Cyber Poems

Licensing Requirements in California

At present, to become a Paralegal in California, there is no need for licensing or certification. However, in order to sell yourself above other job applicants, you might contemplate obtaining one of the two voluntary certifications:
• Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
• Registered Paralegal (RP)

Let’s look at the closely:

How to Become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)
Most Californians will utilize the CLA exam. Before using the CLA title, you are required to: take and pass a two-day exam given by the Certifying Board of Legal Assistance, and meet the established standards of the National Association of Legal Assistants. Every five years, one must renew certification. For certification renewal, 50 hours of continuing legal education credits, that are approved, must be completed within a 5 year time frame. You may become certified as a California Advance Specialist (CAS)

Becoming a Registered Paralegal (RP)
In order to achieve the status of a Registered Paralegal (RP), individuals must write and pass a test developed by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), known as the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE).

You need to show proof of completing 12 hours of approved continuing legal education credits (within the last 2 years) to renew the certification every 2 years.