North Carolina has no mandatory education requirements for paralegals; however, the North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP) examination has both educational prerequisites and continuing education requirements. The Paralegal Division of the North Carolina Bar Association (PD-NCBA) has educational components for membership.

NCCP Exam Educational Prerequisite Options

One option is to hold an associate's or higher degree from a qualified paralegal studies program. The other option is to hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in any discipline, plus a certificate from a qualified paralegal studies program.

NCCP Continuing Paralegal Education Requirements

A NCCP is required to take six hours of continuing education every year, including one hour of ethics.

PD-NCBA Regular Membership Options No. 1 and No. 2

The first option is achievement of the National Association of Legal Assistants CLA/CP designation, which has its own educational prerequisites and continuing education requirements, plus one year of paralegal employment experience. The second option is achievement of NCCP designation, which has its own educational prerequisites and continuing education requirements, plus one year of paralegal employment experience.

PD-NCBA Regular Membership Options No. 3 and No. 4

The third option is to hold a bachelor's degree plus one year of paralegal employment experience. The fourth option is to successfully complete an ABA-accredited paralegal program plus one year of paralegal employment experience, or completion of a paralegal program of at least 18 hours of legal courses, plus 60 hours of general education and one year of paralegal employment experience.

PD-NCBA Regular Membership Option No. 5

The final option is to have at least three consecutive years of paralegal employment experience.

Source:

North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification

Paralegal Division of the North Carolina Bar Association

National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.