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Best paralegal certifications
Paralegal certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an paralegal to employers. However, not all paralegal certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a paralegal are Certified Paralegal (CP), Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC), and Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law.
Below is a list of the best paralegal certifications. Obtaining an paralegal certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for paralegals
| Rank | Paralegal certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Paralegal (CP) | NALA |
| 2 | Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) | NALA |
| 3 | Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law | NBTA |
| 4 | Certified Legal Secretary Specialist: Intellectual Property (CL§) | LSI |
| 5 | Professional Paralegal (PP) | NALS |
| 6 | Master of Court Security Certification | NSA |
| 7 | MEDIC First Aid BasicPlus - G2010 | HSI |
| 8 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
8 best paralegal certifications
1. Certified Paralegal (CP)
The CLA examination is divided into five sections. A minimum passing score of 70% is required on all five sections in order to earn the Certified Paralegal credential. Examinees are asked to demonstrate knowledge by responding to true/false, multiple choice and matching questions requiring knowledge of the subject and reading comprehension skills. Analytical skills and writing abilities are further tested by essay questions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC)
The advanced certification programs are written with the understanding that a person seeking advanced certification has already mastered the Certified Paralegal examination and has demonstrated knowledge and skills in areas of written communications, legal research, ethics, judgment and legal analysis, the American legal system, as well as general knowledge of four specialty areas of practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law
Board Certification is a rigorous testing and approval process that officially recognizes the extensive education and courtroom experience of our attorneys. NBLSC provides Board Certification for Trial Lawyers, Civil Lawyers, Criminal Lawyers, Family Lawyers and Social Security Disability Lawyers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Certified Legal Secretary Specialist: Intellectual Property (CL§)
This examination consists of questions regarding Intellectual Property law and procedures, including copyright, trademark and patent, general secretarial knowledge, grammar, and ethics. Additional resources include Code of Federal Regulations, United States Code Annotated, and information furnished by United States Patent Office.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Professional Paralegal (PP)
Are you looking for a way to establish your credentials nationwide as a Professional Paralegal? Established in 2004 at our members request, the Certified PP designation is an attainable goal for paralegals who wish to be identified as exceptional in all areas of law.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Master of Court Security Certification
This is the most advanced level of certification offered at this time. A Master of Court Security Certificate indicates that you have taken required courses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. MEDIC First Aid BasicPlus - G2010
MEDIC First Aid BasicPlus is a combined adult CPR, AED, and first aid training program designed specifically for the occupational first aid provider. This extremely flexible program will help employers meet OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training employees how to respond and care for medical emergencies at work.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a paralegal?
The best paralegal certification is Certified Paralegal (CP). The Certified Paralegal (CP) is awarded by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this paralegal certification:
- To become a certified Certified Paralegal (CP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for paralegals?
The most in-demand paralegal certification is Certified Paralegal based on all active job postings. Having this paralegal certification will give you access to more paralegal jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a paralegal career and salary?
The Certified Paralegal certification will help you to secure a litigation paralegal position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A litigation paralegal's average salary is $50,726 whereas paralegals make an average salary of $49,943.
The most common combination of paralegal certifications include: Certified Paralegal (CP), Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC), and Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law.
Online courses for paralegals to earn certifications
1. Privacy Law and HIPAA
What does it take to comply with privacy laws? In this course, we’ll look at the practical aspects of navigating the complex landscape of privacy requirements. Better understanding privacy laws and data protection will enable you to protect your organization and the constituents that depend on your organization to safeguard their personal information. First, we will examine the historical context that drove the creation of laws, best practices, and other standards for protecting personal...
2. International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague
International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of...
3. Effective Legal Office Administration
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4. Company Law: A Comprehensive Summary
An in-depth summary of Company Law, targeting all common law LL.B examinations...
5. An Introduction to American Law
This course will give you a glimpse into six different areas of American law: Tort Law, Contract Law, Property, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Procedure. You will gain insight into the complexities and dilemmas that arise from the application of law in different settings, and what is distinctive about American approaches...
6. Privacy Law and Data Protection
What does it take to comply with privacy laws? In this course, we’ll look at the practical aspects of navigating the complex landscape of privacy requirements. Better understanding privacy laws and data protection will enable you to protect your organization and the constituents that depend on your organization to safeguard their personal information. First, we will examine the historical context that drove the creation of laws, best practices, and other standards for protecting personal...
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9. American Contract Law II
Course description: Contracts I & II provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States. The course covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class. Each lecture is based on one or more common-law cases, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions. The course also covers key sections from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods. By the end of the course, the learner should be able to understand: Formation defenses:...
10. Introduction to International Criminal Law
-- About the Course -- From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes,...
11. English for Business and Law - Contract Law
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12. Intro to Business Law for Entrepreneurs (+Free Book!)
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15. Real Estate Investing: Foreclosures, Flipping Houses Profits
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17. Criminal Law in 120 Minutes: A Fast Track Course
A 2 hour fast track summary of Criminal Law, targeting all common law LL.B examinations!...
18. Law of Contracts in 60 Minutes: A Fast Track Course
A 60 minute fast track summary of the Law of Contracts, targeting all common law LL.B examinations!...
19. Medical Terminology
Introduction to the meaning of various roots, terms and combining forms that are components of medical words...
20. Medical coding for U.S. healthcare industry
Jump start your career in the fastest growing career choice in the healthcare industry...