Paralegal Certification

Successful completion of the Paralegal examination demonstrates:

(A) A mastery of procedural skills and communication skills.
An advanced knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the preparation of legal documents.
(B) A working knowledge of substantive law and the ability to perform specifically delegated substantive legal work under an attorney’s supervision.
(C) The ability to interact on a professional level with attorneys, clients, and other staff.
(D) The discipline to assume responsibility and exercise initiative and judgment while adhering to legal ethical standards at all times.

(E) Working under the supervision of a practicing lawyer or a judge, the Certified Paralegal is expected to possess:
(F) The same high standard of ethical conduct imposed upon members of the Bar.
(G) Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
(H) Knowledge and understanding of legal terminology and procedures, as well as procedural and substantive law.
(I) The ability to assume responsibility, exercise initiative and judgment, and prepare substantive legal documents within the scope of assigned authority.
(J) Attaining this goal demonstrates dedication to professionalism and acceptance of the challenge to be exceptional. Personal motivation is necessary to attain such a goal.

Paralegal Examination Eligibility

Any person who has Five years’ experience performing paralegal/legal assistant duties (a candidate may receive a partial waiver of one year if he or she has a post-secondary degree, other certification, or a paralegal certificate; a candidate with a paralegal degree may receive a two-year partial waiver).

The Paralegal Exam Covers

PART 1: Written Communications
PART 2: Legal Knowledge and Skills
PART 3: Ethics and Judgment Skills
PART 4: Substantive Law

Paralegal Examination Guidelines

All four parts of the examination must be taken on the first attempt with the exception of current PLS’s in which only Part 4 in Substantive Law is needed. If you do not pass the entire examination on the first attempt, but do pass one or more parts, you may retake the part (or parts) you failed. All failed parts must be retaken at the same time.
Those passing the exam will receive a certificate which is valid for five years. Recertification is required every five years and may be achieved through the accumulation of continuing legal education hours and activities.

Paralegal Examination Dates

March: First Saturday
July: In conjunction with NALS regional conferences held in the month of July only
September: Last Saturday
Paralegal Application Deadlines
March: Postmarked by January 1
July: Postmarked by June 15
September: Postmarked by August 1
Paralegal Examination Fees
For Current PLSs
Members: $150
Nonmembers $200

For Non-PLS
Members: $200
Nonmembers: $250

Retake fees
Members: $50 per part
Nonmembers: $60 per part