CLA/CP Exam for National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Latest Update

CLA/CP Exam for National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Latest Update

The Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam, formerly known as the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Exam, is a professional certification exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This certification has become one of the most sought-after credentials in the legal industry, providing recognition of a paralegal’s expertise, skills, and knowledge in various legal fields. The Certified Paralegal exam offers numerous benefits to legal professionals, including better job prospects, career advancement opportunities, and a higher earning potential. This comprehensive certification can help paralegals gain credibility and recognition within the legal field.

The exam has undergone significant changes in recent years, most notably with a restructuring in January 2024. NALA introduced a new, streamlined format that divides the certification process into two distinct parts: the Knowledge Exam and the Skills Exam. These changes are designed to better assess the varied abilities of paralegals and ensure they are fully equipped to handle the demands of the profession. The two-part exam format allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which are essential for success in the paralegal profession.

1. Knowledge Exam

The Knowledge Exam is the first step in the certification process and is available year-round. This exam is designed to test a candidate’s understanding of key legal principles, theories, and concepts. The test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of legal topics. Some of the major areas covered in the Knowledge Exam include civil litigation, ethics, legal research, contracts, family law, criminal law, and tort law. The Knowledge Exam focuses on the theoretical foundations and the practical application of legal knowledge that a paralegal would use in their daily work.

The exam is computer-based and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. The candidate has three hours to complete the exam, and a passing score is required in order to move forward with the next phase of the certification process, which is the Skills Exam. Candidates are allowed to take the Knowledge Exam multiple times if they do not pass, although a fee is charged for each retake.

2. Skills Exam

The Skills Exam is the second part of the CP certification process, and it is more focused on assessing practical skills. Unlike the Knowledge Exam, which can be taken year-round, the Skills Exam is only available during specific testing windows throughout the year. As of 2024, the Skills Exam is offered during four testing windows: February, April, July, and October. This exam is designed to assess how well a candidate can perform the essential duties of a paralegal in a real-world setting.

The Skills Exam is a written assignment that tests a paralegal’s ability to apply the knowledge they gained during the Knowledge Exam to real-world scenarios. Candidates are required to complete various tasks, such as drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and responding to client inquiries. The Skills Exam has a time limit of two hours, and candidates must demonstrate a high level of competence in the tasks they are asked to perform. The Skills Exam is an important evaluation of how well a candidate can function in a legal environment and handle the demands of the job.

To be eligible to take the Skills Exam, candidates must have successfully passed the Knowledge Exam. If a candidate fails the Skills Exam, they must pay a retake fee and re-register for a future testing window. This two-part structure ensures that candidates are well-prepared both academically and practically for the challenges of working as a paralegal.

3. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to sit for the CP Exam, candidates must meet certain qualifications. Generally, there are three primary routes to eligibility for the exam:

• Graduation from an Accredited Paralegal Program: One of the most common routes is to graduate from a paralegal program that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or a program that meets similar educational standards. This ensures that the candidate has received the necessary academic training in legal principles and practices.

• Work Experience: If a candidate has significant professional experience working as a paralegal, they may be eligible for the exam even if they have not completed a formal paralegal program. Generally, candidates must have at least two years of full-time paralegal work experience to qualify for the exam.

• Combination of Education and Work Experience: In some cases, candidates may be eligible if they have a combination of education and work experience that meets the certification requirements.

These eligibility requirements ensure that candidates have a solid foundation in the paralegal profession before attempting to become certified. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully on NALA’s official website to determine whether they meet the necessary requirements.

4. Exam Fees

The cost of taking the Certified Paralegal Exam can vary depending on a candidate’s membership status with NALA. As of 2024, the standard application fee is $325 for NALA members and $375 for non-members. These fees cover the cost of both the Knowledge and Skills Exams. Candidates who need to retake the exams will incur an additional fee of $150 for each attempt. The fees for both the exam and retakes are subject to change, and candidates are encouraged to confirm the latest pricing on the NALA website prior to registering.

While the cost of the exam may seem significant, the return on investment for obtaining the CP certification can be considerable. Paralegals who hold the CP designation often experience increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater career advancement potential. The certification can also increase a paralegal’s job security, as it demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and excellence.

5. Benefits of Certification

Obtaining the CP certification offers numerous benefits to paralegals. Some of the most notable advantages include:

• Enhanced Professional Credibility: The CP designation is widely recognized in the legal field and indicates that a paralegal has achieved a high level of knowledge and competency. This recognition can help paralegals stand out to employers and clients.

• Career Advancement: Many employers prefer or require their paralegals to be certified. Holding the CP designation can open doors to higher-level positions, including supervisory or management roles. Certified paralegals may also have access to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

• Increased Earning Potential: Studies have shown that certified paralegals tend to earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. The CP designation can lead to increased earning potential and better benefits packages.

• Professional Development: The process of preparing for the CP Exam can be an excellent opportunity for professional growth. Paralegals will learn new legal concepts and refine their existing skills, making them more effective and valuable in their roles.

• Networking Opportunities: Becoming a member of NALA and obtaining the CP certification can connect paralegals with a vast network of legal professionals. This network can be a valuable resource for career development, job leads, and professional support.

6. Conclusion

The Certified Paralegal Exam administered by NALA is a comprehensive and challenging certification process designed to assess both the knowledge and practical skills necessary for success as a paralegal. With the recent changes to the exam format, candidates are now required to pass both the Knowledge Exam and the Skills Exam to become certified. By meeting the eligibility requirements, paying the associated fees, and successfully completing the exams, paralegals can enhance their careers, improve their job prospects, and demonstrate their expertise in the legal profession. For paralegals seeking to elevate their professional standing and gain recognition, the CP certification is a valuable and prestigious achievement.