Accreditation is crucial to your success in your chosen career path. The process typically consists of a rigorous series of evaluations by a governing body or respectable organization in the community. The primary purpose is to ensure that the educational policies and practices of the school meet the standards set by the accrediting body. Your school's accreditation ensures that you're getting what you pay for.

Christy Rakoczy earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester in English Media and Communications and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at UCLA School of Law. Her career background includes teaching English and paralegal studies at the college level before becoming a full-time freelance writer. In addition to writing for education, business, finance and legal websites, Rakoczy also writes legal and business textbooks and develops online courses.

Christy Rakoczy earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester in English Media and Communications and went on to earn her JD at UCLA School of Law. Her career background includes teaching English and Paralegal Studies at the college level before becoming a full time freelance writer. In addition to writing for education, business, finance and legal websites, Ms. Rakoczy also writes legal and business textbooks and develops online courses.

It's important to research the legal profession before enrolling in a paralegal certification program. The more you know, the better chances you'll have of becoming associated with the right school. You may also get a head start on general information that will be covered in prospective courses. Lastly, you'll learn the specifics on the role and history of a paralegal which can make you more confident in your decision to become one of these respected professionals.

In addition to the four major paralegal certification organizations, there are currently four state bar associations that also offer paralegal certification. If you are planning on working in one of these states, you should consider earning certification from the bar association.

The National Association of Legal Assistants, or NALA, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a variety of services to legal assistants or paralegals. NALA represents more than 15,000 paralegals. Its major programs include certification for paralegals; educational classes; publications; and occupational research.

NALS, formerly the National Association of Legal Secretaries, was founded in 1929 and incorporated in 1949 with the mission of improving the careers of legal secretaries and paralegals. NALS provides a variety of services to its members, including continuing legal education, information for paralegals, training, and certification. It costs $98 per year to be a member, although there is a financial hardship waiver.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) was founded in 1974 as a nonprofit organization with the core goal of advancing the paralegal profession. The NFPA defines its mission as “promoting a global presence for the paralegal profession and leadership in the legal community.”

Meg Neubauer, the Network Dean of Globe University’s paralegal programs describes the ways paralegals can specialize in different areas of law.

The paralegal job market is competitive, and if you want to stand out as a more attractive candidate to potential employers, you should consider obtaining paralegal certification. In the legal world, paralegal certification is viewed as an independent, unbiased measurement of your ability as a current or potential paralegal. By obtaining certification, you are proving that you have achieved a nationally standardized level of professional achievement, and that you will be able to provide quality service to future employers.