- Why AIPS?
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Want to be formally recognized for your hard-earned skills and status as a professional? Stretch yourself—become certified! At AIPS, we make it easy for you to prepare for national professional certification.
You can study for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) and the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam with prep courses that are fully integrated into our curriculum and included in your tuition.
As a certified paralegal, you will gain:
- A professional title (and some pretty cool initials behind your name)
- Improved job prospects (certification shows an employer you have the skills necessary to get the
job done right) - More focused training and career development (employers reward employees who are willing to
invest in themselves) - Recognition of your professionalism and experience (maximize your earning potential)
- Seniority (gain an edge over other paralegals)
Several states are considering mandatory certification or licensing for paralegals whose time is billed. Getting certified now will put you ahead of the competition if or when certification becomes mandatory in your state.
National certification also will set you apart in your field—it demonstrates to employers that you have developed a high level of professional competency that meets specific standards.
Highlights of the PACE Preparation Course
- Follows the familiar online format of your regular AIPS classes
- Runs for seven weeks with discussion questions, e-lectures, assignments, and readings
- Taught through computer mediated distance learning (CMDL)
- Communicate with instructors or classmates 24/7 from your home or office computer
- Covers five domains: administration of client legal matters, development of client legal matters, factual and legal research, factual and legal writing, and office administration, including ethics questions
- Textbook is the PACE Study Manual
- Mock PACE exam administered at the conclusion of the course
Highlights of the CLA Preparation Course
- Based on the CLA Review Manual and the CLA Study Guide and Mock Examination
- Reviews all topics covered in each section and subsection of the examination
- Comprised of eight units of topical coverage, each lasting one week
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses in each exam topic by taking a pre-test at the beginning of every unit
- Discussions focus on any problem areas that are revealed in the pre-tests and on any new material that is introduced in the unit reading
- At the end of each unit, students will take a post-test made up of sample test questions to reinforce their knowledge of the subject matter and to acquaint them with the timing and types of questions that appear on the CLA exam
- A final (ninth) unit is a timed, self-administered, abbreviated mock CLA exam consisting of 525 questions
