Your Paralegal Questions, Answered

Thinking about a career as a paralegal? This page covers what you need to know, from certification options to the support available as you begin your career.

Preppy’s online, self-paced program can help you build job-ready skills in as little as 3–6 months without having to quit your current job or go back to school full-time. Browse the FAQs to see how you can take the first step toward becoming a paralegal.

Certification & Program FAQs

Since Preppy isn’t a college or university, this program isn’t required to be traditionally accredited.

However, Preppy is designed to get you ready for recognized paralegal certification exams, which employers often prioritize along with demonstrated skills. 

It’s helpful to check local job listings to see what employers in your area prefer.

While our Paralegal program is not ABA-approved, this typically does not limit career opportunities. Most employers place greater emphasis on your skills, training, and practical experience than on ABA approval.

 

The program is offered through a highly respected university partner, and graduates may be eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP®) exam — one of the most widely recognized credentials in the field. This provides both a strong educational foundation and a clear path toward professional certification.

Those who complete the Preppy program may be eligible to sit for the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP®) exam by meeting one of the organization’s education pathways. Specifically, the program satisfies the requirement of completing at least 60 semester hours (or equivalent), including a minimum of 15 semester hours in substantive legal courses.

Yes, students can pursue paralegal roles in California after completing this program. While it is not ABA-approved, California law allows individuals to qualify by completing a paralegal program from an accredited postsecondary institution that includes at least 24 semester units (or equivalent) in law-related coursework.

Because this program is offered through an accredited university partner, and meets the required legal course hours, graduates qualify under California Business and Professions Code Section 6450(c)(2).

No, certification exam fees are not included in the cost of the program.

Students register and pay for certification exams directly through the certifying organization (such as NALA).

Externships & Experience

Externship opportunities may be available depending on your location and the involvement of local partner sites.

We provide support and guidance throughout the process, but placement is not guaranteed and may differ by region.

The duration of an externship depends on the hosting organization and your schedule, so timelines can differ. Specific details are usually coordinated directly with the participating facility.

Preppy Program Basics

Most students finish the paralegal program within 3–6 months. Since it’s fully self-paced, you can move through the material on a timeline that fits your schedule.

Yes — all coursework is completed online, so you can learn from anywhere. There are no mandatory in-person requirements.

No prior experience is needed. The program is designed for beginners and helps you build the foundational knowledge needed for certification.

After finishing the program, you’ll receive:

  • A Certificate of Completion from an accredited university 
  • Certification exam preparation materials
  • Resources to support job readiness

Program Materials & Access

If you’re having login issues, we can help you reset your password and make sure your credentials are working. If the issue continues, we’ll connect you with our Support team to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

If you don’t see your welcome email, double check your spam folder and the email address you used to enroll. We can also check your enrollment status on our end. If the issue continues, we’ll loop in Support to get everything sorted.

Have More Questions?

For additional questions about enrollment, tuition, or how Preppy works, visit our full FAQ page.

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