Introduction

In 1992, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ("NFPA") adopted a position on regulation of paralegals.  In 1994, NFPA modified its position on regulation to include the concept of an advanced competency exam for paralegals who have been working in the "field".  With the assistance of Professional Exam Service (PES), NFPA developed the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam ("PACE"). The purposes of PACE are:

  • To provide the groundwork for expanding paralegal roles and responsibilities;

  • To provide the public and legal community with a mechanism to gauge the competency of the experienced paralegal; and

  • To provide a standard for states considering regulation of experienced paralegals.

PACE Exam

PACE is not an entry-level exam.    The exam is computer-generated, 200 multiple choice questions.  You are given four hours to take the exam.  The test questions are based on the administration and development of client legal matters, legal research, legal writing, and office administration.  Questions related to ethics are given throughout the exam.    A question may be asked for one practice area, but the core concept may apply to multiple practice areas.   The exam is psychometrically sound, which means that each answer can be proven.   As the exam is given nation-wide, the premise is based on federal law procedures.   You learn the results of the exam immediately upon completion.  Once a paralegal has successfully passed PACE, she/he earns the "Registered Paralegal"  or "RP" designation and must maintain 12 hours of CLE every two years, with one hour in ethics.

Every seventh applicant is audited. References included on the application are contacted and the information on the application is verified.

Qualifications

To take PACE, each candidate must meet both education and work experience requirements as follows:

  • An Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies obtained from an institutionally accredited and/or ABA approved Paralegal Education Program; AND six (6) years substantive paralegal experience; OR

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in any course of study AND three (3) years of substantive paralegal experience; OR

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and completion of a paralegal program with institutionally accredited school, said paralegal program may be embodied in a Bachelor’s Degree; AND  two (2) years substantive paralegal experience; OR

  • Have four (4) years of substantive paralegal experience on or before December 31, 2000.

Studying For PACE

There are several ways to study for PACE: 

  • By studying on your own, with the aid of the PACE Study Manual;

  • By joining a PACE Study Group (or forming one if one is not available);

  • By taking the on-line study course offered by American Institute for Paralegal Studies (AIPS).
     

AIPS

The AIPS course is a seven-week, accelerated course.   Registration is made through NFPA at www.paralegals.org, then click on the "PACE Registered Paralegal" link in the middle at the top of the page. Currently, AIPS is offering classes on the following dates:

  • June 12, 2006

  • July 24, 2006

  • September 11, 2006

  • October 23, 2006

Study Groups

A study group is an excellent way to prepare for PACE. Members of the group take turns leading discussions and helping others brush up on the "basics" of various areas of law. The study group itself determines when to meet and for how long, with the goal being to take the exam when study course is completed. Members use the PACE Study Manual as a guideline, supplementing it with other reference material in the form syllabi from seminars, and other study aids.

Study Aids     

In order to prepare for PACE, NFPA has published a PACE Study Manual.  In addition, you may take a practice exam offered through the Internet. It is highly recommended that you purchase the PACE Study Manual to prepare for the exam.  The Study Manual provides a bibliography of other reference material to help you study. Your PACE Ambassador also maintains a list of reference materials and sources and can assist you in your study efforts.
 

Costs

Most firms are willing to pay for continuing education of their paralegals.   The costs associated with taking PACE are:

  • PACE Study Manual:                                    $  55.00

  • PACE On-line Practice Exam:                       $  50.00

  • PACE Candidates Handbook:                        $  25.00

  • PACE Exam Fee                                          $225.00

  • AIPS On-line Study Course:                           $350.00

  • Affidavit of CLE                                             $  25.00*
     *applies to PACE Registered Paralegals only to maintain RP credential

PACE Ambassador

Your local PACE Ambassador can assist you in gaining your firm's support for this endeavor.    Some of the ways your local PACE Ambassador can help are:

  • Make a formal or informal presentation to the firm's paralegals, paralegal managers, firm administrators, corporate departments, etc. regarding PACE;

  • Provide a copy of NFPA's video on PACE: the "Leveraging with Paralegals: Setting the PACE of the Future" to law firms that explains PACE from initial concept to how employing a PACE Registered Paralegal positively affects the firm's bottom line;

  • Help start a study group within the firm;

  • Help start a study group within the paralegal association;

  • Help provide study aids to study groups and individuals.

Contact Information

To learn how to form a study group, to schedule a firm presentation, or to get more information on PACE, please contact SFPA's PACE Ambassador, Vickie Newman, RP at (415) 546-9962 or vmnewman@earthlink.net.

For background information on PACE, to order the PACE Study Manual, sign-up for the CALE course, or register for the exam, please go to NFPA's website at www.paralegals.org, then click on the "PACE Registered Paralegal" link located in the middle, at the top of the page.

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