The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) credential — formerly known as the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) — is the most prestigious and widely recognized paralegal certification in the United States. Established in 1976, the CP exam has been the benchmark for paralegal competence for nearly 50 years, respected by law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and courts nationwide. The credential demonstrates mastery of substantive legal knowledge, research and writing skills, and ethical standards that distinguish certified paralegals from their non-certified peers.

Program Structure

Eligibility Pathways — Three routes to eligibility: (1) Graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program, (2) Bachelor's degree in any field plus 1 year of paralegal experience or 15 semester hours of paralegal courses, or (3) High school diploma/GED plus 7 years of paralegal experience under attorney supervision and 20 hours of CLE within the last 2 years
Exam Format — Two-part exam: Knowledge Exam (120 multiple-choice questions covering substantive law and legal procedures) and Skills Exam (essay section testing research, analysis, and writing abilities)
Testing — Computer-based exam available year-round at testing centers or online proctored. Each exam section has up to 3 attempts within 365 days of authorization
Exam Fee — $375 for non-members, $325 for NALA members, with student discounts available. Total costs including testing center fees: $220–$470
Recertification — Every 5 years with 50 hours of continuing legal education, including at least 5 hours in legal ethics

What You Will Learn

Substantive Law — Civil litigation, contracts, business organizations, criminal law and procedure, family law, real estate, estate planning and probate, administrative law, and constitutional law foundations
Legal Research — Using primary and secondary legal sources, case law research, statutory research, administrative regulations, Westlaw and LexisNexis databases, Shepardizing/KeyCiting, and synthesizing research findings
Legal Writing — Drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, discovery documents, contracts, correspondence, and other legal documents with proper citation format (Bluebook), clear organization, and persuasive analysis
Civil Procedure — Federal and state court systems, jurisdiction and venue, pleading requirements, discovery processes (interrogatories, depositions, requests for production, requests for admission), motions practice, trial procedures, and appeals
Ethics & Professional Responsibility — Unauthorized practice of law boundaries, confidentiality obligations, conflict of interest identification, attorney-client privilege, ethical obligations specific to paralegals, and state-specific regulatory requirements
Legal Technology — E-discovery processes, litigation support software, case management systems, document review platforms, and technology-assisted review (TAR)

Why NALA CP Stands Out

Key advantages: (1) Longest-running and most respected paralegal certification in the country — nearly 50 years of establishing the professional standard. (2) Certified paralegals earn 10–20% more than non-certified peers according to NALA salary surveys. (3) Many employers require or strongly prefer CP certification for advanced paralegal positions. (4) The credential is recognized in all 50 states and valued by law firms of all sizes, from solo practitioners to AmLaw 100 firms. (5) Multiple eligibility pathways make it accessible whether you have a paralegal degree, a bachelor's degree with some paralegal experience, or extensive work experience. (6) The CP after your name carries real weight in legal circles and demonstrates commitment to the profession.

Career Outcomes

Paralegals earn a median salary of $60,970 per year ($29.31/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with CP-certified paralegals earning 10–20% above that. Entry-level paralegals: $42,000–$52,000. Experienced certified paralegals at mid-size firms: $60,000–$80,000. Senior paralegals at large firms and corporate legal departments: $75,000–$100,000+. Specialized paralegals (IP, M&A, litigation support): $80,000–$120,000. The BLS projects 4% growth for paralegals through 2032, with approximately 36,000 job openings annually. Paralegal work offers excellent work-life balance compared to attorneys, with most positions being standard business hours and increasing remote work options.

Who It Is For

Graduates of paralegal programs seeking to validate their education with the industry-standard credential, working paralegals looking to advance their careers and increase earnings, legal secretaries and assistants transitioning to paralegal roles, career changers with bachelor's degrees interested in the legal field without attending law school, military veterans with legal support experience, and anyone seeking a professional career in law that doesn't require a law degree.

Format and Pricing

Computer-based exam available year-round at testing centers or online proctored from home. NALA CP exam fee: $325 (NALA members) or $375 (non-members). NALA membership: $131/year (includes discounts on exam, CLE, and resources). Paralegal certificate programs (if needed for eligibility): $3,000–$15,000 at community colleges, $5,000–$25,000 at universities. Self-study prep materials: $200–$500. Total investment for the exam alone: $325–$500. Total investment including a paralegal certificate program: $3,500–$25,500. Many programs are available online and offer financial aid. Accelerated certificate programs can be completed in 6–12 months.

Nala certified paralegal (cp) — national association of legal assistants paralegal certification

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