Certification: Which Credential Is Right for YOU?
By Vicki Voisin, ACP

In last week’s issue of Paralegal Strategies, I discussed the reasons why you should pursue certification.

There are many choices for certification credentials, so today I’m focusing on how to choose the one that is right for you. This is a very personal decision.

Choices:  National paralegal associations provide certification examinations (ie NALA, NFPA, NALS).There are also several levels of examination, which provide you with the opportunity to obtain basic certification and then move on to more advanced certification. For instance:

NALS offers

• ALS ~ Accredited Legal Secretary
• PLS ~ Professional Legal Secretary
• PP ~ Professional Paralegal and
  
• The Specialty Certificate Program

NFPA offers

• RP ~ Pace Registered Competency Exam
• CRP ~ Paralegal CORE Competency Exam

NALA Offers

• CLA/CP ~ Certified Paralegal
• ACP ~ Advanced Certified Paralegal (choose from 19 ACP designations)

In addition to the national associations, there are voluntary certification programs offered by some states...examples are Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky and Florida (there are others!). And even some cities: in Houston you can become a Professional Houston Paralegal (PHP).

All have different structures and eligibility requirements, as well as different continuing education and re-certification requirements.

The credentialing organization you choose must be a bona fide entity. A certification examination is not something that is thrown up overnight. This process takes a great deal of planning. Further, there are standards for certification exams. It is crucial that

• the organization prepares an examination under the guidance of professional testing consultants,
  
• the exam be continually reviewed for accuracy, and that it be updated on a regular basis.
• the exam be administered under rules and regulations in accordance with governmental acts and with such issues as anti-trust and fairness. 
• the organization agrees to keep applications and records confidential

Now that you understand some of the things to look for in a certifying entity, there are some things to think about that relate just to you:

• Which credential is most recognized in the area where you live?
• Which credential will be of most use to you in your work? For example, if you focus on litigation, you probably would not pursue certification in bankruptcy.
• Will you have adequate study support? Is there a study group available through your local association? Does the national association provide a study course?
  
• What expenses are involved? Be sure to consider whether you have to travel to take the exam and what study materials you need to purchase
  

There are some wrong reasons, too:

• Do not look for easy. If certification were simple, everyone would have the credential. You want your credential to set you apart, to say that you are special.
• You're not doing this for an increase in pay. While a nice raise may be a result of certification, you cannot depend on it. Instead, pursue certification for your own satisfaction and, remember, it may help you get a new job down the road.
  

Your challenge: If you already have a professional credential, congratulations! If you don't, please put that at the top of your list of professional goals and start thinking right now about which credential would be right for you.

==========================
© 2012 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determini ng the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.

More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.