The Ethics of Holding Yourself Out as Certified
By Ellen Lockwood, ACP, RP
Who is Certified
Most paralegals now have some sort of formal paralegal training. There are certificate programs, associate’s
degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs. If you have a degree and/or a certificate
from a paralegal program, that information should be included on your résumé. However, do not confuse having a
certificate (being “certificated”) or degree with being certified. While completion of any reputable paralegal
program is a worthy accomplishment, only those who have qualified for and passed a paralegal certification exam may
hold themselves out as certified.
Sources of Certification
The Paralegal Division recognizes paralegal certifications from three organizations: NALA, NFPA, and TBLS. Each of
these organizations requires completion and approval of an application and payment of a fee before you are qualified
to take the exam. Once you have taken and passed a paralegal certification exam, you must continue to meet that
organization’s certification criteria in order to maintain your certification, including providing proof of CLE.
Use of Certification Credentials
Each organization offering paralegal certification has specific rules for identifying yourself as certified. For
example, the certification credentials for NALA, NFPA, and TBLS do not include the use of periods (i.e., CP, ACP, RP,
and TBLS). It is important to follow the certifying organization’s rules regarding use of the organization’s
certification credential to avoid confusion and possible misuse of the organization’s trademark. If you notice
someone using certification credentials incorrectly, you should politely point out the error. It is likely the
paralegal is just not aware of the error and will appreciate a fellow paralegal’s helpful information.
Inactive Certification Status
If you do not meet a certifying organization’s requirements to maintain your certification, you may no longer hold
yourself out as certified. That means you may no longer list your certification on your business cards, letterhead,
signature block, or include certification initials after your name. However, you may list the certification on your
résumé as long as you also indicate that the certification is no longer active. For example: December 1999 – TBLS
Certified Paralegal – Civil Trial Law (Inactive).
Verification of Certification Status
NALA, NFPA, and TBLS all offer online search capabilities to determine whether someone is currently certified.
Certified paralegals should confirm that their information is correct on the certifying organization’s website.
Holding Yourself Out as Certified
It is unethical to represent yourself as certified when you are not. Claiming credentials such as certification to
which you are not entitled is highly risky as employers and others may easily verify your claims. If any of your
credentials are found to be false, you may not just get fired or lose out on a job opportunity, your reputation will
be tarnished. After all, if you would misrepresent your credentials, you might very well lie about something else.
You cannot pick and choose which ethical rules to follow. You are either ethical or not. Part of being a
professional is always being ethical.
Ellen Lockwood is an Advanced Certified Paralegal in intellectual property by the National Association of Legal
Assistants and a registered paralegal by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. She is a past President
and District 5 Director of the Paralegal Division. Her email is ethics@txpd.org.
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