The job market for paralegals or legal assistants is growing in the United States. Paralegals almost have the same job description as lawyers do except for the actual participation in court proceedings. Legal assistants’ works are limited to duties revolving on research, reports, motions, and other related tasks. Like any other type of job, a paralegal certification is needed before becoming a legal assistant.
A prerequisite before applying for a paralegal certification is an award in related studies. These include an associate, bachelor, or post-graduate degree in legal assistant studies or any other paralegal education program. The educational system where the degree is gained has to be recognized by the American Bar Association.
Certification is still possible for those who are graduates of non-related degrees by acquiring 15 hours of paralegal studies or by working for at least a year as a legal assistant.
Those who do not have collegiate educational background may still qualify for the examination after completing an on the job training and additional studies in the paralegal field. Based on the National Association of Legal Assistants, a high school graduate or a recipient of a GED certificate will be qualified to take the paralegal exams after receiving a credit of 20 hours in paralegal studies and an on the job training experience of seven years.
When ready, fill out an application for the CLA/CP examination and submit the forms together with exam fees. The paralegal certification is actually administered three times a year but any application for the tests must be submitted two months before an actual exam date.
Prior to the scheduled examination, studying for the CLA/CP examination helps. Review manuals and guides may be purchased online or in book shops. Study the literature purchased. Review with a group if possible. When the actual examinations are close, practicing timed tests alone or with groups helps in preparing for the same timed exams scenario.
The examination covers five comprehensive tests on communications, ethics, research, analytical ability, and substantive law. From which are typical test types are expected such as true or false, multiple choice, matching, and essay. Achieving at least 70% for each section of the tests ensures passing.
Paralegal certification will be valid for five years. At which time, continuous education in the paralegal field must be done as it is a requirement upon renewal. Seminars, conferences, additional training and workshops, as well as teaching paralegal subjects can be included under the continuing education criteria.