How to get a paralegal certificate?
Paralegal certificate programs offer an efficient way to train for a career as a legal assistant. Learn how to get a paralegal certificate and where the credential can take you.
What is a paralegal certificate?
Paralegals are law professionals who perform supporting and administrative duties related to legal research, document drafting, and client relations. A paralegal certificate is an academic award you can earn by completing a non-degree paralegal training program. These programs offer a faster, cheaper alternative to earning a degree.
Unlike lawyers, paralegals do not require a professional license. However, many employers prefer to hire paralegals who hold recognized certifications from organizations like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Paralegal certificate programs can help you meet the educational requirements for NALA certifications and similar credentials.
Additional benefits of earning a paralegal certificate include:
- Targeted training: Certificate programs focus on the hard skills and technical concepts you'll need to succeed as a paralegal.
- Fast, efficient career preparation: While program lengths vary, paralegal certificate programs usually take much less time than earning a degree.
- Increased earning potential: A paralegal certificate can help you market yourself to employers, and some schools connect students directly with employers. These features can help you access higher earning potential.
Steps to get a paralegal certificate
Step 1: Meet educational and admissions requirements
Educational requirements vary among schools. Some offer admission to students with a high school diploma or the equivalent, but others restrict eligibility to applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree.
Schools sometimes offer paralegal certificate programs at various levels, from introductory paths for newcomers to advanced programs for established legal professionals. Programs at various levels often have differing eligibility requirements, which may include multiple years of paralegal experience.
Coursework prerequisites may include college-level credits in English, communication, legal writing, or similar subjects. If English is not your first language, you may also need to take English proficiency tests.
Step 2: Choose your program format
Schools offer paralegal programs in both face-to-face and online formats. You may also have the option of completing a hybrid program that blends campus-based and distance modalities.
Face-to-face programs offer more interactivity and networking opportunities. They also make a good choice for students who prefer the traditional classroom experience.
Online programs offer more flexibility. Many use asynchronous formats, allowing you to set your own schedule. However, you'll sacrifice the social aspects that accompany face-to-face learning.
Both modes can accommodate working students. Face-to-face programs may meet on evenings or weekends. Online programs put you in control of your schedule, allowing you to engage with coursework at convenient, self-selected times.
Step 3: Plan your finances
Because of their relatively compact lengths, paralegal certificate programs usually cost less than a full degree. Even so, you may need help meeting your costs, and planning ahead can help reduce your debt.
First, look beyond tuition to consider additional costs. You may need to consider transportation and parking for face-to-face programs. For online programs, be sure to account for computer hardware or software and bandwidth usage. Either format may also require you to purchase textbooks.
If you're looking to bridge funding shortfalls with student loans, carefully consider your program's eligibility. You can get federal loans for a non-degree program, but only if it's hosted at a Title IV school. Confirm your program's federal loan eligibility status before enrolling.
Step 4: Complete your coursework
As you follow your curriculum, you may encounter challenges that could include time management and academic obstacles due to the technical nature of the subject matter.
These strategies can help you stay on track:
- Take advantage of program resources. Connect with your school's advisory services, which typically include tutoring and other academic success programs.
- Choose an asynchronous online program. Asynchronous programs deliver lectures in pre-recorded formats, which make it easy to review challenging material as many times as necessary.
- Consider part-time enrollment. If you're balancing school with work or prefer to proceed at a slower pace, you could study on a reduced part-time schedule.
Step 5: Consider professional certification
The professional certification pathways offered by NALA and similar organizations usually recognize paralegal certificate programs as part of their educational requirements. Professional certification may enhance your employability, as some employers prefer or require it.
Note the difference between a certificate and a certification. A certificate is a type of academic award usually bestowed upon graduates of non-degree programs. A certification is a secondary professional credential offered by third-party providers who have evaluated your skills and determined that you meet their elevated professional standards.
Explore online paralegal courses and certificates
Free online courses offer a no-risk path to sharpening your knowledge before enrolling in any type of academic program. Explore free courses in law and legal studies offered by edX partner providers.