Overview
ABA approval, not accreditation
The American Bar Association (ABA) approves paralegal education programs — a distinct process from “accreditation.” ABA-approved programs meet the ABA’s guidelines for paralegal education, and the credential employers most recognize is graduation from an ABA-approved program. The school’s own institutional accreditation is a separate matter.
The Reality
Unlicensed field, optional certifications
Paralegals are not licensed. No state license is required to work as a paralegal (California and a few states have limited voluntary registration). ABA program approval is an employer preference and quality signal, not a legal gate. Optional certifications — the NALA CP (Certified Paralegal) and the NFPA RP (Registered Paralegal) — can strengthen a résumé but are not required.
Read It Right
Approval vs. accreditation
Because ABA approval is voluntary and separate from institutional accreditation, a strong paralegal program can be at an institutionally accredited college without holding ABA approval. Look for both signals — the college’s institutional accreditation, and (ideally) ABA approval of the paralegal program.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Are paralegal programs accredited? Paralegal programs are recognized through ABA approval, which is distinct from accreditation. The college itself holds separate institutional accreditation.
- Are paralegals licensed? No. No state license is required to work as a paralegal, though California and a few states have limited voluntary registration.
- What does ABA approval mean? That a paralegal program meets the American Bar Association's guidelines for paralegal education — an employer preference and quality signal, not a legal requirement.
- Do I need an ABA-approved program to be a paralegal? No, but many employers prefer graduates of ABA-approved programs. The college's institutional accreditation matters separately.
- What certifications can paralegals earn? Optional certifications include the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) and the NFPA Registered Paralegal (RP); neither is required to work.
- Is ABA approval the same as accreditation? No. Approval is voluntary and specific to paralegal education; a program can be at an institutionally accredited college without ABA approval.
- What should I look for in a paralegal program? The college's institutional accreditation and, ideally, ABA approval of the paralegal program.
- How do I verify a paralegal program? Check the ABA's list of approved paralegal programs and confirm the college's institutional accreditation in the USDE database.