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Paralegal Certification As GAP has noted in its Position Statements, currently there is no formal regulation scheme for paralegals in Georgia. However, GAP recommends that paralegals in the State of Georgia obtain national certification in order to demonstrate a national level of competency within the profession. Since GAP is a charter member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA), we encourage our members to seek national certification through NPFA by sitting for and passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) or the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCC); however, other national certifications are also available. Please see NFPA’s Comparison of Paralegal Certification for additional information. For Information on paralegal certification from the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Latest Edition, which states: “Although most employers do not require certification, earning voluntary certification from a professional national or local paralegal organization may offer advantages in the labor market.”  An Entry Level Exam At the 2009 NFPA Convention, Delegates representing NFPA’s member associations from across the United States made history by passing a resolution to develop a basic proficiency exam known as the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCC Exam). The exam is still being developed and will be ready in 2011. In order to identify the core skills, we are in the process of surveying entry level to mid level paralegals to identify those skills. We are also reviewing numerous job descriptions, learning outcomes and other expectations of competent paralegals in law firms, the public service sector, corporations, etc. This exam, like PACE, will emphasize paralegal skills and ethics. A person is eligible under any ONE of the following combinations of education/experience:
NFPA endorses formal post-high school education for paralegals and the preferred entry to the profession is a 4-year degree. However, NFPA recognizes that in many areas of the country or for various reasons, many excellent paralegals do not have the opportunity to finish a 4-year degree program. Therefore, NFPA will allow paralegals who have obtained an Associate’s degree in paralegal studies to take the exam without any hands-on paralegal experience. There is no experience requirement for paralegals who meet certain educational criteria because it is believed paralegals who have a 4-year degree in paralegal studies, or those with a bachelor’s degree and a paralegal certificate, or those paralegals graduating from an associate’s degree program with a paralegal certificate are well-grounded in legal principles, technology, terminology and ethics. Please email any questions or comments to GAP’s Director of Paralegal Certification.  An Advanced Exam for the Skilled and Experienced Paralegal The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA) to test the competency of experienced and skilled paralegals. This exam is one-of-a-kind, in that it is the ONLY certification exam that requires at least two (2) years of substantive paralegal experience for applicants to qualify to sit for the exam. PACE tests critical thinking and problem-solving skills used by experienced paralegals. PACE, like PCC, is state specific and is a national exam. PACE questions are level 3-4 and tests abilities to see the big picture. Please note, again, that PACE is not for entry-level paralegals as there are strict eligibility requirements. A person is eligible under any ONE of the following combinations of education/experience:
For Complete PACE Information, please see NFPA’s PACE/RP Section Please email any questions or comments to Georgia’s PACE Ambassador at PACE@gaparalegal.org |
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