There are several forms of voluntary certification available for paralegals. Some certification programs require that you have certain qualifications and that you complete a substantive examination process to attain the certification. The following are the credentials recognized by OPA. 

OPA is a member of NFPA®, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (“NFPA”).  NFPA sponsors both the PACE® certification program (“Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam®”), which bestows the Registered Paralegal or RP® credentials, and the PCCE™ certification program (“Paralegal Core Competency Exam™”) which bestows the Core Registered Paralegal or CRP™ credentials.

What is OCP? The OPA Regulation Committee drafted a voluntary certification program, the Oregon Certified Paralegal (OCP), to establish a standard of competency and accountability for paralegals in Oregon. This program is an opportunity for Oregon paralegals to validate their qualifications, offers a paralegal credential to Oregon paralegals that meet certain education and experience requirements and brings Oregon in line with other states who have enacted a voluntary certification program, whether through the local paralegal association or the local bar associations. Want more information? Click here.

What is PACE? PARALEGAL ADVANCED COMPETENCY EXAM® (PACE®), an advanced exam offered by NFPA to test the skilled and experienced Paralegal.  PACE® tests critical thinking and problem-solving skills used by experienced paralegals.  Please note, the PACE® is not for entry-level paralegals as there are strict eligibility requirements.  

Want more information? https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3298

What is PCCE™? PARALEGAL CORE COMPETENCY EXAMINATION™ (PCCE™), a base exam offered by NFPA® to test the competency of the early-career and entry-level paralegals. The PCCE™ Exam tests the knowledge, skills and ability of individuals who are working as paralegals or just entering the profession.

Want more information: https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3297

The National Association for Legal Assistants, or NALA, also sponsors a certification program called the Certified Paralegal (CP) and the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). For more information:  https://www.nala.org/certification/certified-paralegal-cp-program

The Association of Legal Professionals, or NALS, also sponsors a certification programs called the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), the Professional Legal Secretary (PLS), and the Professional Paralegal (PP). For more information: https://www.nals.org/page/certification

Need to renew your credentials?   https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3299

Need to find a Prometric testing center?  https://www.prometric.com/nfpa

To learn more or for any questions about the certification options available, contact the OPA Certification Ambassador, Jennifer Stammer at jhauge74@gmail.com