If you need help studying for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free Certified Paralegal exam practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the Certified Paralegal exam, you’ll have to meet at least ONE of the requirements below:
- You need a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of paralegal experience
- You need to graduate from a paralegal program approved by NALA
- You need to have a high school diploma (or some equivalent) and at least seven years of paralegal experience
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
The exam is split into two separate tests: the Knowledge Exam and the Skills Exam. You have to take and pass the Knowledge Exam first, then take the Skills Exam.
The Knowledge Exam 120 multiple-choice questions total, but only 100 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 20 unscored questions on the exam are called “pre-test” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pre-test. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
Let’s take a closer look at each exam.
KNOWLEDGE EXAM
120 questions
The Knowledge Exam is split into ten sections:
1. The US Legal System
15 scored questions
- Sources of law
- The judicial system
- Remedies
- Administrative law
2. Civil Litigation
15 scored questions
- Jurisdiction
- Federal rules of civil procedure and evidence
- Alternative dispute resolution
3. Contracts
10 scored questions
- Formation
- Rights
- Duties
- Enforcement and defenses
4. Corporate/Commercial Law
10 scored questions
- Business organizations
- Rights and responsibilities
5. Criminal Law and Procedure
7 scored questions
6. Estate Planning and Probate
7 scored questions
- Estates
- Trusts
- Wills
7. Real Estate and Property
8 scored questions
- Property rights
- Ownership
- Transactions
8. Torts
10 scored questions
- Negligence
- Strict liability
9. Professional and Ethical Responsibility
12 scored questions
- ABA Model rules of unauthorized practice of law
10. Debtor/Creditor and Bankruptcy
6 scored questions
SKILLS EXAM
1 writing assignment
The Skills Exam is made up of a single writing assignment. You’ll be given a legal memorandum (a detailed description of a legal situation), which usually involves some sort of dispute with several facts, dates, and events to pay attention to. Your job is to analyze this memorandum and respond effectively.
You’re being tested in two main areas:
1. Legal Writing
10 points
- Composition
- Mechanics
2. Critical Thinking
20 points
- Spotting issues
- Identifying relevant facts
- Analyzing facts and rules
- Drawing conclusions
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on NALA’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $375. NALA members only have to pay $325, and there are military discounts available.
CLA/CP Study Guide and Flashcards
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Exam Scores
The test is scored using a the Angoff method. Here’s how it works:
The Angoff method involves a group of subject-matter experts taking an educated guess at the percentage of candidates who would correctly answer each question on the test. These estimates are then averaged to set a cut-off score, which test-takers must meet or exceed to pass.
This method aims to ensure the pass threshold reflects the level of knowledge or skill that is deemed minimally acceptable for a particular profession or field.
NALA doesn’t provide a specific passing score; your score report will simply say “pass” or “fail.”
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 90-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the Certified Paralegal exam?
The exam contains 120 questions and one writing assignment.
What is the time limit for the Certified Paralegal exam?
The full exam is timed at 5 hours.
What is the passing score for the Certified Paralegal exam?
The passing score isn’t made public by NALA.
How much does the Certified Paralegal exam cost?
The testing fee is $375 ($325 for NALA members).