CP Eligibility Checker

NALA offers four eligibility pathways: (1) Graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal education program, (2) A bachelor's degree in any field plus 1 year of paralegal experience, (3) An associate's degree in any field plus 3 years of paralegal experience, or (4) A high school diploma or equivalent plus 7 years of paralegal experience.

An ABA-approved paralegal education program is one that has been evaluated and approved by the American Bar Association. These programs meet specific educational standards for paralegal training. You can search the ABA's directory to confirm whether your program is approved.

Paralegal experience includes substantive legal work performed under the supervision of an attorney. This includes legal research, drafting legal documents, case management, client interviewing, and other tasks that require legal knowledge. Clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and answering phones generally do not count.

Students enrolled in an ABA-approved paralegal program may apply to take the CP exam during their final semester if they have completed at least 75% of their program requirements. Proof of program completion must be provided after passing.

If you do not pass the CP exam, you may retake it. NALA allows retakes after a waiting period. Check NALA's current policy for the specific waiting period and retake fee.

Yes. The Certified Paralegal (CP) credential was formerly known as the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). NALA changed the name but the certification and exam remain the same.