How to Become a Certified Paralegal in CA

To become certified in California, paralegals must pass an extensive examination.

While California does not require working paralegals to be licensed or certified, there are voluntary certification options that can give paralegals a competitive advantage in the job market. The preferred California certification is that of Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP), which mean the same thing. This certification is offered through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Certified Legal Assistants in California can also choose to obtain California Advanced Specialist (CAS) certification, which is based on specialty knowledge in a particular area of practice.

Things You'll Need

• Certificate of graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program
• Bachelor's degree plus one year experience as a legal assistant
• High school diploma or GED, plus seven years experience as a legal assistant

Instructions

How to Become a Certified Paralegal in CA

1. Choose a test center. Pick a place to take the test from the possible testing center locations, available on the National Association of Legal Assistants website. All testing locations are subject to a minimum registration number for the exam to be held there.

2. Complete the application. Download the application to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Examination from the NALA website, fill it out and send it in with the required fee ($250 for NALA members and $275 for non-NALA members). The exam is offered three times a year and application deadlines are strictly enforced. Visit the NALA website for complete details.

3. Prepare for the exam. Obtain test preparation materials to get ready for the exam. Recommended study guides include the "NALA Manual for Paralegals and Legal Assistants" and the "CLA Study Guide and Mock Examination." Sign up for online or live study programs that cover the material on the exam. To find available programs, visit the National Association of Legal Assistants website or the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations website.

4. Take the exam. On test day, arrive at the testing center on time with your admission ticket, which will be sent to you approximately 15 days before the exam. Check-in for the two-day exam is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Bring photo identification and pencils with you. Follow all instructions and do your best on the exam.

5. Follow up after the exam. Once you have received a passing grade on the CLA/CP examination, you should notify the firm or company that you work for, as well as any legal associations to which you belong. Start including "Certified Legal Assistant" or "Certified Paralegal" on business cards or any documents that you sign. California and NALA requires all certified paralegals to attend continuing legal education classes and programs each year.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to take at least one practice CLA/CP examination to prepare for test day.

• Applicants can transfer from one testing session to another for a $50 fee.

• No cell phones are allowed in the examination room.

• Talking during the CLA/CP exam can result in disqualification.

References

• National Association of Legal Assistants: Certified Paralegal Examinee Information
• Paralegal Secrets: CLE Exam
• Paralegal Degrees & Certificates: Become a Paralegal in California

Resources

• California Alliance of Paralegal Associations