Paralegals with the CLA credential enjoy a competitive advantage in the job market.
Job security, heftier salaries or a competitive advantage on the hiring field are some of the reasons paralegals, also known as legal assistants, seek to become Certified Legal Assistants (CLA). The CLA designation, though not required in any state, tells employers that a paralegal has met some of the profession's most stringent standards. Certification is awarded through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) to applicants who pass a two-day examination on federal law and satisfy other requirements. Paralegals earning this distinction can choose either "CLA" or "CP" -- Certified Paralegal -- as their credential.
Instructions
Application
1. Access the NALA website (see Resources). Choose "Certification" and then "Examinee Information." Select the section for "Application Procedure Overview," where you will find all test application forms.
2. Go to the first form, "Certified Paralegal Examination Application Form" and review the application directions and determine your eligibility category. Category 1 calls for a certificate from a paralegal training program or an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from a two- or four-year college. Category 2 requires a bachelor's degree in any subject and at least one year of work experience as a paralegal. Category 3 requires a high school diploma or its equivalent, seven years of paralegal work experience and 22 hours of CLE courses completed within two years before applying for certification.
3. Download and print this form from the website. Complete the form. Check the specific submission requirements under each category. For example, category 2 applicants must submit an official transcript from the school that issued their bachelor's degree.
4. Send the requested documents, completed application and required fee by regular mail or fax to NALA. Check deadline filing dates, also on the "Application Procedure Overview" page. If you have not applied at least one month before the next scheduled test, you must either pay a late filing fee or wait for a future test session.
NALA
1516 S. Boston Ave., Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74119
5. Wait for notification from ACT, the independent testing organization that administers the CLA exam. Once you receive notification, call the ACT office identified on the notice to schedule a date, set the time and choose a location. Submit the required appointment fee, which is separate from the examination fees, to the address provided on the notification.
Test Preparation
6. Obtain study guides published by NALA. Though not required, these review manuals have helped many paralegals to pass the test. Study the five required subjects of communications, ethics, legal research, judgment and analytical ability, and substantive federal law. You must then study four additional subject areas of your choosing, such as business organizations, civil litigation, estates, contracts, or administrative, family, real estate or criminal law.
7. Access NALA's website. Navigate to the section for "CP Study Materials" under the "Certification" heading to register for one of the study programs offered. Choose online, web-based or live study programs.
8. Check the NALA website for a list of paralegal organizations that are affiliated with NALA. Contact an organization in your area and register for its exam review study classes, if any.
The Test and After
9. Access "Examinee Information" under the section for "Certification" on the NALA website. Choose "ACT Testing Center Information Details" to read the terms and conditions and the testing center rules for taking the exam. For example, the rules prohibit you from bringing cell phones, food or beverages into the testing room and require you to sign in and out every time you leave the room. However, you will be given earplugs upon request.
10. Take the two-day examination at the designated testing center. You must obtain a minimum score of 70 percent. NALA will send your grade by regular mail.
11. Retake any sections you did not pass. Download and print the "Notice of Intent to Retake" form on NALA's website, also under the section for "Application Procedure Overview" page. Complete the form, add the required fee and return it to NALA.
NALA
1516 S. Boston Ave., Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74119
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