Top 12 Accredited Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

To begin your practice as a professional and qualified paralegal, you may complete a paralegal certificate online program and become certified.  This is one of the first steps toward working in an office of law.  Certificates are credentials awarded by colleges and universities, usually after one has earned an associate’s or bachelor’s in a related or unrelated field.

But what is a paralegal certificate?  Will it get you a job?  Will it label you a certified paralegal?  Do you want to earn a paralegal certificate online?  Which paralegal certificate program is best for you?

As long as there is law and order, there is a need for professional paralegals to support the work of lawyers. The current career outlook for paralegals sits at 10% through 2029. This is a much faster than average rate of increase according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that number dropped five percent since the 2016-2026 BLS outlook. Therefore, the competition can be stiff. Having an educational advantage can make you a more qualified candidate for the job you want.

In this article, we’ll break down what paralegal certificates are, why they are important, and how to find the best paralegal certificate programs online for your career goals.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Become a Paralegal Online | Online Paralegal Certificate Programs | Cost | Top 12 Online Paralegal Certificate Programs | Paralegal Certificate vs. Degree | Admission Requirements | ABA Accreditation | Certificate vs. Certification | Do I Need a Paralegal Certification? | NALA CP Process | FAQs | Conclusion

Become A Paralegal Online

To become a paralegal, you may pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Employers today tend to lean towards applicants with bachelor’s degrees. However, since there are so few bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, the expected path is to earn a bachelor’s in another field, let’s say, business administration or English. Then go on to earn a certificate in paralegal studies.

An online paralegal certificate is the quickest and most accessible way to become competitive for jobs in the paralegal field. That’s because it takes less time to get a paralegal certificate than it does to complete another degree, including an associate’s.

Paralegals work in many types of environments: law firms, corporate legal offices, and government agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for paralegals is around $56,230 as of May 2021. This is much higher than the average salary figures for secretaries and office workers, who do many similar tasks, but without the specialized training and capabilities of a paralegal. Paralegals help law firms cut down on costs. This is true because they do much of the support work for lawyers beyond basic secretarial tasks. This is why the outlook on job growth in this profession is positive.

For a lucky few who have already gotten a job working in a law office, an online paralegal program, or specialized certificate, can provide credentials allowing advancement in their current career, taking on more complex tasks to assist lawyers in all types of matters. While working, whether in a legal department or any other profession, taking an online paralegal certificate program is a great way to move towards higher-paying jobs in law.

Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

One of the great advantages of online paralegal training programs is that they are almost always 100% online. There are few to no on-campus requirements. Several programs have hybrid or blended options as well. While searching for an online paralegal certificate program, search for what works best for your schedule; asynchronous or synchronous courses, project timelines, group work, etc.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Paralegal Certificate?

Online paralegal certificate programs can take anywhere from nine months to one and a half years to complete. This depends on the full- or part-time schedule of the program and whether or not your certificate is self-paced. However, most programs are between 25 and 30 credits in total and take 2 to 3 semesters to finish.

Many paralegal certificate programs online have a set order of basic courses you must follow to get your certificate. However, you may have the option to choose electives in specialty areas of law that interest you.

The time required to complete work for the paralegal online courses can vary from school to school. A good rule of thumb is that if you take a 3-credit course, then you will spend about nine hours per week. Three of the nine hours are spent accessing class materials online, and five to six hours studying or completing assignments on your own.

Accelerated Paralegal Programs

Some paralegal certificate programs are “accelerated.” This means their courses can usually be completed in 6 to 8 weeks. Additionally, the complete program can be completed in one year or less. Such programs are perfect for aspiring paralegals who want to jump into the workforce as quickly as possible. However, most of these require full-time program attendance, as you’ll take two courses per semester on average.

Courses & Competencies

Basic courses in all online paralegal programs will cover the legal system, research for law, writing and communication, litigation and procedures, document preparation, and ethics in law offices. However, some programs include real estate law, family law, criminal law, or other special areas in their basic curriculum. Even more, programs will have these and other areas as elective options.

The primary competencies taught in online paralegal education are communication and interpersonal skills, technologies for the legal field, and organizational and research skills. Students will also gain the knowledge to assist attorneys within the legal system of the United States. You’ll also need to be able to use Microsoft Office suite and other basic computer technologies.

Online paralegal certificate programs will orient students to the work that will be required of them as paralegals. This work includes researching facts and laws for cases. Additionally, paralegals organize and file documents, write reports and correspondence, support lawyers in cases, and communicate with clients, courts and others.

Career Services & Job Placement

Many of the best online paralegal certificate programs offer additional benefits to students besides academic courses. These include career services and job placement assistance. Such services can help students find employment after graduation. For example, a career services center at a university might give graduates access to a job board or hiring fair. At which time, students can submit their applications to law firms looking for new paralegals. Don’t forget to consider other student services as well, like tutoring assistance or access to online textbooks. These perks can make a major difference when deciding between two similar programs.

Online Paralegal Certificate Program Cost

Online paralegal certificate programs typically cost between $3000 and $10,000. The cheaper programs are usually between $3000 and $5000, while more expensive programs will run you closer to $10,000. A few programs may be completed for less than $3000, though these are rare.

Given these low costs, it’s possible to simply pay for an online paralegal certificate program out-of-pocket. Or pay by saving up money for a few months or years. However, aspiring paralegals can also take advantage of financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Note that these financial aid opportunities are almost exclusively available to students who can demonstrate major financial need or who are part of underrepresented communities and groups. Since the programs are relatively cheap compared to other higher education programs, most scholarships are only awarded to those who need them.

Online paralegal certificate cost does not necessarily indicate program quality. Instead, program quality is dictated by the format and rigor of the courses, the experience of the faculty, and student support resources, like tutoring assistance.

Top 12 Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

Education is the first step in finding a well-paying job as a paralegal, so let’s look at paralegal studies programs you can take online. These cheap online paralegal certificate programs may be easy on your budget, but the knowledge and skills gained is priceless.

1. Yavapai College – Paralegal Studies Certificate

   In-State Tuition: $2,610
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   Yavapai College’s Paralegal Studies program is two semesters long and comprises 30 credits. It’s great for those without any higher education. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for those who already have associate’s or bachelor’s degrees. The program covers topics like civil procedures, legal research and writing, and ethics and the law.

   Students may choose a concentration of 3 to 6 credits in topics like civil practice, criminal law, family law, and administrative law. The program can be completed in less than one year. Students can take advantage of financial aid and scholarships from Yavapai if needed. More importantly, the cheapest paralegal certificate online due to Yavapai’s overall low tuition rates.

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2. Mohave Community College – Certificate in Paralegal

   In-State Tuition: $2,640
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   Mohave Community College’s paralegal online certificate program covers topics of study such as ethical rules for legal community members, legal research strategies, legal writing skills, and case fact investigation skills.

   The program is 30 credits in total. Students who complete the program will qualify to sit for the Arizona Legal Document Preparer Examination. This exam qualifies them to work as Arizona licensed paralegals. Students can transfer courses into this program from other universities. Although, the course has to have a “C” grade or better.

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3. Massachusetts Bay Community College – Paralegal Studies Certificate

   In-State Tuition: $5,724
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

   Massachusetts Bay Community College offers a paralegal studies certificate that prepares students to work under attorney supervision. The program is two semesters and 27 credits in total. It covers topics such as legal research and writing skills, principles of business law, litigation for paralegals, and more.

   Furthermore, students of this program will receive online training research methods instruction. This will help them assist law offices that require research work. Students can transfer credits from this paralegal online certificate into the Associate in Science Degree Program from MassBay, if they so choose.

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4. Lake Superior College – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

   In-State Tuition: $6,145.20
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

   The online certificate program in paralegal studies at Lake Superior College can be completed in a year. In this case, this program can be applied towards the associate degree in paralegal studies if students wish to continue their education. For Minnesota residents, tuition is very affordable making it one of the cheapest paralegal certificate online programs. Out-of-state students will pay more for this online paralegal program.

   Instruction in legal software, terminology, documents, and research are part of the program. Additionally, the program covers state and federal court systems, procedural and substantive law, and client interaction. Most courses are required, with just one elective course in this comprehensive program.

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5. Tompkins Cortland Community College – Paralegal Studies Certificate

   In-State Tuition: $6,674
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

   This college’s two-semester, 32-credit paralegal studies program is perfect for students who already have bachelor’s degrees and who want to broaden their career prospects. However, the program can take up to three semesters to complete if you wish to pursue it on a part-time schedule.

   Regardless, all students will take exclusively online courses. Topics like legal research and drafting, real estate law, wills and estate planning, and much more are covered. The program’s credits can be transferred into an AAS degree in paralegal studies, which is 63 credits. Alternatively, students can take just 12 credits for a “microcredential,” in Special Education Advocacy.

   The program is completely asynchronous and the courses are offered completely online. Students can also take advantage of start dates every semester or year-round.

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6. University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

   In-State Tuition: $6,900
   Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

   The entirely online certificate program in paralegal studies at UMass-Lowell allows students to go at their own pace. Students can take one or two courses per semester. There are three semesters per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer. There are four required courses and two electives in this certificate program. In case students wish to continue their education after the certificate program, they can apply all credits to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or liberal arts.

   There is no application fee for this online paralegal program. However, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to receive the certificate, which takes approximately 18 months.

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7. Liberty University – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

   In-State Tuition: $7,518
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   Liberty University’s 100% online undergraduate certificate in paralegal studies has eight-week classes, eight start dates per year, and is completed in an average of one year. With free online textbooks for all its courses, not to mention military tuition discounts, this program is affordable and very flexible.

   This nonprofit Christian school offers the possibility of completing the paralegal studies online program in as little as two semesters. No transfer credits are allowed in the 18-credit hour certificate program. This fast-track option to enter the legal field allows working adults to continue their education while attending to family and work commitments.

   At this time, requirements for admission include a high school self-certification form, a 2.0 GPA on any previous college courses, and proof of English proficiency.

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8. Prince George’s Community College – Certificate in Paralegal Studies/Legal Studies

   In-State Tuition: $7,550
   Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

   Prince George’s Committee College paralegal certificate online accredited by MSCHE is available 100% online. It teaches students topics and tactics such as alternate dispute resolution, with this interviewing, drafting motions, and much more. Any credits earned can be applied toward the school’s AAS degree.

   The program has 30 credits in total. All students can benefit from career coach advising and personalized tutoring assistance. Thus, this could be a great choice for those who haven’t yet attended higher education programs and who need a little extra help getting back into the swing of academics.

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9. Hampton University – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

   In-State Tuition: $9,300
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

   At Hampton University, students can acquire a certificate in paralegal studies. The program is intended to assist future paralegals in both the public and private practice sectors as well as in corporate or governmental law. Any academic credits earned can be transferred to a BA in Paralegal Studies program.

   Each course is eight weeks long. Students can complete the program in as little as one year (provided they enroll in two courses per semester). Although this is a cheap paralegal certificate online, Hampton University offers extensive financial aid resources to all students. So be sure to apply.

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10. Duke University – Certificate in Paralegal Specialist

    In-State Tuition: $9,580
    Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

    Duke University’s online paralegal certificate program is geared toward people looking to change careers. This is a 300-hour program (not 300 credits) that includes a set number of hours of essential skills for a paralegal. The essential skills students learn during the program are evidence, research, pleadings, motions, writing, courts and technology. The online paralegal program hosts electives in two of the four special areas offered: contract, tort, criminal, or business law. Students learn how to create and manipulate legal documents. Instructors can even help with specific state legal documents anywhere in the US.

    Admission requires an associate or bachelor’s degree, English fluency, and internet skills/access. The program is self-paced and must be completed within one year. This is a non-credit certificate program, so the coursework does not count towards any degree program. Applications are accepted year-round.

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11. Franklin Pierce University – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

    In-State Tuition: $12,200
    Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

    Franklin Pierce University’s 100% online certificate in paralegal studies, in fact, prepares students to take the NALA CP exam.

    This 30-credit paralegal certificate program gives a foundation in theoretical as well as practical legal issues. Courses in the program include microcomputer applications, legal analysis, tort law, probate law, litigation, real estate law, corporate law, family law and criminal law.

    The university partners with the military. Therefore, military members, spouses and family members should check on financial assistance.

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12. Mississippi College – Certificate in Paralegal Studies

    In-State Tuition: $16,203
    Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

    Mississippi College’s certificate in paralegal studies is 27 credit hours in total. It is intended for post-baccalaureate students. The program is notable because it only requires 15 hours to be completed at Mississippi College. The rest of the program’s credits can be transferred from another university if the credits are at a grade level of “C” or higher.

    Throughout the program, students will learn topics such as legal writing, family law and equity practice, and mechanics of property transactions. The online program is completely asynchronous. Therefore, you don’t have to attend any live lectures or live-streamed activities.

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Online Paralegal Certificate Program vs. Degree

A paralegal certificate is a shorter educational credential. It takes one year or two semesters to complete a paralegal certificate program online. Additionally, most paralegal certificates are between 20 and 30 credits in total.

A paralegal certificate is typically for students who already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. An online paralegal certificate program trains students to act as paralegals. It trains them to be knowledgeable legal professionals who assist attorneys and law firms in research, paper writing, and much more. A paralegal certificate is a mark of paralegal knowledge that’s distinct from a degree.

The differences between paralegal certificates and degrees are length and focus. Generally, a paralegal certificate provides you with the core knowledge you need to work as a paralegal in most law offices. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to somewhat specialize your knowledge with one or two elective classes. You can pursue a paralegal certificate after earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another major/subject.

In contrast, a paralegal degree, such as a bachelor’s in paralegal studies, is a separate educational credential. It requires four years of study. A bachelor’s is typically 120 credits in total. While such a degree is useful, it’s not strictly necessary to become a paralegal in most cases.

Admission Requirements for Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

Most online paralegal certificate programs require you to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree before applying. You do not need to take any tests to apply for these programs. Although, some may require you to meet GPA requirements or standards, such as 2.5 overall. Other common online paralegal program prerequisites include submission of a resume, writing sample, professional recommendations, and school transcripts. Online paralegal certificates do not require advanced exam test scores, like GRE scores, even though many of them are post-baccalaureate. They may also require applicants to have completed prerequisite classes in law.

To complete a paralegal certificate program, you must complete all of the credits with a passing C grade or higher. Most paralegal certificate programs online do not have final exams or require you to submit any final projects.

ABA Accreditation & Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

There are some online paralegal certificate programs approved by the ABA, American Board Association. When you are training to become a paralegal, it is encouraged to look for an online paralegal certificate ABA-approved curriculum. ABA-approval gives a certificate, degree or school more credibility in the field of law. However, there are no 100% ABA paralegal certificate online programs. However, the association has approved many hybrid options.

Yet, don’t despair! Though the ABA is the national association for the legal profession, each state has its own requirements for paralegals. Many states do not require a paralegal certificate online ABA-approved for employment. In most states, paralegals have their own state professional organizations that offer voluntary licensing or certification.

Therefore, a paralegal certificate online ABA-approved program is not always required to be hired at a firm. That said, while you can sit for the NALA CP Exam without completing a paralegal degree or certificate program, you’ll need several years of working experience as a paralegal to qualify for it otherwise. For most aspiring paralegals just starting out, completing an ABA-approved program is the best course of action.

Online Paralegal Certificate Program vs. Certification

While paralegal certificate and paralegal certification sound similar, they are distinct things.

A paralegal certificate is an educational credential that proves a student has completed a paralegal educational program. Paralegal education program equally refers to college degree and paralegal certificate programs.

Paralegal certification refers to the process through which an organization, like the NALA, gives a paralegal official recognition that they meet skill or knowledge requirements. As an example, an aspiring paralegal can complete a paralegal certificate program and earn their paralegal certificate. Then, they can become a certified paralegal through the NALA via the certification process.

At the present time when this article was written, paralegal certification is completely voluntary. States like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio offer voluntary certification opportunities for paralegals who are already working.

Regardless of where you live and work, completing a paralegal certificate program and becoming certified by the NALA can only improve your career prospects. The NALA, offers a national exam to test skills and knowledge that allows someone to be a certified paralegal. A paralegal certification will make your resume much more attractive to employers.

Do I Need a Paralegal Certification?

Currently, only California requires paralegals to have NALA certification to be employed. However, employers recognize the benefits of paralegal certificates and certification. Having both a paralegal certificate and certification will make you a strong candidate for employment at a legal firm.

Certification requirements depend on your state of residence.

Common types of paralegal certification include:

• Certified Paralegal (CP), which demonstrates your knowledge of paralegal duties  by National Association for Legal Assistants
• Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC), which showcases specialization in topics like family law, land use, or discovery
• Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), which expands your knowledge of business communication, records management, and legal procedures
• Professional Paralegal (PP), by NALS which marks a paralegal as exceptional in all areas of the law and is valid for five years upon passing the exam

NALA Certified Paralegal Process

NALA is a nonprofit paralegal professional association that offers professional certification and resources to aspiring and current paralegals. It’s an important organization to acquire certification from since that shows you are competent in paralegal studies and skills according to the dominant professional organization in the industry. Employers will be more likely to hire you if you have NALA certification.

The most common certification to earn is that of NALA Certified Paralegal (CP). CP certification marks you as qualified to work as a paralegal by the most trusted professional institution in this industry. It’s analogous to being certified by the American Bar Association as a lawyer.

Indeed, many high-paying employers do require paralegal applicants to be CP-certified through the NALA. To sit for the NALA CP Exam, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Completed a paralegal program approved by the ABA, an associate program in paralegal studies, or a post-baccalaureate certificate program in paralegal studies
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal program that includes at least 60 semester hours and at least 15 semester hours of substantial legal courses
• Completed a bachelor’s degree in any field, plus have one year of experience as a paralegal or have completed at least 15 semester hours of paralegal courses
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent plus have at least seven years of experience as a paralegal and at least 20 hours of continuing legal education in the two years prior to sitting for the exam

As you can see, you don’t need to complete a college paralegal program to sit for the CP exam. But it’s still beneficial, and you’ll otherwise need to have significant experience working as a paralegal to qualify for certification.

If you have the CP certification, then you’ll show that you are ready to work as a knowledgeable, experienced paralegal and will be more likely to acquire desirable paralegal jobs. Ultimately, if you want your job application to be as competitive as possible, you need to have a paralegal certificate from a worthwhile university and pass the NALA CP exam.

FAQs

What is a paralegal?

A paralegal is a trained legal professional who assists individual attorneys or entire law firms with a variety of tasks, including writing notes, organizing paperwork, drafting important documents, gathering facts of the case, summarizing reports, and much more. Paralegals also assist lawyers in preparing for hearings, trials, and other important meetings. Paralegals primarily use computer software and technology to accomplish these tasks.

How do I become a paralegal?

To become a paralegal, you must meet any requirements from a prospective employer. Most states don’t require you to have a certain certificate or license to practice as a paralegal, except for California. Most employers want applicants to have a paralegal certificate from an online university or be certified CPs by NALA. Others want paralegal applicants to have bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, though this is rarer.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal secretary?

A legal secretary is essentially a legal office assistant or receptionist. They answer phones, take notes, and prepare supplies for others. Paralegals are more extensively trained and provide more comprehensive, in-depth legal support work for lawyers. They also assist directly on cases depending on their skill sets and the needs of their employers.

How to get a paralegal certificate?

To get a paralegal certificate, you must apply for a paralegal program at a university, then complete the requisite courses. Most paralegal certificate programs are around 30 credits in length. After completing each of your courses, apply for CP certification from NALA to make your resume attractive to employers. Certification is the process by which you become certified by the NALA.

How much does a paralegal certificate cost?

A paralegal certificate usually costs anywhere from $5000-$10,000. However, some programs are much cheaper, hovering around $3000. You can also take advantage of financial aid opportunities if you can’t afford the price for a paralegal certificate program.

Start Exploring Online Paralegal Certificate Programs Today!

The legal field is an exciting place to work, no matter where you start. Every paralegal will learn new things every day as they research cases to support lawyers in their work. Getting the core education to begin a career as a paralegal is possible online from the comfort of your own home. This is certainly a great way to get started in a field with the potential for increased responsibility, interesting cases, and a fulfilling career as a paralegal!