Paralegals help attorneys with a number of tasks related to legal matters. In order to become employed as a paralegal, many organizations require certification. Most students who opt for paralegal certificates have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, although a bachelor's degree is often used. Many companies and employers opt to train their paralegals on the job, giving them a hands-on approach to learning the work involved.

One can begin a career in the paralegal field in many ways. Most commonly, students attend a community college that offers paralegal programs. There are also paralegal schools that can be attended online for this certification. Paralegal colleges can be found in almost every state in the US and many online colleges offer degrees in this field. Those who attend a community college and take paralegal classes typically receive their associate's degree in the field of paralegal studies. A few schools across the nation also offer bachelors and master's degrees in the field of paralegal studies. There are also those who have degrees in other fields, either related to paralegal studies or not, who opt for certification in paralegal studies.

Although certification in paralegal studies is not completely required, it is often easier to find placement with certification. Some employers train their paralegals on the job. Programs leading to an associate's or bachelor's degree in this field typically combine training in paralegal studies along with other courses in major academic subjects. Most certification programs offer students concentrated training and although each program varies by school, most certification programs take less than one year to complete.

The National Association of Legal Assistants offers standards for certification that requires a combination of experience and education. A paralegal who meets these requirements is permitted to take the certification examination, which typically lasts two days. Paralegals that pass this certification are then eligible to use the Certified Legal Assistant or CLA credentials.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. also offers certification via the American Alliance Certified Paralegal certification credentials. This is a voluntary certification program and those looking to take the examination must have five years or more of paralegal experience and meet one of three criteria regarding education. This certification must be renewed every other year and eighteen additional hours of continued education must be met by each paralegal.

The National Federation of Paralegal Association provides the Registered Paralegal or RP exam to paralegals who have obtained their bachelor's degree in the field and who have at least two years of experience. Those who pass the exam are then permitted to use the Registered Paralegal credential. In order to maintain this credential, the paralegal is required to complete an additional twelve hours of continued education every other year.

Again, most paralegal certifications are voluntary and many employers and organizations do not require certification. Certification does however, provide benefit when it comes to job placement. Although not all employers require certification in this field, those who have been certified present a much better resume and stand a better chance of job placement.