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NALA Paralegal Certification

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Certified Paralegal (CP)

The NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) certification is a key to success, respect and opportunity throughout the legal profession. Here’s why:

  • Known as a national professional standard for paralegals
  • Acknowledged by the American Bar Association as a mark of excellence
  • More than 47 paralegal organizations acknowledge the CP as the definitive paralegal certification
  • Responsive to the needs of paralegals and responsive to the fact that this form of self-regulation is necessary to strengthen and expand the development of this career field
  • A positive, ongoing, voluntary program to encourage the growth of the paralegal profession, attesting to and encouraging a high level of achievement

For over 40 years, NALA’s Certified Paralegal program has been recognized both nationally and internationally and has received recognition from both the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the American Bar Association. On April 30, 2014, the NCCA granted accreditation to the program, making it the only accredited certified paralegal program under its recognized organizations. The CP credential has also been acknowledged by the American Bar Association as a mark of high professional achievement.

6A CP Round Photo Certification Page - Tennessee Paralegal Association
6B ACP Round Photo Certification Page - Tennessee Paralegal Association

Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)

The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) program is designed to recognize a paralegal’s commitment to continued growth and life-long learning by advancing your knowledge on specific areas of law.

An assessment component is part of the curriculum-based program, as well as interactive exercises. The average course is about 20 hours in length and organized into multiple chapters, so you can earn up to 20 hours of CLE for completing an ACP course. These web-based courses are available on a 24/7 basis.

Anyone can take an ACP courses, you do not have to be a NALA Certified Paralegal. However, the distinguished ACP credential is only available to current Certified Paralegals. Upon successful completion of the program, a CP can earn the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential and the continuing education hours.

The ACP credential has been awarded to more than 3,500 paralegals since its inception in 2006.