| The Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Examination |
If you have ever given any thought to taking the Certified Legal
Assistant/Certified Paralegal (CLA/CP) exam offered by the National
Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), but were not certain
whether it would be worthwhile, the following information may
aid your decision. For further more detailed information, you
should review the NALA website at www.nala.org.
NALA has developed its certification examination program into
a strong and responsive self-regulatory program offering a nationwide
credential that has enabled the legal assistant/paralegal profession
to grow and become a source for dependable, knowledgeable, and
superior delivery of legal service to attorneys and their clients
across the nation. The CLA/CP credential is recognized in the
legal community as representing the highest standard of excellence
and professionalism. National surveys consistently show that
those who have achieved certification are better paid and better
utilized. The credential has been recognized by the American
Bar Association (ABA) as being remarkable of a high level of
professional achievement. The portability of the credential
serves very well those who may need to relocate to another city/state,
opening doors when seeking employment in a new location.
The examination is difficult; but when the "congratulations"
letter arrives from NALA announcing positive results, it is
rewarding -- in fact, breathtaking. You know then that you are
one of the 40%ers (relating to the 40/60 pass/fail rate).
Aiding preparation for taking the exam, consider NEFPA's CLA
Review Course. The course is offered twice a year, Fall and
Spring, and covers all the sections of the exam. Moreover, NALA
has authorized award of a maximum of 24 hours CLE for credentialed
CLAs who take this Course as a refresher.
The Veterans Administration, under its licensing and certification
benefits, will pay the exam fee for qualified veterans. For
further information, check the Education Benefits on the GI
Bill website, at http://www.gibill.va.gov.
NEFPA's Active and Student members may seek financial assistance
through the NEFPA "Professional Development Scholarship" program.
The details and Application form are available on the Members
Only page of this site.
For more information about paralegal certification, contact
NEFPA's NALA Liaison (see Board
Members page).
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