CLA/CP Exams

 CLA/CP Examinations

See a PowerPoint Presentation at: http://www.nala.org/Examinee_Presentation/frame.htm

The Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program was established in 1976.  It has enabled the legal assistant/paralegal profession to develop a strong and responsive self-regulatory program offering a nationwide credential for legal assistants.

Through December 1990, 3,974 legal assistants/paralegals were certified through the country.  As of March 2008 testing session, there are 14,752 Certified Legal Assistants/Paralegals and 1,445 Advanced Certified Paralegals in the United States.  This represents an increase of over 200% in the number of Certified Legal Assistants/Paralegals in the last sixteen years.  Since the examination was first administered in 1976, over 25,000 legal assistants/paralegals have participated in this program.  Texas has 2,855 Certified Legal Assistants/Paralegals.

The Certified Legal Assistant/Parelegal (CLA/CP) Examination is a comprehensive, two-day examination based upon federal laws and rules of civil procedure.  An examination fee is required and all applicants must meet clearly defined eligibility requirements in order to qualify to take this nationally recognized exam.  In order to pass, a legal assistant/paralegal must successfully complete all five sections of the CLA/CP examination within a three-year period.

The major subject areas of the examination are:

Communications
Ethics
Human Relations and Interviewing Techniques
Judgment & Analytical Ability
Legal Research
Legal Terminology

Substantive Law - This Section consists of five mini-examinations covering the American Legal System and four (4) of the areas listed below as selected by examinees:

Administrative Law
Bankruptcy
Business Organizations/Corporations
Contracts
Criminal Law and Procedure
Family Law
Litigation
Probate and Estate Planning
Real Estate

The CLA/CP examination is offered three times a year:  March/April (depending on the holiday schedule); July and December.  Application forms and the requisite fees must be received by the published filing dates.  Filing deadline dates are January 15 for the March/April examination, May 15 for the July examination and October 1 for the December examination session.

 "Upcoming Testing Dates"

   Examination Date:
March 28-29, 2008
Application Filing Deadline:
January 15, 2008
Late Application Filing Deadline (With $25 late filing fee):
January 30, 2008

   Examination Date:
July 11-12, 2008
Application Filing Deadline:
May 15, 2008
Late Application Filing Deadline (With $25 late filing fee):
May 30, 2008

   Examination Date:
December 5-6, 2008
Application Filing Deadline:
October 1, 2008
Late Application Filing Deadline (With $25 late filing fee):
October 16, 2008

The fee for the CLA/CP examination is $225 for NALA members and $250 for non-members of NALA.  Retake fees are $50 per section.  Effective August 2001, the CLA examination program has been approved by the Veterans Administration under the new licensing and certification benefit.  The VA aill pay the examination fee for qualified veterans.  For further information, see:
www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm

For further information on the testing dates and deadlines, please go to:
http://www.nala.org

NALA also offers information about examination topics and available study materials.  This information is also available on the website.