Get Paralegal Certificate
Forms and documents forms and documents for those seeking certification and renewal of certification and for sponsors of paralegal education.
Get paralegal certificate. In addition to the programs leading to an associate of paralegal studies a bachelor of science in legal studies degree and a bachelor of business administration degree national paralegal college offers a course of study leading to a certificate in paralegal studies. This blog is going to cover paralegal certificates but first i want to make sure that you understand the distinction between a certificate and being certified or having certification. A paralegal studies program must be designated by the board of paralegal certification as qualified to satisfy the educational requirements for certification. Presently certification for paralegals is a voluntary process.
Is there paralegal certification in pennsylvania. Compared to shake and bake entry level certificates the appeal that a full fledged degree in paralegal studies or a post degree certificate has to potential employers should be obvious but in case it isnt here are five reasons that a basic paralegal certificate program just wont cut it in the legal field today. Not only can a degree or certificate help distinguish job candidates in a competitive job market they can also prepare paralegals to become pennsylvania. Although it is not required in pennsylvania growing numbers of aspiring paralegals are choosing educational programs in paralegal studies.
Certificate programs are purely academic like any other college program and by themselves the only thing they represent is the level of education. Paralegal certificate course online course format students access will expire on the seventh saturday of the session for paralegal 2 regardless of when westlaw is purchased. Paralegal certification exams offered through nala nals or nfpa are not the same as a paralegal certificate you would earn by taking courses through a college university or proprietary school. Achieving certification serves as proof that you have the skills necessary to work as a paralegal and will increase your chances of finding employment in one of your states top law firms.
However the certification issue has been a subject of considerable interest and debate for the past several years among paralegal organizations bar associations and state legislatures. Access is required for the second half of the 14 week online course only. Paralegal certificate certification and certified. Certificate programs may target students who have previously completed a bachelors degree in another field and wish to supplement their degree with a focus in paralegal studies.