Membership
What are the three types of membership NALA offers?
Active, Associate & Sustaning, and Student
After I become certified, how and when do I renew my certification?
Certification is for a 5-year period. Within those 5 years, CPs are required to obtain 50 hours of CLE, 5 hours of which must be in Legal Ethics. There is a cap of 10 non-substantive hours per 5-year period. In the last month of the 5th year, CPs must submit a recertification form and pay a recertification fee.
How much does a 1-hour webinar cost?
$49 for members, $79 for non-members
The ticket is in their name badge holder.
Who is NALA's board president?
Cheryl Nodarse, ACP
How much does active membership cost? Are there any discounts?
Standard membership is $154. Members of affiliates get 25%, $115.50.
What are the two parts of the exam? Describe.
1. Knowledge Exam: multiple-choice exam based on Federal Law and Procedure
2. Skills Exam: written essay questions
Attendees will need to log in to their NALA account and access their education portal. From there, they can print the certificate.
Can I bring a guest to the Annual Meeting luncheon?
Additional lunch tickets may be purchased for $50 at the registration desk.
What is NALA's Mission
Equipping paralegals for the challenges of the future through certification, professional development, and advocacy.
How do I become a member?
The application form can be mailed/emaild or applicants can join under the Membership page.
When are the exams given?
I signed up for an on-demand webinar. How long do I have to access the course?
One year from the date of purchase.
The star indicates the attendee is a first timer or has not attended a conference in several years. We use these show other attendees know and can be extra helpful and welcoming to first timers.
If I fail a portion of the exam, do I have to pay to retake the test?
Yes, there is a $150 retake fee plus the testing center fee.
Is there a discount if I become a member at conference?
Yes, conferene attendees who join during the conference get a 25% discount. They must sign up using the code 25For25.
How much does the exam cost?
Standard application fee: $375
NALA member: $325
NALA Student member: $150
Paralegal Student: $175
Testing Center Fees:
Knowledge Exam: $67
Skills Exam: $60
Remote Proctoring: $50
Is it free to attend the Affiliated Association Reception and Showcase?
Yes, the showcase is open to all conference attendees at no additional charge.
How many attempts does an applicant have to take each portion of the exam?
The applicant has up to 3 attempts to take the Knowledge/Skills exam. The applicant must wait 90 days between each attempt. If they do not pass withing that time period, they have to reapply for the exam.
What are the key benefits of being a member?
$80 education voucher, active type only; subscription to Facts & Findings; comp U&C; select comp membership; discounted rates on e-learning materials, the CP book, CP exam, & CP practice exam; Affinity Discounts, & SimpleLaw access.
What are the categories an applicant can qualify under to take the exam? Briefly explain each category.
1. Paralegal Education
2. Bachelor's degree in any field + 1 year of paralegal experience or 15 semester hours of substantive legal coursework.
3. Paralegal Experience: High school diploma or GED, 5 years of experience working as a paralegal, & 20 hours of CLE within the past two years of application.
How do I become an ACP? Is there a cost?
The ACP credential is issued after a CP has completed an ACP course. Courses are $250 for members, $300 for nonmembers.
Can I still buy a ticket for the Gala?
Yes, Gala tickets will be sold and the registration desk until we are unable to accommodate guests.
What is the application process for the certification exam.
An applicant must complete an application form. Once approved, the cert team sends a notification letter. The applicant has 365 days from the approval date to take the Knowledge Exam. After they pass and are approved, they have an additional 365 days to take the Skills exam.