NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal

Issued by NALA - The Paralegal Association

The distinguished Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential courses are designed to advance education by learning specific areas of law, rather than just testing current knowledge. Applicants must successfully complete a rigorous course and maintain CP certification. Upon successful completion of the program, ACPs are certified to provide advanced paralegal services and entitled to the use of the designation ACP in connection with paralegal services offered in their specific area of study.

Type Certification
Level Advanced

Additional Details

Skills

Paralegal
Paralegal Certificate Program
Paralegal Ethics
Paralegal Studies

Earning Criteria

ACP courses are available for anyone; however only a current CP can obtain the ACP credential upon completion of an advanced course. The individual does not have to be certified through NALA to qualify for the program. They must earn and maintain their CP to qualify for the ACP program.
An assessment component is part of the curriculum-based program, as well as interactive exercises. The average course is about 20 hours in length and organized into multiple chapters, so individuals can earn up to 20 hours of CLE for completing an ACP course.
NALA Advanced Certified Paralegals must renew their Certified Paralegal (CP) certification every five years. When the CP is renewed the ACP is also renewed. ACPs must continually work to maintain proper certification. Lifetime certification is not available due to the continual change in laws and procedures.

Standards

National Commission for Certifying Agencies

National Commission for Certifying Agencies through Institute for Credentialing Excellence.