Best Paralegal Certifications in 2025
Paralegal certifications are key for legal professionals aiming to enhance skills and career prospects. They equip you to handle legal field challenges effectively.
The article highlights the best paralegal certifications, providing insights on pricing, prerequisites, and focus areas to help in selection.
By understanding each certification's focus, you can choose one that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations and work enhancement needs.
Options range from comprehensive online programs to practical courses, catering to different learning preferences and career stages.
Paralegal certifications are essential for legal professionals looking to boost their skills and advance their careers. They're designed to help you tackle the unique challenges of the legal field.
Your journey in professional development starts here. This article will guide you through the top paralegal certifications worth considering. You'll find details on pricing, prerequisites, focus areas, and who each certification is best suited for.
By the end, you'll understand which certification aligns with your career goals and how it can enhance your work. Let's dive into the options that can elevate your legal expertise.
Best Paralegal Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best paralegal certifications I think are worth looking into:
- Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies - Best for comprehensive online learning
- Paralegal Studies Program - Best for in-depth legal training
- The Certified Paralegal (CP®) Certification - Best for recognized industry standard
- Paralegal Certificate Course© - Best for practical legal skills
- Paralegal Studies Certificate - Best for flexible study options
- Certified Paralegal - Best for career-focused training
- Paralegal Undergraduate Certificate - Best for foundational legal knowledge
- Paralegal Professional Certificate - Best for professional advancement
- Online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program - Best for flexible online format
- Paralegal Certificate Program - Best for practical experience
- Paralegal Certificate - Best for intensive legal training
- Paralegal Certificate - Best for career-oriented curriculum
- Paralegal Certificate - Best for accessible legal education
- Paralegal Certificate - Best for comprehensive legal coverage
- Paralegal Studies Certificate - Best for solid academic training
- The Paralegal Certificate - Best for hands-on legal practice
Overviews of the Best Paralegal Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best paralegal certifications on my shortlist.
1. Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies - Best for comprehensive online learning
This certification prepares you for integral roles in legal settings, from litigation to compliance and administrative functions. Through a balanced curriculum that covers legal research and writing, case analysis, real estate and estate law, and litigation procedures, you gain both theoretical grounding and practical skills and credit-bearing coursework.
Issued by: University of Massachusetts Lowell
Focus:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal research methods
- Litigation lifecycle
- Real estate law
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma, HiSET, or GED
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it doesn’t require renewal.
Price: $6,930 (18 credits at $395 per credit)
Who It’s For: If you want to strengthen your legal expertise and enhance your career prospects, this certification can support your goals by providing a solid grounding in paralegal studies.
2. Paralegal Studies Program - Best for in-depth legal training
This program provides a comprehensive education in paralegal studies, designed to deepen your understanding of the legal system. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare you to support attorneys and work in various legal settings.
Issued by: Boston University
Focus:
- Legal research
- Legal writing & reasoning
- Legal technologies
- Litigation
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: A Bachelor’s degree or significant work experience is preferred, but not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it doesn’t require renewal.
Price: $3,995
Who It’s For: This program is ideal if you want to gain a comprehensive understanding of legal processes and enhance your career opportunities in the legal field.
3. The Certified Paralegal (CP®) Certification - Best for recognized industry standard
This is a nationally recognized certification that validates mastery of federal legal knowledge, professional ethics, and essential paralegal skills. It involves a rigorous two-part examination process to assess your knowledge and skills in the legal field.
Issued by: NALA - The Paralegal Association
Focus:
- U.S. legal system
- Different areas of law
- Professionalism and ethics
- Legal writing
Prerequisites:
- Education and work experience: At least a high school diploma, or equivalent, plus 5 years of experience as a paralegal, plus a minimum of 20 hours of continuing legal education completed within the two-year period before exam application.
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: Yes, it requires renewal every 5 years.
Price:
- Military
- NALA Members: $240
- Non-members: $280
- Student
- NALA Members: $150
- Non-members: $175
- Standard
- NALA Members: $325
- Non-members: $375
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those who want to validate their expertise and dedication in the legal field, enhancing their credibility and career prospects.
4. Paralegal Certificate Course© - Best for practical legal skills
This course provides foundational training in U.S. legal systems, critical legal skills, and real-world case preparation. It is equipped to support trial attorneys, conduct research, interview witnesses, investigate facts, and organize litigation materials.
Issued by: Framingham State University
Focus:
- American judicial system & legal process
- Witness interviewing & fact investigation
- Legal research & writing
- Case preparation & litigation support
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it doesn’t require renewal.
Price: Starts at $2,095
Who It’s For: This course is perfect if you want to quickly gain practical legal skills and enter the legal workforce, showcasing your readiness to handle paralegal tasks efficiently.
5. Paralegal Studies Certificate - Best for flexible study options
This certification introduces you to essential legal principles and paralegal responsibilities. It combines theory with practical skills development, preparing you to assist attorneys in research, drafting legal documents, and writing pleadings.
Issued by: Bunker Hill Community College
Focus:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal research & writing
- Legal ethics
- Litigation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
- Other Certifications: None
- Others:
- Submission of Letter of Interest and Professional Resume
- 3 letters of reference
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check
- Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check
Renewability: No, it doesn’t require renewal.
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for those seeking a flexible approach to gaining essential paralegal skills, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.
6. Certified Paralegal - Best for career-focused training
This certification helps you acquire essential legal knowledge and practical skills, from researching and interviewing to drafting and analytical reasoning, while building proficiency in key software and workplace competencies. It focuses on essential paralegal skills and knowledge, ensuring you're ready to meet your profession’s demands.
Issued by: Quinsigamond Community College
Focus:
- U.S. legal system & court procedures
- Legal research techniques
- Legal analysis & critical thinking
- Legal writing & document drafting
- Legal technologies & soft skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $2,495
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you’re looking to establish or advance your career in the legal field, demonstrating your commitment and preparedness for paralegal responsibilities.
7. Paralegal Undergraduate Certificate - Best for foundational legal knowledge
This certificate offers a solid grounding in paralegal studies, focusing on core legal principles and practical skills. You will be adept at legal research and writing, case and office management, dispute resolution, and all the foundational knowledge necessary to support legal professionals.
Issued by: University of Massachusetts Global
Focus:
- Foundations of law
- Litigation & trial advocacy
- Legal research & writing
- Contemporary legal issues
- e-Discovery & legal technology
- Law practice management
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $12,000 (24 credits at $500 per credit)
Who It’s For: This certificate is perfect for those starting their journey in the legal field, equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge to support your legal team effectively.
8. Paralegal Professional Certificate - Best for professional advancement
This certificate offers rigorous training in legal theory, ethical practice, and practical skills. It offers a strong foundation in legal research and provides professional development support, career services, and a digital badge upon completion.
Issued by: Villanova University
Focus:
- Introduction to the paralegal profession & principles
- Legal research & writing
- Civil procedure & litigation
- Legal ethics
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
- Others:
- Submission of an essay on career goals
- Resume
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price:
- Online evening cohort: $9,495
- In-person daytime cohort: $8,750
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those seeking to enhance their professional standing and expand their legal knowledge, enabling them to contribute effectively to their legal team.
9. Online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program - Best for flexible online format
This program covers essential legal topics to prepare you for a career in the legal field. It helps you develop proficiency in legal research and litigation support, preparing you to succeed in modern paralegal roles.
Issued by: Boston University
Focus:
- Legal research
- Legal writing & reasoning
- Legal technologies
- Litigation
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least an undergraduate degree
- Work Experience: Experience in administrative positions within the legal field is ideal
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $3,995
Who It’s For: This program is great for those seeking a flexible learning schedule while gaining the necessary skills to advance in the legal profession, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
10. Paralegal Certificate Program - Best for practical experience
This certification provides a structured series of courses. spanning foundational legal principles to specialized practice areas and technology mastery, aiming to develop competent entry-level paralegals. It provides theory and practical skills in research, writing, litigation, and ethics, ensuring you are well-prepared for legal offices.
Issued by: Bucks County Community College
Focus:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Different areas of law
- Ethics for the Paralegal
- Technology in law
- eDiscovery
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least an associate's or a bachelor's degree
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This program is ideal for those looking to quickly acquire the skills needed for a paralegal position, showcasing your readiness to support your legal team effectively.
11. Paralegal Certificate - Best for intensive legal training
This certificate is structured into six sequential online modules, providing a comprehensive training in U.S. legal systems. It equips students with the practical skills and legal knowledge necessary to thrive as professional paralegals, all grounded in real-world practice and professional standards.
Issued by: University of Delaware
Focus:
- Introduction to law for paralegals
- Legal research & writing
- Civil procedure
- Tort and criminal law & procedure
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $4,250
Who It’s For: This certificate is perfect for those seeking a thorough legal education to enhance their career prospects, equipping them with the skills needed to support their legal team effectively.
12. Paralegal Certificate - Best for career-oriented curriculum
This certificate program delivers a solid education in paralegal studies, emphasizing practical and theoretical legal knowledge. It's crafted to equip you with the skills needed to excel in various legal settings, preparing you for a dynamic career.
Issued by: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
Focus:
- Legal terminology, ethics, & U.S. legal system
- Civil litigation & rules of evidence
- Witness interviewing & investigations
- Discovery & legal document drafting
- Legal research skills
Prerequisites:
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: Starts at $2,095
Who It’s For: This certificate is ideal if you're aiming to enhance your legal knowledge and skills, enabling you to contribute effectively to your legal team and advance your career.
13. Paralegal Certificate - Best for accessible legal education
This certificate program delivers legal theory and real-world skills. It is led by practicing attorneys with hands-on experience, helping you conduct legal research using Westlaw and public records and develop portfolios. It includes networking, notary workshops, and legal tech training.
Issued by: Marist College
Focus:
- Introduction to law and legal ethics
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation & practice
- Law office management
Prerequisites:
- Education: A bachelor's degree is highly recommended.
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for those looking to enter the legal profession with a solid foundation, allowing you to effectively support your legal team and advance your career.
14. Paralegal Certificate - Best for comprehensive legal coverage
This certificate program provides an extensive education in paralegal studies, covering both foundational and advanced legal concepts. It's designed to prepare you for a variety of roles in the legal industry, ensuring you're well-equipped with the necessary skills.
Issued by: Emory University
Focus:
- Introduction to Law
- Civil litigation
- Legal research & writing
- Contract law
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a bachelor's degree (or verified foreign equivalent) or higher
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $3,795
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those seeking a thorough understanding of legal processes, allowing you to effectively contribute to your legal team and advance your career.
15. Paralegal Studies Certificate - Best for solid academic training
This training program prepares you for professional paralegal roles in law firms, business, government, and non-profit. It develops your proficiency in substantive and procedural law, legal research and writing, and practical law office skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in the legal field.
Issued by: UCLA Extension
Focus:
- Introduction to the paralegal profession
- Common law foundation
- Practical paralegal skills
- Civil procedure
- Statutory law & business organizations
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least 60 semester or 90 quarter units (or hours) earned from a regionally accredited college or university
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Price: $7,995
Who It’s For: This certification is perfect for those seeking to deepen their legal knowledge and enhance their career opportunities, enabling you to effectively support your legal team and advance in the field.
16. The Paralegal Certificate - Best for hands-on legal practice
This certificate program provides a comprehensive education in paralegal studies, emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications. It's designed to prepare you for immediate employment in the legal field, focusing on essential paralegal tasks.
Issued by: Delaware Technical Community College
Focus:
- Introduction to the U.S. legal system
- Introduction to the paralegal role
- Legal research & writing
- Civil litigation practice
- Ethics for Paralegals
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least an associate's or bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Other Certifications: None
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for those seeking to enter the legal profession with practical skills, enabling you to support your legal team effectively and advance your career.
What will I learn with Paralegal Certifications?
Your exact learning path will depend on the certification of your choosing, but here are some broad concepts you can expect to encounter in paralegal training:
- Learn to conduct legal research and write professional legal documents like briefs and memos.
- Understand ethical standards and professional responsibilities in legal environments.
- Gain knowledge of civil litigation processes, including discovery and trial preparation.
- Use legal software tools for case management, billing, and electronic filing.
- Study core areas of law such as family, criminal, corporate, and real estate law.
- Enroll in ABA approved paralegal education programs that meet American Bar Association standards.
- Take required courses in substantive law, legal writing, and legal services foundations.
- Choose elective classes in family law, intellectual property, or immigration law to specialize your skills.
- Access online course options designed for flexible paralegal training and certification.
- Prepare for national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
- Explore how paralegal roles differ from law school tracks and legal assistant positions.
- Understand job outlooks and salary expectations using Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
- Learn how ABA approved education programs improve employment prospects in legal services.
- Get a comprehensive foundation in paralegal education that’s aligned with real-world legal practices.
FAQs About Paralegal Certifications
Here are some questions people also ask me about paralegal certifications, or paralegal career paths more generally:
What are the benefits of getting a paralegal certification?
A paralegal certification can boost your career by validating your skills and knowledge. It shows employers you’re serious about your profession and can handle complex tasks. Certifications often lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
How do I choose the right paralegal certification?
Consider your career goals, current skills, and preferred learning style. Look at factors like program focus, duration, cost, and delivery method (online or in-person). Research institutions offer the certification and read reviews from past participants.
Do I need a degree to get a paralegal certification?
Not always. Many programs only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Check the specific prerequisites of each program you’re interested in.
How long does it take to complete a paralegal certification?
The duration varies by program. Some can be completed in a few months, while others may take up to a year. Consider your schedule and how much time you can dedicate to studying when choosing a program.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best software for paralegals
- Paralegal conferences to attend
- Must-read paralegal newsletters
What's Next?
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