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MTPA Inside Reports
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Cindy Byfield, NFPA Managing Director
(425) 967-0045
Cindy@paralegals.org
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PARALEGAL ASSOCIATIONS (NFPA) ANNOUNCES THE
APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT OF A BASIC PROFICIENCY EXAM
Edmonds, WA, December 2009
At the 2009 Annual Policy Meeting, the NFPA delegates voted to approve the development and
implementation of a Basic Proficiency Exam. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations,
the Leader of the Paralegal Profession, has begun developing an entry-level exam for newly
graduating paralegals to test their skills, knowledge and ability. This is great news for students
graduating from a paralegal program, paralegals just entering the work force, and other
paralegals who may not yet qualify for a state certification exam or PACE, NFPA’s Paralegal
Advanced Competency Exam.
The Basic Proficiency Exam is being developed with the assistance of the nationally recognized
not-for-profit firm, Professional Examination Service (“PES”, www.proexam.org), as well as
experienced paralegals and paralegal educators. PES has been involved in developing
credentialing exams for over 50 years. PES is well respected for its scientific development of
exams with integrity and validity of the test questions, including PACE.
The Basic Proficiency Exam will test the knowledge, skills and ability of individuals who are
working as paralegals or entering the profession. The format and length of the exam will be
based on results gathered from a scientifically prepared task analysis. It will take into account
coursework in paralegal programs as well as actual skills considered essential to basic
competency in the profession. It will also include sections on law office technology and ethics.
The exam is intended to distinguish those individuals taking it from other entry level paralegals.
The exam is expected to debut in early 2011.
NFPA is a non-profit professional organization representing more than 11,000 paralegals and is
headquartered in Edmonds, WA. NFPA’s core purpose is the advancement of the paralegal
profession. NFPA promotes a global presence for the paralegal profession and leadership in
the legal community.
NFPA – The Leader of the Paralegal Profession
www.paralegals.org
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NFPA is a registered trademark of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations
PACE is a registered trademark of the National Federation of the Paralegal Associations
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