Pittsburgh Paralegal Association Pace Information

PACE Application Process - From Applicant to Registered Paralegal

Step 1 - Order the Application

Applications can be ordered through NFPA's homepage www.paralegals.org or by calling NFPA at (816) 941-4000. Cost is $25 for NFPA members and $75 for non-members.

Step 2 - Gathering supporting documentation

Obtain proof of education (if qualifying through education and experience). Provide a copy of the Bachelor's degree diploma and/or paralegal certificate. If your paralegal education is embodied in the Bachelor's degree, and the diploma does not state it is in paralegal studies, you must provide a transcript. To see if your school is an accredited school, check the school to see which agency has accredited the school and then go to www.paralegals.org/PACE. This site lists the recognized accrediting agencies. Letter from employer(s) verifying number of years of experience. Realize you may need to go back to prior employers.

Letter of reference from a member of the legal community (on letterhead) who is familiar with your paralegal experience. An attorney, court officer or PACE Registered Paralegal can write this letter.

Note that the last two requirements can be achieved with one letter. If you cannot meet the above requirements you can apply for a waiver to the PACE Standards Committee by mailing your request to the PACE Coordinator, P.O. Box 33108, Kansas City, MO 64114-0108.

Step 3 - Complete application

You should read the candidate handbook in total. Call or email NFPA if you have questions.

Step 4 - Send application and supporting documentation to PES.

Use the checklist to make sure you send everything that is requested. Incomplete applications will be returned and you will be required to submit an additional processing charge of $25.00. Payment can be by cashier or certified check, VISA or Mastercard.

Step 5 - Receive notice from PES that you are an eligible candidate.

This process takes approximately 20 business days.

Step 6 - Call Prometric and schedule an exam date and time.

The candidate eligibility letter you receive from PES will have a toll free number for you to call to schedule the exam appointment. Saturday appointments are not guaranteed. As soon as you receive your candidate eligibility letter, call Sylvan. You have 90 days to take PACE. The 90 days start from the date of PES' letter indicating eligibility.

Step 7 - Take the test on the scheduled date

You should show up at least 15 minutes to a half hour before the scheduled test time. You will have 4 hours to answer 200 multiple choice questions. You may take breaks, but they are included in your 4 hour test time.

Step 8 - You will receive your results immediately after taking the test

PES will score the test. A copy of the score report will also be mailed to NFPA.

Ways to Prepare for PACE

• PACE Study Manual ($65.00)*
• PACE Candidate's Handbook ($25 for NFPA members and $75 for non-members)
• PACE Review Course ($395.00) May register through www.paralegals.org
• PACE Overview Seminar - (cost vary) sponsored by local associations
• PACE Study Groups - (free) sponsored by local associations
• PACE Online Practice Exam ($50.00)*
• Study Alternate Reference Sources (cost vary). See Study Manual and/or Candidate's Handbook for list.
• Study from Paralegal textbooks from paralegal programs. (cost vary)
• Study class notes from paralegal program (free).

* May be ordered through homepage: www.paralegals.org or by calling NFPA

For more information on PACE please visit the PACE Committee page of our website.