Consumer Information

Paralegal Studies

The below information applies to all states and Washington, D.C.

Qualifies students for initial or additional state license:

• ABA Educational Information for Paralegals

Licensure required as a prerequisite:

• None.

Licensing board approval:

• NFPA positions and issues - regulation

Leads to national certification or credential:

• There is no required national certification or credential for paralegal studies. Each state may issue its own regulations and there are several voluntary national certifications that paralegals may choose to pursue.

National certification exam:

The following national certification exams are voluntary:

• NALA: https://nala.org/certification/
• NFPA: https://www.paralegals.org/page/paralegal-certification
• NALS: https://www.nals.org/page/certification

 Programmatic accreditation:

• American Bar Association
• Obtaining a programmatic accreditation/approval is a decision made by each individual institution. While paralegal studies programs may choose to apply for American Bar Assocation approval, it is not a requirement and many program are not ABA-approved.

Field experience: online or on-ground?

• Both. Paralegal studies programs may be offered online.

National professional association/organization:

• ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals