NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) is one of the most widely recognized paralegal professional associations in the U.S., offering two voluntary certifications: Certified Paralegal (CP) and Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP). The CP requires passing a Knowledge Exam and Skills Exam, while ACP provides specialized training in specific legal practice areas. Certification is voluntary and not required to work as a paralegal.
Professional certification can help you stand out in the competitive paralegal field. If you’re considering advancing your paralegal career, NALA certification offers voluntary credentials recognized by many employers across the legal profession.
Since 1975, NALA has been a significant resource for paralegal professional development, offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and nationally recognized certification programs. As one of the most established paralegal associations in the profession, NALA provides resources to help paralegals advance their careers.
Whether you’re just starting your paralegal education or looking to specialize in a specific area of law, understanding NALA certification options helps you make informed decisions about your professional development path. Before pursuing certification, it helps to understand what to know before becoming a paralegal to ensure the investment aligns 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. NALA serves as a significant resource for paralegals seeking professional growth and career advancement.
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), meeting rigorous standards for voluntary professional certification programs. The American Bar Association recognizes NALA’s Certified Paralegal credential as a mark of professional achievement. However, it’s important to note that NALA certification is voluntary and not legally required to work as a paralegal.
NALA provides paralegals with networking opportunities, industry insights, and access to a nationwide community of legal professionals. Through its quarterly magazine Facts & Findings and comprehensive online resources, NALA keeps members informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.
Types of NALA Certifications
NALA offers two voluntary certification pathways designed to meet paralegals at different career stages and specialization goals. These credentials are optional but may provide 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. More than 19,000 paralegals have earned the CP designation, making it one of the most widely held paralegal certifications in the profession.
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 specific eligibility requirements (education or experience-based)
- 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 CP certification depends on your career goals and whether your target employers value the credential.
Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)
The Advanced Certified Paralegal credential provides specialized training in specific legal practice areas. ACP certification involves completing a web-based course (approximately 20 hours) followed by an examination, offering additional professional development for those seeking focused training in particular legal specialties.
These courses are available 24/7, allowing you to complete them on your own schedule. While anyone can take ACP courses for professional development, only current Certified Paralegals can earn the ACP credential upon successful completion of the courses. It’s important to note that while ACP courses provide specialized training, real-world expertise develops through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and ongoing professional development under attorney supervision.
NALA currently offers ACP courses in the following specialties, which align with common types of paralegal specializations:
- Business Organizations – Incorporated Entities
- California Advanced Specialization in Discovery
- Family Law – Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
- Family Law – Child Custody, Support, and Visitation
- Family Law – Dissolution Case Management
- Family Law – Division of Property and Spousal Support
Additional ACP courses are in development and will be added as they become available.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying to take the CP exam, you must meet at least one of the following eligibility pathways. NALA designed these requirements to ensure candidates have an appropriate educational background or practical experience.
Pathway 1: Paralegal Education
You qualify if you’re enrolled in or have graduated from a paralegal program that meets any of these criteria:
- ABA-approved paralegal program
- Post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies
- Bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies
- Paralegal program consisting of at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) with a minimum of 15 semester hours in substantive legal courses
Pathway 2: Degree Plus Experience
You qualify if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field, AND
- At least one year of paralegal work experience, OR
- At least 15 semester hours of substantive paralegal coursework
Pathway 3: Experience Plus Continuing Education
You qualify if you have:
- High school diploma or equivalent, AND
- At least seven years of paralegal work experience, AND
- At least 20 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) completed within the past two years
Once you’ve determined which pathway you meet, you can proceed with the application process. NALA reviews each application and supporting documentation to verify eligibility before granting exam authorization.
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 administered year-round at testing centers nationwide. You must pass this exam before becoming eligible to take the Skills Exam.
Format: Multiple-choice questions covering federal law and procedure
Time Limit: 3 hours
Delivery: On-demand at PSI testing centers or through remote proctoring
The exam covers content areas 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 |
| Contracts | Formation, rights and duties, enforcement, defenses |
| Corporate/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 | Intentional torts, negligence |
| Professional and Ethical Responsibility | ABA Model Rules, unauthorized practice of law |
You receive preliminary results immediately upon completing the exam at the testing center. NALA uploads official scores to your account and sends an email notification within 72 hours.
Skills Exam
The Skills Exam assesses your writing abilities and critical thinking skills through a written assignment.
Format: Written essay assignment
Time Limit: 2 hours
Delivery: Four testing windows annually (February, April, July, October)
The exam evaluates writing quality (including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity) as well as critical thinking skills (reading comprehension, information analysis, and decision making).
Unlike the Knowledge Exam, Skills Exam results aren’t available immediately. Scores are released within 15 weeks after the testing window closes, following analysis and standard setting by NALA’s Certifying Board.
Costs and Fees
Understanding the cost structure helps you budget appropriately for NALA certification. Fees are subject to change, so verify current costs with NALA before applying.
CP Exam Fees
NALA’s fee structure includes application fees paid to NALA and separate testing center fees paid to PSI. Current fee information is available on NALA’s website at nala.org.
The application fee typically covers your first attempt at both the Knowledge and Skills exams. NALA offers different fee levels for members, non-members, students, and military personnel. Military members may receive discounts on application fees, and the Veterans Administration may cover exam fees for qualified veterans through GI Bill benefits.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Testing center fees (paid separately to PSI when scheduling exams)
- Retake application fee if needed (separate fee for additional attempts)
- Study materials and preparation courses (optional)
- Processing fee for incomplete or rejected applications
- Cancellation fee if withdrawing the application
Visit NALA’s testing fees page for the most current fee schedule.
ACP Course Fees
ACP course fees vary by membership status. Each course includes access to course materials, interactive exercises, and the examination. ACP courses provide up to 20 hours of continuing legal education credit, which counts toward your CP recertification requirements.
Current ACP course pricing is available on NALA’s website.
Application and Testing Process
The path from application to certification follows a structured timeline with specific steps and deadlines.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather all required eligibility documentation before starting your application:
- Official transcripts from paralegal programs or degree-granting institutions
- Attorney attestations verifying work experience (if using experience pathway)
- CLE certificates (if using the seven-year experience pathway)
- Military status verification (if requesting military discount)
Step 2: Submit Application and Fee
Complete the online application through your NALA account or submit a paper application via mail, email, or fax. Include all supporting documentation and the application fee payment. NALA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express).
NALA staff reviews applications within 24-48 hours. If approved, you receive an Authorization to Test email. If your application needs additional information, NALA contacts you with specific requirements.
Step 3: Schedule Knowledge Exam
After receiving your Authorization to Test, you can schedule your Knowledge Exam at any PSI testing center nationwide or choose remote proctoring. The Knowledge Exam is available year-round on demand (excluding holidays).
You have 365 days from authorization to take and pass the Knowledge Exam. You’re allowed three attempts within this period, but must wait at least 90 days between attempts.
To schedule your exam:
- Create an account in PSI’s system using your Authorization to Test information
- Select your preferred testing center or remote option
- Choose your exam date and time
- Pay the testing center fee
Arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes early for check-in. Bring two forms of valid identification and leave all personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, cameras) at home or in your vehicle.
Step 4: Take the Knowledge Exam
The testing center staff verifies your identification and provides a brief tutorial on the testing system. Results appear immediately upon completion.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, submit a retake application with the appropriate fee to NALA, then reschedule through PSI after the mandatory 90-day waiting period.
Step 5: Schedule and Take Skills Exam
Within 72 hours of passing your Knowledge Exam, NALA emails your Authorization to Test for the Skills Exam. The Skills Exam is offered during four annual testing windows (February, April, July, October).
You have 365 days from authorization to pass the Skills Exam, with up to three attempts allowed. If you don’t pass within this timeframe, you must reapply and retake both exams.
Step 6: Receive Certification
Once you pass both exams, NALA officially awards your CP credential. You can use the “CP” designation after your name in professional communications, business cards, and resumes.
Timeline Overview
| Milestone | Typical Timeline | Critical Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Application Review | 24-48 hours | None |
| Knowledge Exam Scheduling | 1-4 weeks (your choice) | Must attempt within 365 days |
| Knowledge Exam Results | Immediate (at testing center) | Official score within 72 hours |
| Skills Exam Scheduling | Next available testing window | Must attempt within 365 days of passing the Knowledge Exam |
| Skills Exam Results | Within 15 weeks of the testing window closing | None |
| Total Time to Certification | 3-6 months average | Both exams within 730 days total |
Study Resources and Preparation
Adequate preparation helps improve your chances of passing both CP exams. NALA and third-party providers offer various study materials to support your preparation.
Official NALA Resources
NALA provides several preparation options:
- CP Exam Handbook: Free download covering exam format, content specifications, and suggested study materials
- Practice Materials: Sample questions and exercises reflecting exam content
- Study Guides: Topic-specific materials covering exam content areas
- Webinars and Courses: Live and on-demand educational programs
- NALA Campus: Online learning platform with access to courses and resources
NALA’s Certifying Board doesn’t endorse specific study materials or require the purchase of any particular products. They provide suggested reading lists and reference materials on their website at nala.org.
Third-Party Preparation Materials
Several commercial providers offer CP exam preparation resources:
- Online test prep platforms with practice questions and explanations
- Comprehensive study guides covering exam content areas
- Flashcard sets for memorizing key concepts and terminology
- Video courses explaining complex legal principles
Recommended Study Timeline
Plan your study schedule based on your educational background and work experience:
Recent paralegal program graduates: 4-8 weeks of focused study
Experienced paralegals (5+ years): 6-10 weeks reviewing unfamiliar areas
Career changers or entry-level: 12-16 weeks of comprehensive preparation
Study Tips
- Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your strongest and weakest content areas.
- Focus study time on areas where you need improvement
- Join study groups through NALA’s online community or local paralegal associations
- Create a study schedule with specific daily or weekly goals
- Practice essay writing under timed conditions to prepare for the Skills Exam
- Review federal rules and procedures as they form the exam foundation
- Take breaks to avoid burnout and maintain retention
Maintaining Your Certification
CP certification requires ongoing professional development to maintain. NALA’s recertification process ensures certified paralegals stay current with evolving legal practices and procedures.
Five-Year Recertification Cycle
Your CP credential is valid for five years from the date you pass both exams. To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing legal education requirements before your certification expiration date.
CLE Requirements
Complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing legal education during each five-year recertification period:
- 5 hours minimum: Legal ethics and professional responsibility
- Up to 10 hours: Non-substantive areas (office management, technology, 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 hours from various 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 regionally accredited institutions (minimum grade of C required)
- ACP courses: Each completed ACP course provides up to 20 CLE hours
- NALA webinars: Live and on-demand online education programs
- Teaching and presenting: Two hours of credit for every one hour of instruction
- Published articles: Credit for legal articles of 1,000+ words in professional publications
Tracking Your CLE Hours
NALA automatically imports CLE hours from NALA-sponsored education to your online account. For non-NALA CLE, log in to your account and manually enter the activity details and supporting documentation.
Check your CLE transcript regularly to ensure you’re on track to meet the 50-hour requirement before your recertification deadline. NALA sends reminder notices as your expiration date approaches.
ACP Recertification
If you hold ACP credentials, they automatically renew when you renew your CP certification. You don’t need to complete additional ACP-specific requirements, but your CP must remain current for your ACP credentials to remain valid.
Career Benefits and Recognition
NALA certification may provide professional benefits depending on your practice area, geographic location, and employer preferences. Understanding potential advantages helps you make informed decisions about pursuing accreditation as part of your paralegal career path.
Professional Recognition
NALA certification carries recognition in the paralegal profession:
- ABA acknowledgment: The American Bar Association recognizes CP certification as a mark of professional achievement
- Industry recognition: More than 47 paralegal organizations and numerous bar associations acknowledge the CP credential
- NCCA accreditation: NALA is the only NCCA-accredited voluntary paralegal certification program, meeting rigorous professional standards
- Employer preference: Some employers, particularly federal agencies and large law firms, may prefer or value NALA certification
Potential Career Advantages
While certification doesn’t guarantee employment or advancement, it may provide competitive advantages in specific contexts:
- Resume differentiation: CP credentials may help distinguish you from non-certified applicants in competitive hiring situations
- Professional credibility: Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and willingness to meet national standards
- Career mobility: National certification may facilitate moves between practice areas and geographic regions
- Advancement opportunities: Some employers consider certification when making promotion decisions
Employment Considerations
It’s important to maintain realistic expectations about accreditation:
- Many successful paralegals work without certification throughout their careers
- Employer preferences for certification vary significantly by region, practice area, and firm size
- Practical experience, education quality, and specific skills often matter more than certification alone
- Some employers may offer pay incentives for certification, while others don’t differentiate
Skills Development
The certification process itself offers learning opportunities:
- Comprehensive review of federal law and procedure across multiple practice areas
- Enhanced legal research and writing abilities through exam preparation
- Critical thinking and analytical skills development
- Commitment to continuing education and professional development
Return on Investment Considerations
When evaluating whether to pursue certification, consider:
- Whether your target employers value or require certification
- The prevalence of certified paralegals in your geographic area and practice specialty
- Your career goals and whether certification aligns with them
- The time and financial investment needed versus your current priorities
- Whether you’re more interested in the learning process or the credential itself
Research job postings in your target market to understand local employer preferences and whether certification offers tangible advantages in your specific situation.
NALA vs. Other Certifications
NALA is one of several organizations offering paralegal certification. Understanding the differences helps you choose the credential that best fits your career goals.
Major Paralegal Certifications
NALA (CP and ACP)
- Focus: Broad-based competency across federal law and multiple practice areas
- Best for: Paralegals seeking foundational credentials with specialty options
- Distinguishing feature: NCCA-accredited voluntary paralegal certification program
NFPA (CORE Registered Paralegal and Registered Paralegal)
- Focus: Advanced competency and professional development
- Best for: Experienced paralegals with bachelor’s degrees
- Distinguishing feature: Strong emphasis on professional responsibility
NALS (Professional Paralegal)
- Focus: Legal support professionals across various roles
- Best for: Legal secretaries and administrative professionals seeking advancement
- Distinguishing feature: Tiered certification levels
Factors in Choosing NALA
Consider NALA certification if:
- Your target employers specifically recognize or prefer NALA credentials
- You’re seeking certification with long-established industry recognition (since 1976)
- You value NCCA accreditation in a voluntary certification program
- You want flexibility in eligibility pathways based on education or experience
- You’re interested in specialty certification options through ACP courses
Can You Hold Multiple Certifications?
Yes, nothing prevents you from pursuing multiple paralegal certifications from different organizations. However, each certification requires separate fees and continuing education commitments. Most paralegals find one primary certification sufficient for their career purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get NALA certified?
Most candidates complete NALA certification in 3-6 months from application to passing both exams. The actual timeline depends on testing center availability, your preparation schedule, and whether you pass on your first attempt. You have up to 365 days to pass each exam (Knowledge and Skills) from the date you receive authorization to test.
Is NALA certification required to work as a paralegal?
No, NALA certification is voluntary and not legally required to work as a paralegal. Many paralegals work successfully throughout their careers without accreditation. However, some employers may prefer or value NALA certification, particularly federal agencies and large law firms. Whether certification benefits your career depends on your target employers, practice area, and geographic location.
Does NALA certification guarantee a higher salary?
No, certification doesn’t guarantee a higher salary. While some surveys suggest certified paralegals may earn more on average, outcomes vary widely based on experience level, geographic location, practice area, firm size, and individual employer policies. Some employers offer pay incentives for certification, while others don’t differentiate between certified and non-certified paralegals—research salary trends and employer preferences in your specific market.
Can I take the NALA exam online?
Yes, both the Knowledge Exam and Skills Exam can be taken via remote proctoring, which requires a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers. The remote proctor verifies your identity and monitors your testing environment. Alternatively, you can take exams at any PSI testing center nationwide. Both options require payment of testing center fees to PSI.
What happens if I fail the NALA exam?
If you don’t pass the Knowledge or Skills Exam, you must wait 90 days before retaking it. Submit a retake application with the appropriate fee to NALA, then reschedule through PSI. You have three attempts within 365 days of your initial authorization. If you don’t pass within this period, you must submit a new application. PSI provides feedback on your performance to help you prepare for retesting.
Does NALA certification expire?
Yes, CP certification is valid for five years. To maintain your credential, you must complete 50 hours of continuing legal education (including 5 hours in legal ethics) every five years. Lifetime certification isn’t available because continual changes in laws and procedures require ongoing professional development. When you renew your CP certification, any ACP credentials you hold are automatically renewed as well.
Do I need a degree to become NALA certified?
No, you don’t necessarily need a degree. NALA offers three eligibility pathways. You can qualify through paralegal education (certificate or degree programs), a bachelor’s degree in any field plus one year of paralegal experience, or a high school diploma plus seven years of paralegal experience and 20 hours of recent CLE. This flexibility accommodates various educational and experience backgrounds.
Key Takeaways
- NALA is one of the most widely recognized paralegal professional associations, offering voluntary CP and ACP certifications that are not legally required to work as a paralegal
- The CP credential is the only NCCA-accredited voluntary paralegal certification program and is acknowledged by the American Bar Association as a mark of professional achievement.
- Certification requires passing two exams (Knowledge and Skills), with three eligibility pathways available to accommodate different educational and experience backgrounds.
- While certification may provide competitive advantages with certain employers, many successful paralegals work without credentials, and outcomes depend on location, practice area, and employer preferences. ces
- Maintaining certification requires 50 hours of CLE every 5 years, including 5 hours in legal ethics, to ensure certified paralegals stay current with evolving legal practice.ices
- ACP specialty certifications provide additional focused training in specific practice areas, though real-world expertise develops through a combination of coursework, experience, and ongoing professional development
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