Reddit reviews CP Study Guide and Mock Examination

I don't feel it put me at a disadvantage, per se, but I think some bigger firms would have given me an interview had I had one. The firm I work at now is medium-sized (8 attorneys working in various fields and capacities) and looking back I'm actually glad I work at a smaller firm, so do with that what you will. As for getting your certification and/or getting it paid for, I'm not sure how common it is for a firm to pay an LA to get their paralegal certification, my firm just happens to cover any/all CLE expenses (stands for Continued Learning & Education, something required annually for CP's and attorneys) and my office manager concluded that my getting certified could qualify as a CLE. As for getting certified through an ABA-approved program, I would say that that's crucial if you're going to go to the trouble of getting certified at all. I'm getting certified through NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) and using [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1285193245/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to study. Compared to a college class, taking the exam to get certified through NALA is pretty cheap ($275) I'd say, but everyone's financial situation is different. In the end, I don't see why if you have decent grades a firm looking for an entry-level LA wouldn't hire you. Whether or not you get certified as a paralegal is a matter of personal preference. Assuming you're looking to work in VA, [this link] (https://www.paralegaledu.org/virginia/) might be helpful. Hope all this helps!

Hi there!! I'm so sorry for the delay in responding, I am just now seeing your message!

I honestly think that you could study from the review manual and mock exam book on your own and pass the test, especially since you have legal experience. You can retake any individual sections you don't pass, and I think you get a two year window to pass all five sections. Also, having bachelors degrees gives you an advantage because your writing and test-taking skills are probably more advanced than people who don't have college degrees. NALA doesn't say that they grade on a curve, but I have a feeling they adjust the required scores to pass for each testing window based on how the pool of test takers does.

I read each chapter and took notes, then took the practice exams to see which areas I needed to go back and study more. If there was a topic that confused me, I Googled it online. You can find informative YouTube videos geared specifically for the CP exam.

I studied for about a year, although I didn't really crack down until the last six months. I think the next testing window is in January. I think it would be overwhelming to try to get through all the material in just a couple months, but maybe you are more knowledgeable than I am and won't find the material as daunting. The legal questions are on federal law, but you also have to have strong grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.

You can buy/rent the review book and mock exam on Amazon: CP Study Guide and Mock Examination https://www.amazon.com/dp/1285193245/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o8-fyb6DCKPCV
Certified Paralegal Review Manual: A Practical Guide to CP Exam Preparation https://www.amazon.com/dp/1285162587/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wf.fyb7R09G0D


The review course I took was in-person through the Central Florida Paralegal Association. CFPA doesn't offer online reviews, but I suggest researching your area to see if there is a local paralegal association that offers reviews. Also any community/state college or university that offers a legal studies program or something comparable would probably either have a review course you could take or resources to help you find one. Like I said in my original comment, I didn't find the particular review course I took to be extremely helpful, but it's worth looking into especially if you can find one that is reasonably priced.

Good luck, feel free to message me with further questions and I will try to answer more promptly!