Which is the right paralegal qualification for you?
If you are unsure about which paralegal qualification is right for you, we have developed this table to help you decide. We want you to pick the right qualification, so that the qualification is appropriate for your experience, career plans and the time you have available to study.
If you have any questions, or are still unsure, get in touch or give us a call on 0207 112 8034.
Qualification | Description | Enrolment eligibility | Average/Overall study time | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 3 Certificate for Paralegal Technicians | This qualification will provide you with an excellent foundation of legal knowledge, covering the topics that are most needed as you embark on your chosen profession. The new qualification even maps across to the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, covering many of the topics required by the new Standard. | Open to anyone over the age of 16 and career changers with a reasonable standard of written English | 12 months, with a maximum of 24 months | 4 compulsory units | Find out more |
Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals | Our Level 4 Certificate will strengthen your knowledge of key areas of English Common Law. It will enhance and expand your understanding of the English Legal Systems and how it impacts on the professional environment you work in. |
| 10-14 months/maximum 24 months | 4 compulsory units | Find out more |
Level 5 Diploma for Senior Associate Paralegals | This higher level with give you the opportunity to consider these subjects in greater detail and to develop new skills, enhancing your professional practice even further.
This new Level 5 Diploma is uniquely designed to allow you to foster and develop a key critical skill that will be required as you move forward in your professional career: becoming a reflective and independent learner |
| 12-14 months/maximum 24 months | 4 compulsory units | Find out more |
Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma | This qualification is designed to bridge the gap between an academic degree and the practical, procedural knowledge and skills necessary to be able to function effectively as a Professional Paralegal Practitioner |
| 6-8 months/maximum 24 months | 6 compulsory units | Find out more |
Single Units
If you are looking to expand your knowledge of the English legal system, we have a range of single subjects can you study at Levels 3, 4 & 7. These are ideal if  you have an interest in a specific area of the law, or you wish to add to your knowledge in order to progress your career
Level | Description | Enrolment eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
Level 3:
| In each of these subjects, you’ll get a solid introduction into the individual legal areas, providing you with a strong foundation and adding to your knowledge of English Civil Law.
If you wish to expand your knowledge of English Law by taking a full Level 3 Certificate, these qualifications would be recognised as Prior Learning.
| The NALP Level 3 Single Subject Awards are recognised Ofqual Qualifications and are available for anyone who has no, or very little knowledge of the English Legal System. This is an entry level qualification | Find out more |
Level 4:
| NALP’s Level 4 single subject Paralegal study units give you a sound knowledge of specific areas of English Civil Law | The Level 4 Single Subjects are for someone who has a good understanding already of the English Legal system whether having completed at least a Level 3 legal/paralegal qualification or who has had experience within the legal environment and wishes to enhance their knowledge in a particular subject area. | Find out more |
Level 7:
| If you want to focus your legal expertise, these single unit qualifications will give you an in-depth knowledge in that legal area. | The Level 7 Single Subjects are for someone who already has a legal qualification at Level 4 or above, and therefore already has a very good understanding of the English Legal System and who wishes to enhance their knowledge and skill further in a particular area of law at a higher level. | Find out more |
