Many of you ask, “What
is the Certified Paralegal Exam, and why should I take it?” The Certified Paralegal Exam, also known as
the CP Exam, is a test administered by National Association of Legal Assistants
(NALA) that is offered three times a year (January, May, and September). This exam covers Communications, Ethics,
Legal Research, Judgment & Analytic Ability, and Substantive Law.
You could consider the intensity of studying for this exam
to be the paralegal equivalent of studying for the bar exam. As of March 16,
2015, there are 18,282 certified paralegals in the United States, including 434
in Virginia.
Of those 434 certified paralegals, there are 108 who have
achieved the Advanced Certified Paralegal designation (ACP). The Advanced
Certified Paralegal designation can be obtained after passing the CP Exam and
covers specific types of law.
Why should you take the CP exam? The best reason is for you, as it is an
amazing accomplishment. Another reason is to show your employer that you are
committed to the profession and that you want to continue learning. More and more employers are learning about
the CP Exam and are requesting that job candidates have a certification (not to
be confused with obtaining a certificate from a school).
If you choose to take the exam, how is RPA available to
support you? This year, the CP Study
Group is being incorporated into our seminars.
In the upcoming Fall Seminar, we will have a separate track of classes
to assist you with studying for the exam, including a class that will give you
helpful tips on taking the exam.
If you have any questions regarding the exam, please feel
free to email us at education@richmondparalegals.org.
For more details on the CP Exam, please visit the NALA site at http://www.nala.org/cert-section-forms.aspx.
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