Paralegal Credentials Explained: Certificate Programs vs. State Certification

Paralegals play a crucial role in law firms, especially solo and small firm practices, serving as the backbone that supports attorneys in managing heavy caseloads and maintaining smooth operations. Far beyond administrative tasks, paralegals are skilled professionals who conduct detailed legal research, draft essential documents, and organize case files, contributions that not only streamline workflow but also save firms significant time and resources.

Paralegals have complex responsibilities. In addition to practice management, paralegals often serve as the primary client relationship manager. They often are the voice of calm for clients in distress, and they serve as a conduit of information between client and lawyer. Paralegals ultimately enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and client service of the firm. In today’s fast-paced legal environment, the value that paralegals bring to a law firm cannot be overstated.

Some paralegals have on-the-job training and many years of work experience. Others come to the profession having attended paralegal education programs. In North Carolina, there are no mandatory requirements for paralegal education, but there are a few paths available for educational credentials that are an option at any point in the paralegal career.

Understanding the Basics: Certificate vs. Certification

To start, let’s clarify the difference between a "certificate" and "certification" in the context of paralegal education and professional development.

Paralegal Certificate: A paralegal certificate is an educational credential awarded by a college or university upon completion of a paralegal studies program. These programs focus on providing students with foundational knowledge and skills needed to work in a legal setting. Certificate programs are designed for those looking to enter the paralegal profession and do not necessarily require any prior legal experience.

Paralegal Certification: A paralegal certification is a professional credential earned by passing a certification exam. Certification is often overseen by a regulatory body, in North Carolina, the regulatory body is the NC State Bar. Achieving certification signifies a level of professional competence and knowledge in the paralegal field, often resulting in higher credibility and more employment opportunities.

Both the paralegal certificate and the certification have unique benefits, but understanding the requirements and purpose of each may help you identify your own career path.

Paralegal Certificate Programs: Building a Foundation

A paralegal certificate program is often the first step for individuals who are initially entering the legal field. Programs like the Meredith College Paralegal Program located in Raleigh provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to perform various paralegal duties, from legal research to drafting documents.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Paralegal certificate programs vary in length and structure but typically span several months to a year. They include coursework in areas such as:

• Legal Research and Writing where students learn how to locate, interpret, and apply legal resources.
• Civil Litigation which covers the basics of the litigation process, including the stages of a civil case and procedures.
• Contract Law in which paralegals must understand the fundamentals of contracts to assist in drafting and reviewing them.
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility should always be a core component of a credible paralegal program since understanding ethical guidelines is essential to all employees of law firms.

In addition to core legal subjects, many certificate programs also cover legal technology skills, such as e-discovery tools, database management, and document review software, which are increasingly essential in modern legal work.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for certificate programs vary by institution. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent for a community college associates degree program, but some programs are post-degree and require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. This broad accessibility makes paralegal certificate programs ideal for those seeking to pivot into the legal field from another career.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion, students earn a certificate in paralegal studies. While this certificate alone does not make them certified paralegals, it signals to potential employers that they have undergone formal training. Many entry-level paralegal positions accept candidates with a paralegal certificate, as it demonstrates foundational legal knowledge and job readiness.

Paralegal Certificate Programs

In North Carolina, there are many paralegal certificate programs available. Meredith College has an ABA-approved, post-graduate degree certificate program that began in 1980. There are more than 20 colleges and universities that offer programs including the NC Community College System with campuses located across the state.

Some programs are two-year associate degree programs, while others are designed for recent college graduates, working  paralegals, or working professionals looking to make a career change.

You can research the wide variety of programs available at the website Paralegal 411, which has a listing of programs by state.

NC State Bar Paralegal Certification: Elevating Professional Standards

The NC State Bar Paralegal Certification Program differs from a paralegal certificate program. It is a voluntary certification established to set and maintain high professional standards for paralegals in North Carolina. Certification by the NC State Bar is recognized statewide and demonstrates a paralegal’s commitment to professional excellence.

Certification Requirements

To be eligible for NC State Bar Paralegal Certification, candidates must meet specific educational requirements and successfully pass the certification exam.

Education requirements include completion of a paralegal studies program, or an associate or bachelor’s degree, or hold a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or paralegal educator. Another option is to have obtained and maintained a national certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations or the National Association for Legal Support Professionals.

The certification process requires passing the North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP) exam, which tests knowledge of North Carolina-specific law, as well as general paralegal skills. The exam is administered using remote proctoring. Those taking the exam use their computer’s webcam and microphone together with the testing platform ExamSoft / Examplify.

Exam Structure and Content

The NCCP exam is comprehensive and covers topics such as ethics, research, and substantive law. This exam ensures that certified paralegals have met a rigorous standard of competency in areas directly relevant to North Carolina law.

Certification Maintenance and Continuing Education

Once certified, paralegals must maintain their certification through continuing legal education (CLE) credits. This requirement ensures that certified paralegals stay current with changes in the law and continue to develop their professional skills over time.

Benefits of NC State Bar Paralegal Certification

Certified paralegals in North Carolina often have access to more job opportunities and may earn higher salaries. Additionally, certification establishes a level of credibility and demonstrates a commitment to professional growth. Employers may prefer certified paralegals for their proven knowledge and dedication, which can lead to career advancement.

The NC State Bar offers an NCCP Exam Study Guide to provide examples of how the exam is structured and to provide study resources.

Key Differences Between Paralegal Certification and Paralegal Certificate Programs

There are differences between a paralegal certificate program and certification from the NC State Bar and choosing between them depends on an individual’s career goals.

Choosing the Right Path: Which Is Best for You?

Your choice between a paralegal certificate and NC State Bar Paralegal Certification should align with your long-term career goals, prior education, and work experience.

1. Career Starters: If you’re just entering the legal field, a paralegal certificate program is an excellent way to build a solid foundation. Certificate programs offer comprehensive education and training, making you job-ready in a designated time period.
2. Career Advancement: For those already working as paralegals, certification through the NC State Bar can enhance professional standing, broaden career opportunities, and lead to higher pay. Certification is also ideal for those looking to seek an advantage in getting hired in North Carolina, as the NCCP exam is tailored to the state’s legal system.
3. Lifelong Learners: Paralegal professionals committed to ongoing education may find value in both a certificate program and certification. Many paralegals begin with a certificate program to enter the field and later pursue certification to advance their careers.

Final Thoughts

While both a paralegal certificate and certification provide valuable credentials, they serve different functions in a paralegal’s professional journey. A certificate program is often a stepping stone for new paralegals and provides essential knowledge and skills. On the other hand, certification from the NC State Bar represents a higher level of expertise and commitment to the profession, which can enhance credibility and career prospects in North Carolina. It’s also a great opportunity for a paralegal trained on-the-job to enhance their knowledge and job skills.

By understanding the differences between these options, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your career goals and sets you on the right path in the legal field. Whether you are starting out or seeking to advance, both paralegal certificates and certification programs offer unique benefits to support your growth and success as a paralegal.