If a candidate does not pass PCCE/PACE, there is a thirty (30) day waiting period, from the date PCCE/PACE is taken, before the paralegal becomes eligible to re-take the exam. This form is not the application itself, but confirms retake eligibility. Pending approval of this form, applicants will receive instructions on how to submit their proper exam fees and forms. Retake request forms are reviewed by the Certifications Manager.
The soonest this form may be submitted is thirty (30) days from the date of the most recent exam attempt. Waivers submitted sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of the most recent exam attempt will be declined. Effective October 2018, candidates are limited to three (3) exam attempts in two years (one original attempt and two retakes).
Please contact the Certifications Manager at certifications@paralegals.org with any questions regarding the retake policies.
NFPA will award annual scholarships to paralegal students in the United States. The number and amount of scholarships to be given shall be determined annually by the NFPA Board of Directors at the January Board Meeting. The amount of money allocated each year for scholarships may be increased or decreased by either NFPA or the sponsor, with the party increasing the funds responsible for contributing the increased amount.
NOTE: SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE TO BE USED TO PURSUE A PARALEGAL EDUCATION. CHECKS WILL BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AND THE RECIPIENT'S PARALEGAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION. TRAVEL EXPENSE CHECKS WILL BE PROVIDED DIRECTLY TO RECIPIENTS BY NFPA FROM THE FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSOR.
The scholarship essay topic for 2024 is: Why do you want to become a paralegal? Describe your ideal paralegal program and what education do you most value and why? What emphasis would you place on ethics and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? What courses would you change or add and why?
All applications must be submitted via the online form on or before July 1. No applications will be accepted via mail, fax or email. The application must include:
• The essay;
• Two references;
• A letter of recommendation from the program director;
• Transcripts;
• Participation in extracurricular and paralegal activities;
• And statement of financial need.
Incomplete applications will be reviewed “as is” with no opportunity to supplement.
Candidates may be disqualified for either one of the following reasons:
a. Conviction of a felony or comparable crime as defined by an individual state that does not have felony designations; or
b. Currently under the suspension, termination, or revocation of a certificate, registration of a certificate, registration or license to practice by a professional organization, court, disciplinary board or agency in any jurisdiction.
The criteria listed below will be utilized in selecting scholarship recipients. The applicant:
a. Must be a full or part-time student enrolled in a paralegal program;
b. Must demonstrate and maintain a B average;
c. May demonstrate extracurricular activities and/or community service;
d. May demonstrate active participation in paralegal program clubs or activities; and
e. May demonstrate financial need.
Scholarship winner will be notified of the award by early September, either by the DPD or Education Coordinator. Scholarship winners are asked to keep their achievement confidential until the award has been given.
The sponsor will provide a travel stipend for each scholarship recipient so that he/she may receive his/her scholarship at the NFPA Annual Convention. Travel stipends may not be granted if no sponsor is secured for the student scholarships.
A copy of the winning essays and bios will be sent to the sponsor. The scholarships and commemorative plaques will be presented to the recipients during the awards luncheon at the NFPA Annual Convention.
The winning essays, bios and photographs of the scholarship recipients will be posted on NFPA’s website, NFPA National Paralegal Reporter or other media as deemed appropriate by the NFPA Board of Directors.