job Experience
You qualify with:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, AND
- Five years of experience as a paralegal, AND
- At least 20 hours of substantive continuing legal education completed within the two years before you apply
Your supervising attorney or employer attests to the CLE on the application form, or you can submit certificates of completion. Experience from more than one employer can be combined.
Foreign degrees must be evaluated by a reputable credential evaluation service to determine U.S. equivalency. Once you’ve identified your category, you can move ahead with the application. NALA reviews each application and its supporting documentation before authorizing you to test.
Exam Structure and Content
The CP certification requires passing two examinations that assess knowledge of federal law and practical paralegal skills.
Knowledge Exam
The Knowledge Exam is a multiple-choice assessment available year-round. You must pass it before becoming eligible for the Skills Exam.
Format: 120 multiple-choice questions covering federal law and procedure, of which 100 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items used for statistical analysis
Time Limit: 3 hours
Delivery: On demand through the PSI testing center network, at partner testing centers, or through remote proctoring
The exam covers these content areas, all based on federal law and procedure:
| Content Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| United States Legal System | Sources of law, judicial system, remedies, and administrative law |
| Civil Litigation | Jurisdiction, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, alternative dispute resolution |
| Contracts | Formation, rights and duties, enforcement, defenses |
| Corporate and Commercial Law | Business organizations, rights, and responsibilities |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | Criminal procedures, criminal law principles |
| Estate Planning and Probate | Estates, trusts, wills |
| Real Estate and Property | Property rights, ownership, transactions |
| Torts | Negligence and strict liability |
| Professional and Ethical Responsibility | ABA Model Rules, unauthorized practice of law |
| Debtor/Creditor and Bankruptcy | Debtor and creditor rights, bankruptcy proceedings |
You receive preliminary results as soon as you finish at the testing center. NALA uploads the same scores to your online portal. Results aren’t released by email, phone, or fax.
Skills Exam
The Skills Exam assesses your ability to analyze a legal problem and communicate that analysis in writing.
Format: Written essay assignment
Time Limit: 2 hours
Delivery: Four testing windows annually, in February, April, July, and October. This exam must be taken at a testing center, since remote proctoring covers the Knowledge Exam only.
NALA grades the Skills Exam on four things: identifying which facts are relevant and stating them concisely and accurately, identifying the threshold issue and any secondary issues, identifying the relevant legal authority and applying it to the facts, and drawing persuasive logical conclusions.
Unlike the Knowledge Exam, Skills Exam results aren’t immediate. Scores are released within 15 weeks after the testing window closes, once NALA’s Certifying Board completes its analysis and standard setting.
How Passing Is Determined
One thing that surprises candidates: NALA doesn’t publish a passing score. Results come back as “Pass” and nothing more. Only examinees who don’t pass receive a raw score, along with domain-level reporting to guide their retake.
The cut score itself is set by the Angoff method, which is standard practice in professional certification. A panel of paralegals, attorneys, and paralegal educators reviews each question and estimates the share of minimally competent candidates who would answer it correctly. Those estimates are averaged, and a psychometric consultant facilitates the process. The Knowledge Exam is worth 100 points and the Skills Exam 30, split between legal writing and critical thinking.
Costs and Fees
Knowing what NALA paralegal certification costs up front helps you budget for it. Fees change, so confirm current amounts with NALA before you apply.
CP Exam Fees
Your application fee is paid to NALA and depends on your membership status and which category you apply under. Testing center fees are separate and are paid when you schedule.
| Application Type | NALA Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $325 | $375 |
| Paralegal student | $150 | $175 |
| Military | $240 | $280 |
| Retake, per subsequent attempt | $150 | $150 |
A few things to factor in beyond the application fee:
- Testing center fees, paid separately when you schedule your exam
- A 3% service charge on all credit card payments
- Study materials and preparation courses, which are optional
- A $75 processing fee if your application is incomplete or rejected
- A $75 cancellation fee if you withdraw your application
The student rate applies to paralegal students in their last semester of a program who don’t already qualify under Category 1, 2, or 3. Military applicants receive a 25% discount on the application fee once NALA verifies status, and it extends to active-duty service members, veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and their spouses. The Veterans Administration will also cover the exam fee for qualified veterans through GI Bill benefits. Fees above are current as of August 2026. Check NALA’s testing fees page for the current schedule and testing center costs.
ACP Course Fees
ACP course fees vary by membership status. Each course includes the course materials, interactive exercises, and the assessment. A completed ACP course provides up to 20 hours of continuing legal education credit, which counts toward CP recertification. CLE is granted only on your first successful completion of a given course. Current ACP pricing is available through NALA’s online store.
Application and Testing Process
The path from application to certification follows a structured sequence with firm deadlines at each stage.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your eligibility documentation before starting the application:
- Official transcripts from paralegal programs or degree-granting institutions
- Attorney or employer attestation verifying work experience, if you’re using Category 2 or 3
- CLE certificates, if you’re applying under Category 3
- Military status verification, if you’re requesting the military rate
Step 2: Submit Application and Fee
Complete the online application through your NALA account, or submit a paper application by mail, email, or fax. Include all supporting documentation and your fee payment. NALA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards, with a 3% surcharge on card payments.
NALA acknowledges receipt of your application and payment, and certification staff review the documentation. Once approved, your Authorization to Test arrives by email roughly 72 hours later. If something is missing, NALA contacts you with the specific requirements.
Step 3: Schedule Your Knowledge Exam
After your Authorization to Test arrives, you can schedule the Knowledge Exam through the PSI testing center network, at a partner testing center, or through remote proctoring. The exam is available year-round on demand, excluding holidays.
You have 365 days from your authorization date to pass the Knowledge Exam, with three attempts allowed in that window and a 90-day wait between each one. Each retake needs its own application and fees. If you don’t pass within the three attempts or the 365 days, the application is voided and you’ll reapply.
To schedule your exam:
- Use the PSI username in your NALA account to book through PSI’s scheduler. Don’t contact PSI before your Authorization to Test arrives
- Select your testing center or the remote option
- Choose your date and time
- Pay the testing center fee
Arrive early for check-in and plan to leave personal electronics, including phones, smartwatches, and cameras, at home or in your vehicle. Identification requirements vary by testing modality and center, so confirm what to bring against the current testing rules before your appointment.
Step 4: Take the Knowledge Exam
Testing center staff verify your identification and walk you through a short tutorial on the testing system. Results appear as soon as you finish.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, submit a retake application and fee to NALA, then reschedule once the 90-day waiting period ends.
Step 5: Schedule and Take the Skills Exam
Once you pass the Knowledge Exam and pay the testing center fee, NALA issues your Authorization to Test for the Skills Exam. It’s offered in four annual windows, in February, April, July, and October, and must be taken at a testing center.
You have 365 days from that authorization to pass the Skills Exam, with up to three attempts and a 90-day wait between them. If you don’t pass in that window, you’ll submit a new application and start over with the Knowledge Exam.
Step 6: Receive Certification
Once you pass both exams, NALA awards your CP credential. You can use the CP designation after your name in professional communications, on business cards, and on your resume.
Timeline Overview
| Milestone | Typical Timeline | Critical Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Application Review | Authorization to Test about 72 hours after approval | Incomplete applications void after 60 days |
| Knowledge Exam Scheduling | Scheduled by you after authorization | Up to three attempts within 365 days of authorization |
| Knowledge Exam Results | Immediate, at the testing center | Official score posted to your NALA account |
| Skills Exam Scheduling | Next available testing window | Up to three attempts within 365 days of Skills authorization |
| Skills Exam Results | Within 15 weeks of the testing window closing | None |
| Total Time to Certification | Varies with preparation, scheduling, Skills Exam windows, and retakes | Each exam carries its own separate 365-day authorization period |
Study Resources and Preparation
Solid preparation improves your chances on both exams. NALA and third-party providers offer study materials to support you.
Official NALA Resources
NALA provides several preparation options:
- CP Program Handbook: Free download covering exam format, content specifications, and policies
- Certification FAQs: A published document answering common eligibility and testing questions
- Study materials list: Suggested reading and reference materials by content area
- Webinars and courses: Live and on-demand educational programs
- Published pass rates: Annual CP exam pass rate data, useful for calibrating your preparation
NALA’s Certifying Board doesn’t endorse specific study products or require you to buy anything. Under NCCA accreditation rules, the board that writes the exam stays out of developing or selling preparation materials. Suggested resources are listed on NALA’s certification pages.
Third-Party Preparation Materials
Commercial providers offer CP exam preparation in several formats:
- Online test prep platforms with practice questions and explanations
- Study guides organized by exam content area
- Flashcard sets for key concepts and terminology
- Video courses covering complex legal principles
Recommended Study Timeline
NALA doesn’t publish recommended preparation times. The ranges below are planning suggestions, and your own timeline may be shorter or longer depending on your education, experience, and practice test results:
Recent paralegal program graduates: 4 to 8 weeks of focused study
Paralegals with several years of experience: 6 to 10 weeks reviewing unfamiliar areas
Career changers and those new to the field: 12 to 16 weeks of comprehensive preparation
Study Tips
- Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your strongest and weakest content areas
- Focus your study time where you need the most improvement
- Join a study group through NALA’s community or a local paralegal association
- Build a study schedule with specific daily or weekly goals
- Practice essay writing under timed conditions for the Skills Exam
- Review federal rules and procedures, since they form the exam’s foundation
- Take breaks to protect retention and avoid burnout
Maintaining Your Certification
CP certification requires ongoing professional development. NALA’s recertification process keeps certified paralegals current as legal practice changes.
Five-Year Recertification Cycle
Your CP credential is valid for five years from the date you pass both exams. To maintain it, complete your continuing legal education requirements before the expiration date.
CLE Requirements
Complete at least 50 hours of continuing legal education during each five-year period:
- 5 hours minimum: Legal ethics and professional responsibility
- Up to 10 hours: Non-substantive areas such as office management, technology, and computer applications
- Up to 2 hours: Mental health or substance abuse prevention
- Remaining hours: Substantive legal topics
How to Earn CLE Credit
NALA accepts CLE from a range of sources:
- Seminars and workshops: Live or recorded presentations on legal topics
- Conferences: NALA’s annual conference and other professional meetings
- College courses: Paralegal or legal courses from accredited institutions, with a minimum grade of C
- ACP courses: Up to 20 CLE hours per completed course
- NALA webinars: Live and on-demand online programs
- Teaching and presenting: Two hours of credit for every hour of instruction
- Published articles: Credit for legal articles of 1,000 words or more in professional publications
Tracking Your CLE Hours
NALA automatically posts hours from NALA-sponsored education to your account. For outside CLE, log in and enter the activity details with supporting documentation.
Check your CLE transcript periodically to confirm you’re on pace for the 50-hour requirement. NALA sends reminders as your expiration date approaches.
ACP Recertification
ACP credentials renew automatically when you renew your CP. You don’t need extra CLE beyond the 50 hours required for CP recertification, and your CP must stay current for your ACP credentials to remain valid.
Career Benefits and Recognition
NALA certification may deliver professional benefits depending on your practice area, location, and employer. Understanding the realistic upside helps you decide where certification fits in your paralegal career path.
Professional Recognition
The CP credential carries recognition across the profession:
- ABA acknowledgment: The American Bar Association recognizes CP certification as a mark of high professional achievement
- Industry recognition: NALA reports that more than 47 paralegal organizations and numerous bar associations acknowledge the CP credential
- NCCA accreditation: NALA’s is the only NCCA-accredited paralegal certification program, currently accredited through 2029
- Employer preference: Preferences vary by employer. Some postings ask for professional certification and others don’t mention it
Potential Career Advantages
Certification doesn’t guarantee employment or advancement. It can offer advantages in specific situations:
- Resume differentiation: CP credentials may help distinguish you in competitive hiring
- Professional credibility: Certification signals commitment and willingness to meet a national standard
- Career mobility: A national credential can ease moves between practice areas and regions
- Advancement: Some employers factor certification into promotion decisions
Employment Considerations
Keep expectations realistic:
- Many successful paralegals work their entire careers without certification
- Employer preferences vary widely by region, practice area, and firm size
- Practical experience, education quality, and specific skills often matter more than the credential alone
- Some employers offer pay incentives for certification, and others don’t differentiate at all
Skills Development
The certification process itself has value:
- A structured review of federal law and procedure across multiple practice areas
- Stronger legal research and writing through exam preparation
- Sharpened critical thinking and analytical skills
- A habit of continuing education and professional development
Return on Investment Considerations
When weighing whether to pursue certification, consider:
- Whether your target employers value or require it
- How common certified paralegals are in your area and specialty
- Whether the credential supports where you want your career to go
- The time and money involved against your current priorities
- Whether you’re after the learning or the credential itself
Research job postings in your target market. Local employer language tells you more about the credential’s value in your situation than any national generalization can.
NALA Certification and Paralegal Pay
Certification is an investment, so it’s fair to ask what paralegals actually earn. No published data isolates the effect of the CP credential on pay, and any figure claiming to do so should be treated skeptically. What we can give you is the national wage picture, so you can weigh the cost of certification against realistic earnings in the field.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 392,880 paralegals and legal assistants employed as of May 2025, earning a median of $62,890 per year, or $30.24 per hour. Mean pay ran higher at $69,700 per year, or $33.51 per hour, which is typical when higher earners pull the average above the midpoint.
| Pay Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,740 | $21.51 |
| 25th percentile | $50,340 | $24.20 |
| Median, 50th percentile | $62,890 | $30.24 |
| 75th percentile | $80,080 | $38.50 |
| 90th percentile | $101,500 | $48.80 |
Read those percentiles as a description of how pay is spread across the profession, not as a career ladder. They reflect market and employer differences as much as anything else. A paralegal with long tenure in a low-paying market can sit near the 10th percentile, and someone relatively new in a major metro can sit at the 75th.
Paralegal compensation is almost evenly divided between hourly and salaried pay. NALA survey data found that 51% of paralegals were salaried, while about 49% were paid hourly. That comes from NALA’s Utilization and Compensation Survey, and it means the hourly column above applies to about half the profession rather than a small subset. Being paid hourly isn’t the same as freelancing. An hourly paralegal is usually a firm employee, and the rate a firm bills a client for paralegal time is a separate figure from what the paralegal earns.
On the employment outlook, BLS projects little or no change in paralegal and legal assistant employment from 2025 to 2035, from 404,900 jobs to 403,800, a decline of about 1,100 positions. Even so, it expects about 40,800 openings per year on average, most of them arising as workers change occupations or leave the workforce. Note that BLS employment counts come from an employer survey and generally exclude self-employed workers, so 392,880 isn’t a headcount of everyone doing paralegal work.
NALA vs. Other Certifications
NALA is one of several organizations offering paralegal certification. Knowing the differences helps you pick the credential that fits your goals. Availability changes, so confirm an exam is currently open before you commit to it.
Major Paralegal Certifications
NALA (CP and ACP)
- Focus: Broad competency across federal law and multiple practice areas
- Best for: Paralegals wanting a foundational credential with specialty options
- Distinguishing feature: The only NCCA-accredited paralegal certification program
NFPA (CORE Registered Paralegal and Registered Paralegal)
- Focus: The PCCE exam leads to the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential for earlier-career paralegals, and the PACE exam leads to the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential
- Best for: Paralegals wanting a tiered path, with PACE aimed at those with substantial education and experience
- Distinguishing feature: Two distinct exams at different career stages
NALS (Professional Paralegal)
- Focus: Legal support professionals across various roles
- Best for: Legal secretaries and administrative professionals seeking advancement
- Current status: NALS has paused its individual certification exams, including the Professional Paralegal, while it revises them. Existing credential holders can still recertify. Check NALS directly before planning around this credential
Factors in Choosing NALA
Consider the CP if:
- Your target employers specifically recognize or prefer NALA credentials
- You want a credential with a track record going back to 1976
- NCCA accreditation matters to you
- You want flexible eligibility based on education or experience
- You’re interested in specialization through ACP courses
Can You Hold Multiple Certifications?
Yes. Nothing stops you from earning credentials from more than one organization. Each carries its own fees and continuing education commitments, and most paralegals find one primary certification sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get NALA certified?
NALA doesn’t publish an average. Your timeline depends on how much you prepare, when you can schedule the Knowledge Exam, which Skills Exam window comes next, grading time, and whether you need a retake. Each exam carries its own 365-day authorization period with up to three attempts.
Is NALA certification required to work as a paralegal?
No. NALA certification is voluntary and no state requires it to work as a paralegal. Many paralegals build full careers without it. Some employers prefer or value the credential and others don’t mention it at all. Whether it helps you depends on your target employers, practice area, and location.
How much does the NALA CP exam cost?
The standard application fee is $325 for NALA members and $375 for non-members, as of August 2026. Paralegal students pay $150 or $175, and military applicants pay $240 or $280. Retakes are $150 per attempt. Testing center fees are separate, and credit card payments carry a 3% service charge. Confirm current amounts with NALA before applying.
Can I take the NALA exam online?
Partly. Remote proctoring is available for the Knowledge Exam only, and it requires a computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers plus a secure testing environment. The Skills Exam must be taken at a PSI testing center or a partner testing center. Testing center fees apply either way.
What happens if I fail the NALA exam?
You’ll wait 90 days before retaking that exam. Submit a retake application and the $150 fee to NALA, then reschedule through PSI. You have three attempts within 365 days of that exam’s authorization date. If you run out of attempts or time, you’ll submit a new application and begin again with the Knowledge Exam, even if it was the Skills Exam you didn’t pass.
Does NALA certification expire?
Yes. The CP credential is valid for five years. To recertify, complete 50 hours of continuing legal education in each five-year period, including at least 5 hours in legal ethics. Lifetime certification isn’t offered, because laws and procedures keep changing. Renewing your CP automatically renews any ACP credentials you hold.
Do I need a degree to become NALA certified?
Not necessarily. NALA offers three eligibility categories. You can qualify through paralegal education such as a certificate or degree program, through a bachelor’s degree in any field plus one year of paralegal experience or 15 semester hours of paralegal coursework, or through a high school diploma plus five years of paralegal experience and 20 hours of recent substantive CLE.
Key Takeaways
- NALA offers two voluntary credentials, the Certified Paralegal (CP) and the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP). Neither is legally required to work as a paralegal.
- The CP is the only NCCA-accredited paralegal certification program and is acknowledged by the American Bar Association as a mark of high professional achievement.
- Standard application fees are $325 for NALA members and $375 for non-members, with reduced rates for students and military applicants and $150 per retake.
- Three eligibility categories cover paralegal education, a bachelor’s degree in any field, or five years of paralegal experience plus recent CLE.
- Certification requires passing a Knowledge Exam of 120 questions and a written Skills Exam. Remote proctoring covers the Knowledge Exam only, so plan to test in person for the Skills Exam.
- Maintaining the credential takes 50 hours of CLE every five years, including 5 hours in legal ethics.
Need a Paralegal Program to Qualify?
Category 1 is the most direct route to CP eligibility, and it starts with the right program. Compare accredited online options and find one that fits your schedule.
May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants. National 2025-35 employment projections from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections program. Figures reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
