If you’re wondering how to become a paralegal fast, you’re on the right track. After all, there’s a strong demand for paralegals. About 39,300 new openings are projected each year (BLS, 2024-2034).
First off, you should consider online programs. These programs make it easier than ever to enter the legal field quickly. Then, you must ponder the question, “Paralegal degree or certificate: which is better?”
So, if you’re interested in the answer, read on. Here, we’ll dive deeper into the online paralegal degree vs certificate discussion. We’ll cover their time, cost, career outcomes, and job readiness.
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What Is an Online Paralegal Certificate?
If you’re looking for the fastest online paralegal programs, consider certificate programs. These programs usually take between four and 12 months to complete. The actual time-to-completion depends on the program itself.
While every paralegal certificate program has its specific features, their common ones include:
- Short-term completion period
- Focused credential from a condensed curriculum
- Provides foundational legal knowledge and skills for beginners
Furthermore, these programs enable current legal professionals to boost their legal knowledge.
Who It’s Designed For
For these reasons, paralegal certificate programs are ideal for:
- Career changers who want to enter the legal field quickly
- Post-degree learners seeking specialized legal training
- Legal assistants who want to expand their skills and advance their careers
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Prior college degree, but it’s optional for some programs
Pros
- Fast completion time
- Lower cost
- Immediate skill application
Limitations
- Narrower scope
- May limit advancement in competitive legal markets
- Some employers prefer ABA-approved degrees
Only consider accredited paralegal certificate online programs.
What Is an Online Paralegal Degree?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive education, consider an online paralegal degree. Programs that offer undergraduate paralegal programs cover:
- General education courses
- Paralegal courses that cover core legal principles and practices
- Electives for special topics
But with a comprehensive education also comes more time and cost.
Coursework Covers
The paralegal courses usually cover these topics.
- Legal research and writing
- Litigation and trial preparation
- Contracts and business law
- Ethics and professional responsibility
Depending on the program, specialized topics may also be available. Family law, intellectual property, and criminal law are popular.
Typical Length
Paralegal associate degree programs usually have a time-to-completion between 18 and 24 months. Bachelor’s degree programs take 36-48 months.
Pros:
- Broader legal foundation
- Better job flexibility and advancement potential
- Qualifies graduates for law-related fields or grad school
Con:
- Higher cost and longer timeline
Again, valid accreditation is a must. Look for regional accreditation, the gold standard in higher education. Then, consider ABA approval. While ABA approval isn’t compulsory, it’s highly recommended.
Degree vs. Certificate: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a paralegal degree vs certificate comparison chart for your quick reference:
| Feature | Online Paralegal Certificate | Online Paralegal Degree |
| Time to Complete | 6-12 months | 18-48 months |
| Cost | $2,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$40,000 |
| Depth of Study | Legal basics, job-ready skills | Legal theory + specialization |
| Admission Requirement | High school diploma or prior degree | High school diploma or GED |
| Career Entry Speed | Fastest path to an entry-level job | Slower but higher ceiling |
| Employers Targeting | Small firms, entry-level roles | Law firms, corporations, and government |
| Advancement Potential | Moderate | High |
| Average salary (BLS) | $48,000-$55,000 | $60,000-$70,000 |
| ABA Approval Possible? | Yes (limited) | Yes (many programs) |
| Best For | Quick job start or skill upgrade | Long-term career growth |
How Each Path Impacts Job Opportunities
The paralegal job market is among the most competitive in the legal industry. There’s little to no change in projected job growth, meaning more competition.
With these figures in mind, you should be mindful of what hiring managers look for in candidates. While every hiring manager lists specific criteria, they look for a combination of:
- Relevant paralegal formal education and training
- Practical work experience
- Strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Professionalism and ethical judgment
Indeed, the type of education will influence your paralegal job placement after graduation. But it isn’t the only factor that hiring managers consider.
As a hiring manager said, “Employers value hands-on experience and credentials that show depth.” This highlights the importance of both formal education and job-ready skills.
Certificate-Level Roles
These are the types of entry- to mid-level roles possible for certificate holders.
- Legal assistant
- Document preparer
- Administrative paralegal
You can advance in your career with more experience and training, too.
Degree-Level Roles
The possible roles for degree holders include the following:
- Corporate paralegal
- Litigation specialist
- Compliance coordinator
Graduates from ABA-approved programs often enjoy higher job placement rates.
Also, the paralegal salary with degree vs certificate shows significant differences. Starting entry-level salaries for certificate holders start at $40,000-$45,000/year. Degree holders can earn higher at $50,000-$63,000/year.
Speed to Employment: Which Path Gets You a Job Faster?
Again, the certificate route is the best answer to the question, “How to become a paralegal fast?” You’ll be in the workforce in under a year.
Students pursuing paralegal degrees aren’t exactly in the fastest online paralegal programs. The fastest time-to-completion is about 24 months (associate’s degree). But it can take as long as four years (bachelor’s degree), even longer for part-time students.
But associate’s and bachelor’s degrees have higher long-term return on investment. Degree holders have access to specialized roles, meaning higher earning potential. Some college, no degree individuals earn $1,020/week; degree holders earn $1,099-$1,543/week (BLS, Education Pays).
But it’s also important to maximize your employability by:
- Combining your academic credentials with practical work experience. Part-time legal work, internships, and volunteering are good ideas.
- Considering a hybrid strategy. Earn a certificate, gain relevant work experience, and then earn a degree later.
Indeed, now is the best time to consider becoming a paralegal.
Accreditation, ABA Approval, and Credibility
Accreditation is a foremost consideration when choosing a paralegal program. This is true for both certificate and degree programs. Indeed, it’s among the paralegal certification requirements for NALA, NFPA, and NALS.
There are two levels of accreditation for paralegal programs.
- Regional or national accreditation applies to the entire college or university. HLC, SACSCOC, and NECHE are among the regional accreditation agencies. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is a national accreditation agency.
- Program-level approval focuses on a specific program within an accredited college.
Again, the approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) is highly recommended.
ABA-approved online paralegal programs offer many advantages for their graduates, including enhanced:
- Trust and credibility among employers and, thus, employability. (ABA approval is a mark of quality.)
- Credit transferability, especially when you pursue further education in the future
- Internship and networking opportunities (i.e., partnerships with law firms and legal organizations)
Of course, nothing’s guaranteed in the job market. But graduates of ABA-approved programs can be more competitive for these reasons.
Salary and Career Outlook
While there’s 0% projected job growth, paralegals can still enjoy good demand. With about 39,300 new openings per year, there are opportunities available.
If you’re looking for a good career outlook for paralegals, consider these areas.
- Corporate law
- Government (local, state, and federal agencies)
- Healthcare compliance
- Intellectual property
As for paralegal salary with degree vs certificate, degree holders can earn 10%-20% more.
How to Choose the Right Path
By now, you’re asking, “Which paralegal program is right for me?” Here are the steps you can take to make a smart choice.
First, ask yourself the following questions.
- How fast do I need to start working?
- Can I afford more time and tuition for a degree?
- Do I plan to work in specialized legal areas (corporate, IP, real estate)?
Then, consider online paralegal programs based on your answers. If you want quicker entry and cheaper costs, consider a certificate program. But if you want to specialize in a legal area, go for a degree.
You should also consider pairing online education with practical experience. Externships, internships, and legal volunteering are good ideas.
Conclusion + Call to Action
In summary, a certificate offers the fastest route to employment. You’ll spend less time and money on earning it.
But if you want a higher long-term earning potential and advancement, go for a degree. You’re more likely to have access to specialized roles early in your career.
Be sure to compare ABA-approved, accredited online options before making your final choice. Being a graduate of an ABA-approved program can increase your job competitiveness.
In conclusion, explore top-rated online paralegal programs to find the one that fits your career goals and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a paralegal certificate worth it?
Yes, because it provides a fast and focused path into a paralegal career.
2. How long does it take to get a paralegal degree online?
About 18-24 months (associate’s) and 36-48 months (bachelor’s).
3. What is the fastest way to become a paralegal?
Earning a certificate.
4. Are online paralegal programs respected by employers?
Yes, but these must be from accredited colleges, preferably with ABA approval.
5. Can I get an ABA-approved paralegal certificate online?
Yes.
