Paralegals and Legal Assistants (the terms are interchangeable) back in 60's and 70's received much of their training on the job via real world experience. However, since that time things have changed and now most paralegals enter the field by going through the certification process. Although certification is not required to get a job, in fact it's still not a licensed profession, a paralegal that's been certified is generally considered to be a better trained, more qualified candidate than a paralegal that hasn't been certified.

The certification process for paralegals is a bit like becoming an attorney; it requires an individual to pass a test from a qualified paralegal organization. Just like gradating from law school doesn't make someone a lawyer - they must first pass the bar exam, and with paralegals, completing a certified training program doesn't make them a certified paralegal; they must first pass the exam in order to earn certification.

Even after certification many paralegals choose to continue their training by specializing in particular niches of the law like: estate planning, criminal law, commercial law and so on.

There is a wide array of certification programs out there so when searching for the best program for you to either further your education and training or to begin your paralegal career, you will have to spend a little time and weed out those programs that don't fit your situation.

Some organizations claim that they've been approved or that they are compliant with the American Bar Association but the only way to verify their claims is to check with your state bar association.

Explain to your state bar association representative that you are looking for reliable information about either entering the paralegal field or that you are seeking continuing educational training. While most states don't require paralegal certification, your states bar association should be able to connect you with the top certification and training organizations and programs in your area that they feel are reputable.

You can check with your states better business bureau or attorney generals office if you are looking into online certification or correspondence courses, to see if any complaints have been filed about the companies offering the courses.

Although, the paralegal certification selection process will take a bit of time and research, a positive off-shoot of the whole thing is that it will probably pay off down the road by helping to ensure that you find the best possible certification training available in your area or online. It should also help you avoid the time, expense and frustration of choosing the wrong training program; perhaps one that isn't recognized and then having to deal with the realization that you having nothing to show for your efforts.

In addition, the whole research process will prepare you for the type of research you will be required to do as a certified paralegal.

If the allure of a paralegal career is calling you, check out the links below.