Purpose and Effect of Paralegal Certification Program 
Qualifications: Education 
Application Procedure 
Exam 
Renewal 
Miscellaneous

Purpose and Effect of Paralegal Certification Program

Q1: What is the “Plan for Certification of Paralegals” (the “Plan”)?

The Plan (27 NCAC 1G) is a self-funded, voluntary certification program of the North Carolina State Bar, the regulatory agency for North Carolina lawyers. The Plan provides incentives to North Carolina paralegals to meet a minimum level of education to become a “North Carolina Certified Paralegal” and a minimum level of continuing education to maintain the certification. The Plan does not restrict the use of the term “paralegal” nor does it differentiate the services that can be provided by a certified and a non-certified paralegal. However, it does provide a much-needed benchmark to ensure paralegal competency and enhance the quality of legal services provided by North Carolina paralegals.

Q2: Why does the North Carolina State Bar certify paralegals?

The purpose of the North Carolina State Bar’s Plan for Certification of Paralegals is to assist in the delivery of legal services to the public by identifying individuals who are qualified by education and training, and have demonstrated knowledge, skill, and proficiency to perform substantive legal work under the direction and supervision of a licensed lawyer (including any individual who may be otherwise authorized by applicable state or federal law to provide legal services directly to the public), and to improve the competency of those individuals by establishing mandatory continuing legal education and other requirements of certification.

Q3: Why is the program voluntary?

The program is voluntary because it only applies to paralegals who wish to use the titles "North Carolina Certified Paralegal,""North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal," or "Paralegal Certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification." A paralegal can choose not to be certified and still perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney using the titles "paralegal" and "legal assistant.”

Q4: Do I have to be certified to work as a paralegal in North Carolina?

No. This is a voluntary certification program. Obtaining certification is not a requirement to be employed as a paralegal/legal assistant or to call yourself a paralegal in North Carolina. However, the titles "North Carolina Certified Paralegal,""North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal," and "Paralegal Certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification" are reserved for those individuals who are certified by the North Carolina State Bar.

Q5: Why would I want to commit to the certification track by taking the exam and attending continuing legal education seminars?

Whether you believe North Carolina certification is right for you is a personal decision. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the paralegal profession and provides recognition that you have met high professional standards. Certified paralegals are required to take continuing education courses, helping you stay current in the legal field which, in turn, enhances the quality of legal services you provide to attorneys. For potential employers, it makes the hiring process easier – your credentials are already verified.

Q6: How will obtaining certification help me find employment?

Certification may not have any immediate impact on employment possibilities. However, as the certification process becomes more familiar to attorneys and legal employers, some employers are beginning to hire only North Carolina Certified Paralegals. In addition, although certification is voluntary, it does give the attorney a much-needed benchmark for hiring.

Q7: If I am an attorney, how will this affect my law practice?

As attorneys confront the daily challenges of providing quality legal services to their clients, they need to be assured that the paralegals they employ to assist them are educated and qualified to provide legal services. Members of the public indirectly rely on the work performed by paralegals and many times directly rely upon information given to them by paralegals. Paralegals should know and understand their ethical duties and their limitations under the authorized practice of law statutes. They should meet minimum standards of paralegal competency. Although the Plan is voluntary, it does give the attorney a benchmark for hiring practices and, hopefully, will reduce ethical violations, the unauthorized practice of law, and malpractice claims. The Plan will not prevent attorneys from hiring an uncertified nonlawyer as a legal assistant or paralegal, but it will help attorneys to identify qualified candidates. It will also allow the attorney to publicize the employment of a certified paralegal.

Q8: Will the Plan create competition between attorneys and paralegals?

No. The Plan continues to require paralegals to be supervised by an attorney unless authorized by law to provide services directly to the public (e.g., social security disability representatives). The Plan will also enhance compliance with the authorized practice statutes by improving paralegals' understanding of the requirements of the law.

Qualifications: Education

Q1: What are the requirements to apply for the certification exam?

To become a NC Certified Paralegal you must fulfill the educational requirements and successfully pass the certification examination. Applicants should read the full standards for paralegal certification listed in 27 N.C. Admin. Code 1G.0119.

1. Be a legal resident of the United States.

2. Education or Work Experience - The applicant must have earned one of the following:

(a) an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree from a qualified paralegal studies program (must consist of 9 semester credits, or the equivalent, of classroom instruction (consisting of live, real-time, or simultaneous broadcast via satellite or webinar); or

(b) a certificate from a qualified paralegal studies program and an associate's or bachelor's degree in any discipline from any institution of post-secondary education that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (an accredited US institution) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution if the degree is determined to be equivalent to a degree from an accredited US institution by an organization that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE); or

(c) a juris doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; or

(d) a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience (comprising 10,000 work hours) as a legal assistant/paralegal or paralegal educator and, within the 12 months prior to the application, completed one hour of CLE on the topic of professional responsibility. Demonstration of work experience may be established by sworn affidavit(s) from the lawyer(s) or other supervisory personnel who has knowledge of the applicant’s work as a legal assistant/paralegal during the entirety of the claimed work experience.

3. National Certification. If an applicant has obtained and thereafter maintains in active status at all times prior to application (i) the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants; (ii) the designation PACE-Registered Paralegal (RP)/Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; or (iii) another national paralegal credential approved by the board, the applicant is not required to satisfy the educational standard described in #2 above.

Q2: Will I qualify for certification if I only have a high school diploma?

Yes, if the applicant has obtained a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience (comprising 10,000 work hours) as a legal assistant/paralegal or paralegal educator within the 12 months prior to the application and completed one hour of CLE on the topic of professional responsibility;

OR 

If an applicant has obtained and thereafter maintains active status at all times prior to application (i) the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants; (ii) the designation PACE-Registered Paralegal (RP)/Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; or (iii) another national paralegal credential approved by the board, the applicant is not required to satisfy the educational standard.

All applicants must satisfy the requirements of Rule .0119(a) explained in the answer to Q1 immediately above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q3: Will I qualify for certification if I do not have a degree in paralegal studies, but have been working as a paralegal for many years?

Yes, if an applicant has obtained a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience (comprising 10,000 work hours) as a legal assistant/paralegal or paralegal educator within the 12 months prior to the application and completed one hour of CLE on the topic of professional responsibility;

OR 

If an applicant has obtained and thereafter maintains active status at all times prior to application (i) the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants; (ii) the designation PACE-Registered Paralegal (RP)/Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; or (iii) another national paralegal credential approved by the board, the applicant is not required to satisfy the educational standard.

All applicants must satisfy the requirements of Rule .0119(a) explained in the answer to Q1 immediately above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q4: Will I qualify for certification if I have a degree in another field, but have taken some paralegal coursework?

No. As of July 1, 2007, to be certified, all applicants must satisfy the educational requirements of Rule .0119(a) as explained in the answer to Q1 above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q5: Will I qualify for certification if I have a degree in another field, but have not taken any paralegal coursework?

No. As of July 1, 2007, to be certified, all applicants must satisfy the educational requirements of Rule .0119(a) as explained in the answer to Q1 above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q6: Will I qualify for certification if I graduated from a “qualified paralegal studies program?”

You may apply to sit for the paralegal certification exam after graduation with a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from a paralegal studies program that has been approved by the Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program.” If you seek to qualify by reason of a paralegal certificate, you must also have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education (the degree can be in any discipline). A qualified paralegal studies program must include 9 semester credits, or the equivalent, of classroom instruction (consisting of live, real-time or simultaneous broadcast via satellite or webinar). Any paralegal studies program that can be completed entirely online (without any “real time,” live instruction) will not be designated by the Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program.”;

OR 

Obtained a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience (comprising 10,000 work hours) as a legal assistant/paralegal or paralegal educator within the twelve months prior to the application and completed one hour of CLE on the topic of professional responsibility;

OR 

Obtained and thereafter maintains in active status at all times prior to application (i) the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) from the National Association of Legal Assistants; (ii) the designation PACE-Registered Paralegal (RP)/Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; or (iii) another national paralegal credential approved by the board, the applicant is not required to satisfy the educational standard.

All applicants must satisfy the requirements of Rule .0119(a) explained in the answer to Q1 immediately above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q7: What is a “qualified paralegal studies program”?

A paralegal studies program can be “qualified” by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification if it’s an institutional member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, and is either: 1) approved by the American Bar Association (ABA); 2) an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE); 3) offers at least the equivalent of 18 semester credits of coursework in paralegal studies as prescribed by the ABA Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education; or 4) includes 9 semester credits, or the equivalent, of classroom instruction (consisting of live, real-time or simultaneous broadcast via satellite or webinar). Any paralegal studies program that can be completed entirely online (without any “real time,” live instruction) will not be designated by the Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program.”

A determination that a paralegal studies program is qualified under the Plan for Certification of Paralegals does not constitute an approval or an endorsement of the program by the Board of Paralegal Certification or the North Carolina State Bar.

Q8: Why can’t a program completed online without “real time” live instruction qualify for approval as a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program?

The Board of Paralegal Certification follows the same qualification guidelines as the American Bar Association, which states that a paralegal studies program must require students to complete at least 9 semester credits of their legal specialty courses in a live, traditional classroom setting or in a live, real-time, simultaneously broadcast via satellite or webinar.

Q9: How do I know if the paralegal studies program I attended or in which I am about to enroll is a “qualified paralegal studies program” under the Plan for Certification of Paralegals?

Here is a list of qualified paralegal studies programs in North Carolina. All American Bar Association (ABA)-approved programs are qualified paralegal studies programs. You can review the ABA requirements and approved programs here.

If your program is not ABA-approved, it may be “qualified” by applying to the Board of Paralegal Certification. The program director for your program should complete and return the Application for Designation as a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program with a copy of the course catalog for the year in which you graduated. If the administration of your program cannot apply for qualification for some reason, you may complete and submit the application for the program.

Information on how to choose a paralegal education program can be found on the website of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

Q10: I have a degree in paralegal studies, but it is not from a “qualified paralegal studies program.” What can I do?

To be eligible to sit for the certification exam you must have a degree in paralegal studies from a “qualified paralegal studies program.” If you have completed a paralegal studies program but it is not qualified, you can take your transcript to one of the qualified paralegal studies programs for evaluation. Some of your completed credits may transfer to the qualified program, and the program director can tell you how many additional credits you would need to complete a new, qualified degree.

Q11: I am currently a student in a paralegal program. Can I apply to be certified?

You may only apply to sit for the paralegal certification exam after graduation from a paralegal program that has been approved by the Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program.”

Q12: If a paralegal studies program appears on the list of qualified paralegal studies programs on your website, are all of its different degree programs qualified?

Not necessarily! For example, some schools offer an associate’s degree in paralegal studies that is qualified, but their certificate or diploma in paralegal studies may not meet the requirements for qualification. Check the list of qualified paralegal studies programs in North Carolina carefully or ask your school’s program director to make sure your particular degree program has been qualified.

Application Procedure

Q1: When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline for the June exam is April 15th of each exam year. The deadline for the October exam is August 15th of each exam year. Late applications are not accepted.

Q2: How do I apply?

To apply, submit the completed Application for Certification and the $125 application fee online via the paralegal login portal. An official transcript from your high school, approved paralegal program, JD program, or the school’s designated transcript service should be emailed directly to transcripts@ncbar.gov. Sealed official transcripts can also be mailed from the entities mentioned above to:

Managing Director
North Carolina State Bar Board - Paralegal Certification
PO Box 25908
Raleigh, NC 27611

Please verify with your school that your transcript will include your graduation date.

Q3: What is the cost to apply?

The total cost of the exam is $225 ($125 application fee plus the $100 exam fee). Payments should be made through the online paralegal login portal. Both fees are non-refundable. Information regarding the due date for the exam fee is included in the approval letters.

Q4: Can I pay the application fee or the exam fee with a credit card?

Yes. Payments can be made using your bank account or credit card information via the online paralegal login portal. Mail-in payments will not be accepted.

Q5: How will I know that you have received my application?

Your application is received once it is submitted through the online paralegal login portal. You will also receive email notification that the application has been received.

Q6: How will I know if my application is approved?

You will receive an email notifying you of your approval and the next steps.

You may also check your status by conducting a Paralegal Search of your name and/or CP# via the online paralegal login portal. The portal will display information notifying you when your application is received, when it has been submitted to the board for approval and when it has been approved by the board.

Q7: I am currently a student in a paralegal program. Can I apply to be certified?

You may only apply to sit for the paralegal certification exam after graduation from a paralegal school that has been approved by the Board of Paralegal Certification as a “qualified paralegal studies program.”

Q8: I do not have a degree in paralegal studies, but I have been working as a paralegal for many years. Do I have to take the exam to be certified?

Yes, all applicants must sit for and successfully pass the certification exam to be certified.

All applicants must satisfy the requirements of Rule .0119(a) explained in the answer to Q1 immediately above, and must successfully pass the certification exam. See Q7-Q9 for more information regarding qualified paralegal studies programs.

Q9: I have a criminal conviction. Can I still apply for certification?

A criminal record does not necessarily preclude you from certification. All applications are evaluated individually. When you apply and indicate a criminal conviction, the Board of Paralegal Certification reviews the information on an individual basis. Make sure you include a full explanation of the conviction with your application, including the outcome of the charges and any restitution that was made. The board may also ask for letters of reference or recommendation. Once the board has received all of the requested information, they will make a decision at their next quarterly board meeting. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal pursuant to Rule .0122. 

Exam

Disclaimer - All information provided on the exam is subject to change without notice at the discretion of the North Carolina State Bar or the Board of Paralegal Certification.

Q1: How many questions are on the exam, and how long do I have to complete it?

There are 150 multiple choice questions on the exam, which you will have three hours to complete. There are no essay questions on the exam.

Q2: How often will the exam be administered and what is the cost?

The exam is offered in the summer and fall (usually June and October). The total cost of the exam is $225 ($125 application fee plus the $100 exam fee). Both fees are non-refundable and must be made via the online paralegal login portal. You will be notified via email regarding your approval to sit for the exam and the due date of the exam fee. You can also check your online account for status updates.

Q3: Where will the exam be administered?

The Paralegal Certification Exam is administered using remote proctoring. Remote proctoring enables examinees to take the exam on a computer in the location of their choice under the supervision of a remote proctor using the examinee’s computer’s webcam and microphone in conjunction with our testing platform ExamSoft/Examplify.

Applicants are solely responsible for providing a compatible computer for taking their computer. Please verify the compatibility of your computer using the links below:

For Examsoft’s Mac-specific compatibility requirements, click here.

For Examsoft’s Windows-specific compatibility requirements, click here.

Please note: your webcam and microphone must be on during the entire time you are taking the exam or will result in failure of the exam.

THIS IS NOT AN OPEN BOOK EXAM.

WRITING DOWN EXAM QUESTIONS, USING BOOKS, OR NOTES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE INSTRUCTION WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE EXAM AND BARMENT FROM TAKING THE CERTIFICATION EXAM AGAIN.

Q4: If I do not pass the exam, can I retake it?

Applicants may retake the certification exam by paying the $100 exam fee within one year of their initial exam date. You must notify our office before the next exam deadline. If you do not retake the exam within the one-year deadline, your status changes to “certification denied” and you must submit a new application including all required documentation and fees to sit for the exam again.

Q5: Can I just retake the sections I did not pass, or will I need to retake the whole exam?

The exam is not divided into sections for grading purposes, so you must retake the entire exam.

Q6: I was approved to take the exam, but could not attend due to a family emergency. What happens now?

You may register for the next exam date by contacting our office and paying the $100 exam fee. However, if you do not take the next exam, your status will change to “certification denied.” A new application including all required documents and fees must be submitted if you decide to reapply.

Q7: What is the passing score?

Each exam will cover the same areas of law but will consist of different questions. Therefore, the passing score will vary from exam to exam.

Q8: When will I receive the results of my exam?

Exam results will be released approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the exam date. Additionally, you can check your status by logging into your online paralegal account. Your status will continue to say “Approved for Exam” until the results are received. If you pass the exam, your status will change to “Certified” and will show your recertification date. If you do not pass the exam, your status will change to “Pending” and you will be allowed to retake the certification exam again within one year of your initial exam date by notifying our office before the next exam deadline paying the $100.00 exam fee.

Q9: What areas of law will be tested on the exam?

Civil Litigation; Commercial Law; Criminal Law; Ethics; Family Law; Legal Research; Real Property; and Wills, Trusts & Estate Administration. Please note that the exam questions are written to test the domains and tasks discussed in Q11 below. The questions may not be equally distributed among the different areas of law.

Q10: How were the legal subjects determined?

The legal subjects to be tested are generally based upon a review of the core curriculum required by the community college system for paralegal studies programs in North Carolina, which generally follow the core curriculum for ABA-approved paralegal studies programs; however, the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification reserves the right to add or remove legal subjects at its discretion.

Q11: How is the test structured/organized?

The test is organized into five “performance domains.” Performance domains can be tested in questions on a particular area of law (e.g., civil litigation), and identify the core competencies required for the proficient performance of a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in his/her job. Within these performance domains there are several tasks that will be tested. The following table shows the performance domains or core competencies with the associated tasks:

Domain	Tasks
Communication	Discuss and comprehend work tasks, gather and report investigative information, relay initial and follow-up information, interact with client and attorney, adhere to ethical standards of the legal profession
Research	Determine applicable sources, understand primary and secondary authorities, gather research information
Analysis	Determine relevant information, assess client situation and suggest possible courses of action for attorney consideration, analyze proposed courses of action
Documentation	Draft documents and correspondence, coordinate document execution, coordinate filing and recording, coordinate service of process, create form documents, review documents to maintain validity
Organization	Coordinate schedules; maintain tickler system; create, utilize, and maintain proper file management techniques; prioritize workload assignments

Q12: Will the exam test only North Carolina law?

The exam is based primarily on North Carolina law; however, some federal and/or common law questions may be asked to the extent that they are relevant to the core knowledge required of a North Carolina paralegal.

Q13: Will any review courses be offered?

Neither the Board of Paralegal Certification nor the North Carolina State Bar offers or sponsors any review courses. However, review courses may be developed and offered by various public and private providers, such as paralegal associations, organizations, or schools. You may contact the sponsors and/or paralegal associations listed on the CPE page of our website.

Renewal
Q1: How do I renew my certification?

The following items are required: 1) a completed recertification application, 2) the $75 renewal fee, and 3) a copy of your certificate of attendance showing 6.0 hours of continuing paralegal education (CPE) including 1.0 hour of legal ethics/professional responsibility. Certified paralegals may take unlimited board approved CPE or CLE online courses. All programs approved for continuing legal education (CLE) credit automatically receive CPE approval. Checks or money orders should be made payable to The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. Please include your name and CPID number in the memo line.

Approximately 60 days before your recertification date you will receive a “time to recertify” email. At that time, please log into the online portal, complete, and submit the recertification application, upload a copy of your certificate of attendance, and pay the required fees using your bank account or credit card information.

Recertification applications must be submitted on or before August 15th. Applications postmarked after August 15th will incur a $25 late fee.

Those who have not applied for recertification by October 1 will have their certification lapsed. 

Q2: Do I have to be working as a paralegal to keep my certification? What if I move out of North Carolina?

Continued paralegal work is not a requirement for renewal, nor is living in North Carolina. The only requirements for recertification are completing the CPE hours and returning the recertification application with the fee (see Q2 above).

Q3: I’m not sure when my renewal is due. How can I find my renewal date?

All certified paralegals have the same recertification deadline of July 1st. You may find your recertification date by logging into the paralegal login portal.

Q4: Will you send me a confirmation of receipt once my recertification application is received?

Once you submit your recertificaiton application in the online portal, you will automatically receive a confirmation notice and an invoice. A status of “Recertification Pending” means that we have received your recertification application and that it will be reviewed by our full board at the next quarterly board meeting (February, May, August, or November).

Q5: I sent my recertification application in a while ago, and my status on the Paralegal Search page still says “Recertification Pending.” What is taking so long?

All applications are reviewed by our full board after their due dates. The board meets on a quarterly basis on the second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November. As an example, if your application is received in November for your January 1 renewal, your application will be reviewed by the board at their February meeting. If you mail your application during one of the grace periods (e.g., at the end of February), your application will be reviewed by the board at their next meeting (in this example, the May meeting).

Q6: Will I be notified when my certification is renewed?   

After the board has reviewed and approved your application at one of their quarterly meetings in February, May, August, or November your status in our database will be updated and notification of recertification will be sent via email. If you have not received the email notification, check your spam folder, or check your current status on the Paralegal Search page.

Q7: Why do I have to take continuing legal education courses every year?

One of the purposes of the Plan for Certification of Paralegals is “to improve the competency” of paralegals so they can better assist attorneys and clients. Annual continuing legal education courses can keep you current on changes in the area of law in which you work and help you learn more about your area of law, making you a better paralegal.

Q8: What kind of continuing legal education courses can I take, and how do I find them?

Paralegals can take either continuing legal education (CLE) courses for attorneys or continuing paralegal education (CPE) courses for paralegals. These courses will be offered by many of the paralegal and attorney organizations throughout North Carolina. Any CLE or CPE courses taken to apply towards your recertification requirements must be accredited by the NC State Bar. You can find accredited CLE courses on the CLE website. There is also a list of accredited CPE courses on the CPE Courses page. For both of these search options you will need to contact the sponsor directly to register for a course.  

Q9: Can I take a CLE/CPE course that is not accredited?

If you want to take a CLE/CPE course that has not been accredited you can apply to have the course accredited as CPE just for you by filing the Paralegal’s Request for Approval of a CPE Activity form. The request must be accompanied by an agenda showing the amount of time allotted to each topic, describing the subject matter covered under each topic, and identifying presenters by name and qualification with the application.

Q10: Can I take online CLE/CPE courses?

Yes. Paralegals can take all six hours of their continuing education courses online.

Q11: Can I order a DVD of a previously presented CLE/CPE program and watch that for the CPE hours?

Pursuant to Rule .0202(c), “[a] minimum of three certified paralegals must register to attend the presentation of a replayed prerecorded program.” Thus, if you order a DVD of a previously presented program and watch it yourself, it will NOT count towards your CPE requirements.

Q12: My firm is presenting a CPE program just for employees. Will this count towards my CPE requirements?

No. Pursuant to Rule .0202(h), in-house programs are not approved. However, if a program is presented at your firm and people outside the firm are invited, it could be approved.

Q13: I know that I have taken a few CPE courses this year, but I don’t remember which ones. Do you keep track of the CPE hours I have taken?

No. The Paralegal Certification program is a self-reporting program with regards to CPE. We do not keep track of your CPE hours as that is the responsibility of each certified paralegal. We generally do not receive attendance lists from sponsors of CLE/CPE programs. It is recommended that you take a blank Certificate of Attendance form to each CLE/CPE course that you attend, have it signed by a representative of the sponsor at the end of the course, and keep it in your files until it is time to mail your recertification application.

Q14: Do I need to send you a Certificate of Attendance as soon as I complete a CLE/CPE course?

No. Please upload your Certificate of Attendance in the online portal when you recertify.

Q15: I haven’t had time to complete my CPE hours yet. Should I send in my recertification application anyway to meet my renewal deadline?

No. If you have not yet completed the CPE hours required for recertification, your application will not be approved.

Q16: I took 10 hours of CLE/CPE last year. Do my excess hours carry over into the next year?

No. Excess CLE/CPE hours do not carry over into the next certification period. Since the six hours is such a minimal amount, the board feels that education about changes in the law would not be adequately maintained if allowed to carry over.

Q17: I can’t find the recertification application that was mailed to me. Can I get another one?

Recertificaiton applications are no longer mailed and must be completed through the online portal.

Q18: Why haven’t I received a recertification application in the mail?

Recertificaiton applications are no longer mailed and must be completed through the online portal.

Q19: I missed my January 1 or July 1 renewal deadline. Is there a grace period?

There is an automatic 45-day grace period to complete your CPE hours and return the recertification application until August 15th. A $25 late fee will be assessed after August 15th. 

Q20: What happens if I don’t renew?

Failure to renew shall result in lapse of certification.

Q21: If my certification lapses, can I get it back?

If you allow your certification to lapse you will have to meet the exam admission requirements in Rule .0119(a) and pass the certification exam to become recertified, even if you were originally certified under the grandfathering provisions.

Q22: Is there an inactive status for certified paralegals?

Yes. You can petition the board for inactive status based on financial hardship, illness, disability, or active military duty for you or your spouse. This inactive status would last for a period of one year, with the requirement that you must either petition the board to remain inactive each year, or file a renewal application to seek reinstatement to active status. You can find more detailed information about inactive status on the Petition for Inactive Status form.

Miscellaneous

Q1: How do I update my contact information?

You can update your contact information online. Click on the Paralegal Login page and use your username (which is your CP number, CP#####) and password to log in. If you have not previously logged in, follow the directions for FIRST TIME USERS. If you do not recall your password, click on Forgot Password? Your password will be sent to the email address on file.

Once logged in, click on the “Contact Information” edit button.

Q2: My name has changed. Can I update that online?

Yes. Click on the Paralegal Login page and use your username (which is your CP number, CP#####) and password to log in. If you do not recall your password, click on Forgot Password? Your password will be sent to the email address on file.

Once logged in, click on the “My Profile” tab and then click “Name Change.”

Q3: How can I check the status of my certification, application for certification, or application for recertification?

Click on the Paralegal Login page and use your username (which is your CP number, CP#####) and password to log in. Once logged in you will see the application status.

Q4: How do I order a new certificate if it is lost or my name changes?

To order a new certificate, please send a detailed request letter, including your name as you would like it printed on your new certificate, along with a $35 check for the reprinting fee to: Director, North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification, PO Box 25908, Raleigh, NC 27611. Checks should be made payable to the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.