5 Paralegal Certifications to Boost Your Career

The legal industry is indeed very competitive. In such a high-stakes environment, you need to come in fully equipped. The best way to show employers and clients that you’re capable of the job is by having paralegal certifications.

The best paralegal certifications for career growth are for everyone—they’re not exclusively for those with legal experience. They are best suited for the following group of people:

  • Aspiring Paralegals: Certification can give you a major edge over other candidates if you’re just starting in the legal field.
  • Experienced Legal Assistants: Getting certified could open up opportunities for more advanced and better-paying roles.
  • Legal Enthusiasts: If you’re interested in law but don’t want to attend law school.

Countless certifications and courses available today can help you gain paralegal knowledge. After reviewing many of them, we’ve handpicked the best paralegal certifications for career growth based on the following factors:

  1. Industry Recognition – How well-known and respected is the certification within the legal industry?
  2. Career Advancement Potential – The certification’s impact on your job prospects, salary potential, and overall career growth.

This article will give you an overview of the five top accredited paralegal certification programs in 2025. You’ll get the lowdown on:

  • program requirements
  • benefits
  • career impact

This article will also reveal some important tips on how to become a certified paralegal.

Related:

1. National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) – Certified Paralegal (CP)

Overview

Although it’s a voluntary program, the Certified Paralegal (CP®) really motivates you to aim high and keep growing in your career. Here’s why you need to consider this certification:

  • It’s the gold standard for paralegals across the country.
  • The American Bar Association recognizes it as a mark of excellence.
  • Over 47 paralegal organizations back it as the top certification.
  • It helps paralegals grow, showing that we can manage our development and push the profession forward.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Be enrolled in or have graduated from a paralegal program that meets NALA’s standards.
  2. Associate’s degree in paralegal studies plus five years of paralegal experience and at least 20 hours of continuing legal education within the past two years OR
  3. Bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least one year of paralegal experience or 15 semester hours of substantive paralegal courses.

Exam Details

  • Two-part exam covering legal research, ethics, and substantive law.
  • Offered online and in testing centers.

Career Impact

As the most prestigious certification, NALA-certified paralegals earn higher salaries and have better job prospects.

2. National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) – Registered Paralegal (RP)

Overview

The NFPA provides two of the top legal assistant certification options:

  1. The Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) is a broad certification designed for new and early-career professionals.
  2. The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam is a more advanced certification. PACE is for experienced paralegals looking to advance their careers.

NFPA is also known as one of the top providers of affordable paralegal certification programs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree + paralegal experience OR
  • Associate’s degree + work experience.

Exam Details

  • PCCE is for entry-level candidates, testing foundational skills like legal research, ethics, communication, and basic legal procedures.
  • PACE is for experienced paralegals. It’s a four-hour exam covering client legal matter administration, research, legal writing, and office management.

Career Impact

Recognition as a Registered Paralegal (RP) enhances credibility and job opportunities.

3. American Alliance of Paralegals (AAPI) – American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP)

Overview

The AACP certification is one of the most popular options for those seeking affordable and flexible online paralegal certification courses. Many employers recognize it as proof of competence and dedication to the legal profession. It emphasizes practical experience and solid paralegal knowledge.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 5+ years of paralegal experience OR
  • A paralegal degree + 2 years of work experience.

Exam Details

There’s no formal exam, but the certification shows you have hands-on experience and expertise in key paralegal areas. This includes legal research, legal writing, ethics, litigation, contract law, and client interaction.

Career Impact

While it’s not as well-known as NALA’s CP or NFPA’s RP, the AACP still helps boost your professional credibility and career prospects.

4. Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) – Professional Paralegal (PP) Certification

Overview

Offering among the top ABA-approved paralegal certifications, the Certified PP by the NALS is a great goal for paralegals wanting to stand out in all areas of law. This certification demonstrates your expertise and professionalism, showing that you have a strong grasp of procedural law and communication skills.

Eligibility Requirements

  • High school diploma + 5 years of legal work experience OR
  • Paralegal degree + 1 year of experience.

Exam Details

To earn it, you’ll need to pass a four-part exam, proving:

  • Mastery of procedural and communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge of procedural law, legal documents, and the law library
  • A solid understanding of substantive law and the ability to handle delegated legal work under an attorney’s supervision
  • The ability to professionally interact with attorneys, clients, and staff

Career Impact

With a PP certification, you’ll be qualified for higher-level roles and jobs that require a broader knowledge of the law.

5. Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) – NALA Specialty Certification

Overview

The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) Program is designed to recognize a paralegal’s dedication to ongoing growth and learning in specific areas of law. The program includes both an assessment and interactive exercises. Each course is around 20 hours long, split into multiple chapters, and can earn you up to 20 hours of CLE.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must already hold a Certified Paralegal (CP) designation.

Exam Details

There’s no general exam for this one, but you will need to complete self-study courses in your chosen specialty, like family law or corporate law.

Career Impact

This certification is perfect for paralegals looking to specialize in a certain area, and it can lead to higher-paying positions because specialists are in high demand.

How to Choose the Right Paralegal Certification

So, how can you choose the right one from the top national paralegal certification exams?

  1. Consider your career goals. Do you want to work in a law firm? Are you thinking of joining a corporate legal department? Is working in a government agency in your plans? Choose a certification that fits the legal field you’re aiming for.
  2. Review eligibility requirements. Some certifications require a degree, while others will accept work experience. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before diving in.
  3. Compare exam formats and costs. Some certifications require exams, while others are based on your work experience. Also, check out the cost of the certification and whether your employer recognizes it. You also have the option to pursue fast-track paralegal certification programs if you need to get certified quickly.
  4. Look for employer preferences. Check out job listings in your area to see which certifications are in high demand. That’ll give you an idea of what employers prefer.

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Paralegal

Let’s talk about why you must pick the best paralegal certifications for career growth:

  • Higher Salary Potential: On average, certified paralegals make around $60,000 per year, while non-certified paralegals typically earn closer to $45,000.
  • Better Job Prospects: Employers often prefer hiring certified paralegals because it shows you’ve got the skills they need.
  • Career Advancement: Certification demonstrates that you have the skills and commitment to handle more responsibility. This can open doors to higher-level roles like senior paralegal, lead paralegal, or specialized positions in fields like corporate law or litigation.
  • Increased Professional Credibility: Certification proves you know what you’re doing and are committed to staying up-to-date with the law.
  • Networking Opportunities: Many certifications give you access to professional organizations to help you network and grow your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I become a paralegal without certification?

Yes, you can. However, certification can quickly establish employer trust, which improves your job prospects and salary potential.

2. How long does it take to become a certified paralegal?

It depends on the certification, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year.

3. Are online paralegal certifications valid?

Yes, if they come from recognized organizations like NALA or NFPA.

4. Do I need a degree to become a certified paralegal?

Not all the time. Some certifications require a degree, but others accept work experience instead.

5. How much do certified paralegals earn?

The average salary for certified paralegals is $60,000+ per year, depending on experience and location.

Conclusion

  • The five best paralegal certifications for career growth can help you earn more money, land better job opportunities, and boost your professional credibility.
  • In choosing the right certification, take into account your career goals, experience, and how much time you’re willing to invest.

You may wonder which is better: paralegal certification vs. degree. Both are very valuable. However, if you’re looking to get into the field quickly and start working, a certification might be the way to go.