The NALA Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential remains one of the most widely recognized paralegal certifications in the U.S. Here is what is actually required to earn it.
Eligibility
Applicants generally qualify through one of a few paths, most commonly either graduating from (or being currently enrolled in) a paralegal studies program, or holding a high school diploma plus five years of substantive paralegal experience along with at least 20 hours of continuing legal education completed in the two years before applying.
The exam
The CP credential requires passing a two-part exam: a multiple-choice Knowledge Exam covering legal research, ethics, writing, and substantive law, followed by an essay-based Skills Exam. The Knowledge Exam must be passed first.
Cost and renewal
Application fees start at $325 for NALA members and $375 for non-members. Once earned, the CP credential must be renewed every five years, which requires 50 hours of continuing legal education (at least 5 of those hours specifically in legal ethics).
Sources: NALA, Certification · ParalegalEDU, Certified Paralegal Guide 2026
