​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Certification Process

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Key Require​ments

All paralegal program applicants must:

  • Meet the program’s education requirements through degrees and/or CLE credits.
  • Have a minimum of 2000 - 4000 hours of substantive work experience as a paralegal. (Hours will vary based on qualifying educational requirements).
  • Confirm and attest to not engage in the unlicensed practice of law.
  • Consent to a criminal history background check.

Fees

If paying by check, please make checks payable to the State Bar of Wisconsin

  • Application fees: The nonrefundable $130 application fee and $80 annual certification fee is due at application submission.
  • Annual certificate fee: The nonrefundable $80 annual certification fee is due June 30 each year.
  • General Certification Testing Fees: Initial test fee $300 (nonrefundable). Retest fee $150 (nonrefundable; limit 2 tests per calendar year once per 30 days testing window.)

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Certified Paralegal Certification Pathways

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NEW Applicant A

Fully Meets Wisconsin Education Requirements

  • Has an Associate or bachelor’s from a qualified Wisconsin paralegal studies program.
  • Completed 15 credits of CLE 3 of which are Ethics.
  • Has worked as a Paralegal for a min of 2000 hours.
  • Passed background check.
  • Self Attestation completed.

PASS GENERAL CERTIFICATION TEST (OPTIONAL)

NEW Applicant B

Partially Meets Wisconsin Education Requirement

  • Any associate or bachelor's degree from a non-Wisconsin Paralegal Program*.
  • Has worked as a Paralegal for a min of 2000 hours.
  • Passed background check.
  • Self Attestation completed.

MUST Complete 18 credits of Wisconsin specific CLE, 3 of which are Ethics prior to application.

MUST PASS GENERAL CERTIFICATION TEST

NEW Applicant C

Does Not Meet Wisconsin Education Requirement

  • Associates or Bachelors degree from a non-paralegal studies program*.
  • Has worked as a Paralegal for a min of 4000 hours.
  • Passed background check.
  • Self Attestation completed.

MUST Complete 21 credits of Wisconsin specific CLE, 3 of which are Ethics prior to application.

MUST PASS GENERAL CERTIFICATION TEST

*Must be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.



Already State Bar Certified Paralegal



PASS GENERAL CERTIFICATION TEST (OPTIONAL)

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Renewal consists of paying dues each year and submitting 15 approved credits of CLE (3 of which are in ethics) every 2 years.


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