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Legal & Compliance

Issued by NALA

CP — Certified Paralegal is a professional certification issued by NALA. Certified Paralegal from NALA is the most recognized paralegal credential — required or preferred by law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.

→ Stable Demand 📊 Intermediate Updated 16 hours ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$250 (member)
Renewal5 years (50 hours CE)
ExperienceParalegal education or experience
Exam Format2-day exam
Job Postings13,258
Avg Salary$82K

📈 Employer Demand

13,258
Active Job Postings
$82K
Avg Salary
$42K – $155K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 Ballard Spahr LLP 6
2 A&W Restaurants Inc 2
3 LHH 2
4 Wilbraham, Lawler & Buba 2
5 University of Kansas Health System 1
6 Baggett Law 1
7 Matos Personal Injury Lawyers 1
8 William A. Wenzel, P.C. 1
9 Yanchuck & Blaxberg, PLLC 1
10 Martino Law Group, LLC 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 16 hours ago

Regional Demand

📍 Los Angeles County 4 postings
📍 San Francisco 3 postings
📍 Harris County 3 postings
📍 Fayette County 2 postings
📍 Multnomah County 2 postings
📍 Washington 2 postings
📍 Baltimore County 2 postings
📍 King County 2 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

Litigation Paralegal Corporate Paralegal Estate Planning Paralegal Paralegal, Litigation Paralegal, Real Estate Litigation Paralegal - Employment and Revenue Cycle Bilingual Personal Injury Paralegal Paralegal Legal Secretary

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$250
Estimated Exam Cost
+$8K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
0 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$41K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: The Certified Paralegal credential, issued by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), represents a significant credential for professionals in the legal and compliance field seeking to advance their careers and earnings potential. Legal assistants and paralegals pursue this certification to validate their expertise, enhance job prospects, and demonstrate commitment to professional standards. With nearly 11,000 active U.S. job postings and an average salary of $73,000, the CP certification carries tangible market value that justifies the investment. The exam costs $250 for NALA members and requires renewal every five years through 50 continuing education hours, making it an achievable milestone for motivated professionals looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive field.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CP — Certified Paralegal worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the CP — Certified Paralegal appears in 13,258 active job postings with an average salary of $82K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request CP — Certified Paralegal? +
Top employers currently listing CP — Certified Paralegal in job postings include: Ballard Spahr LLP, A&W Restaurants Inc, LHH, Wilbraham, Lawler & Buba, University of Kansas Health System.
How much does the CP — Certified Paralegal exam cost? +
The CP — Certified Paralegal exam costs approximately $250 (member). Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does CP — Certified Paralegal need to be renewed? +
The CP — Certified Paralegal requires renewal every 5 years (50 hours CE). Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with NALA for specific requirements.

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