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CMAAS Senior Associate interview questions?
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What "tests" are you referring to that you didn't take? Most paralegal programs in CA are certificated programs. You complete [x] classes and when done you are a paralegal. No one cares about NALA except NALA members.
AI says: "The Texas Tech paralegal certificate program makes you a certificated paralegal, not a Certified Paralegal (CP). A certificate indicates completion of an educational program, while certification requires passing a rigorous, independent exam from an organization like NALA or the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). "
As a paralegal who has both a paralegal certificate from an ABA rated program AND NALA ACP and CAS certifications, I can tell you that every one of my employers offered me a higher wage with those certifications. Those certifications are things you study and take a comprehensive exam for. When I took the first basic exam, it was a two day event. Didn’t pass the first time, but did pass on the second try.
The one thing employers insist on is a paralegal certification from an ABA rated program. No getting around that one. The NALA certifications set you apart as a more qualified and knowledgeable employee in your field of study.
If you become an attorney, you won’t be the only one with a CP or ACP certification. And the pay bump is nice!
If you’re job searching you might as well study for it and take it but if you had a job I would tell you don’t bother because you’ll want a summer clerk job soon instead. I have my ACP and I think they’ve changed it since I took it but it’s probably great review for you going into law school.