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The demand for Certified Paralegals is on the rise.

But who are Certified Paralegals? And how do you become one?

Are there online certifications?

We’re here to answer all these questions and more. Read on to find out everything you will need to know about paralegal certification & how you can get it online.

What is a Paralegal Certificate?

A Paralegal certificate is a valid document that you earn after completing your paralegal program from any well-established university. You can pursue an associate paralegal degree program, a diploma, a bachelor’s, or an online paralegal program.

There are many things you should consider before enrolling in a program, such as fees, credibility, location, etc.

See more: Types of Law Paralegals

How To Get a Paralegal Certificate Online?

An Online paralegal certificate can be obtained by completing an online paralegal program. Where a traditional course will take you anywhere up to 2 years to complete, an online paralegal certificate can be completed within 6 months.

However, there are some important factors that you might want to consider before you choose an online course.

Some such factors include fees, credibility, and resources, among others. Even though online certification courses are much cheaper as compared to traditional alternatives, you should still weigh the pros and cons of it carefully.

Read: 10 Interview Tips for Paralegals

What to Look for in an Online Paralegal Program?

  • Self-Paced

One of the most important things that you should look for in an online program is whether it’s self-paced or not. A self-paced program helps you learn according to your convenience, and you can complete the course as per your suitable time schedule.

  • Affordable

The second most important factor is whether they are affordable or not. Recently, there have been many new and cheaper alternatives that students can opt for while selecting a course. This can help them avoid the burden of student loans.

Also see: Paralegal Specializations

  • Accreditation

Another important thing to look for is course accreditation. If an online course is accredited by a renowned university, it helps you have better job opportunities.

  • Externship

Externships are crucial for this job profile. During externships, you get hands-on experience with respect to legal tasks such as assisting the attorney in documentation, conducting client interviews, and other related work.

  • Support

In an online course, you have the option of availing the support services wherein you can raise your queries related to externships, CV reviews, any queries related to the course, etc.

  • Getting Certified as a Paralegal

A certified paralegal is a paralegal that has cleared their certification exams and fulfilled the other mandates as well. A Paralegal, after being certified, can be addressed as CP, i.e., Certified Paralegal, or RP (Registered Paralegal).

One essential requirement for the certification exam is to ensure your paralegal certificate is from an accredited school, as mentioned earlier. Getting certified as a Paralegal offers many benefits while you look for a job.

You can enroll for the certification exam from NFPA i.e. the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, which tests Paralegals based on their legal knowledge. Another option is NALA or NALS.

Also read: Myths About Being a Paralegal

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About the Author
Grant founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their education. He's a frequent speaker and author in higher education, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader's Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.