Manual Changes

The new and improved PACE Study Manual (5th ed.) will be available for purchase starting MARCH 1, 2008.  The new study manual includes many new mini-chapters including bankruptcy, corporate law, intellectual property, family law, and other areas tested in the new exam.  We have also updated the existing chapters, and completely re-written the technology chapter.  There are new study questions as well.

You can order the new Study Manual directly from the publisher, Prentice Hall.  The cost is $77.40 plus shipping and handling, which will vary depending on where you live and the method of shipping you choose. 

If you purchased the 4th edition Study Manual, be assured that it will still assist you in preparing for the new exam.  It is not as comprehensive as the 5th edition, and the major difference is the re-written technology section and the addition of the mini-chapters.  As always, we encourage PACE Candidates to consult other source materials as well as the Study Manual in preparing for the exam, regardless of which edition of the Study Manual they use. 

There will NOT be an update available to make the 4th edition of the Study Manual coincide with the 5th edition. 

Key Points of PACE

The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA^_®) to test the competency level of experienced paralegals.

Exam for Experienced Paralegals

PACE is offered to paralegals who have a minimum of two years' experience and meet specific educational requirements. PACE is designed for professional paralegals who want to pioneer the expansion of paralegal roles for the future of the profession, not to restrict entry into the profession.

Two-tier Exam

Each tier addresses different areas. Tier I addresses general legal issues and ethics. As the need arises, a section for state-specific laws may also be developed. Tier II addresses specialty sections and is under development.

Fair and Independent

PACE has been developed by a professional testing firm, assisted by an independent task force including paralegals, lawyers, paralegal educators and content specialists from the general public who are legal advocates. Ongoing administration will be handled by PES.

Voluntary

Paralegals will have the option to sit for the exam at more than 200 Sylvan Technology Centers. As activities and proposals for regulation of the profession increase, all paralegals will be encouraged to take the exam.

Credential Maintenance

To maintain the PACE RP^_® credential, paralegals are required to obtain 12 hours of continuing legal education, including at least one hour in ethics, every two years.

History of PACE

A grass-roots organization, NFPA is directed by its membership; each member association has one vote in the future of the national organization and the profession. During NFPA's 1994 Mid-Year Meeting, the membership voted overwhelmingly to develop an exam to test the competency level of experienced paralegals.

PACE = Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam

Offering experienced paralegals an option to:

• validate your experience and job skills;
• establish credentials; and
• increase your value to your organization and clients.

The only exam of its kind, PACE

• developed by a professional testing firm;
• administered by an independent test administration company;
• tests concepts across practice areas;
• offers the profession a national standard of evaluation; and
• offered at multiple locations on numerous dates and at various times.

PACE = Personal Advancement for the Experienced Paralegal

The overwhelmingly positive vote to develop this exam is a conscientious effort by these paralegals to direct the future of the paralegal profession and acknowledges the vital role of paralegals within the legal service industry. It is also a direct response to states that are considering regulation of the paralegal profession and are seeking a method to measure job competency. While NFPA believes in the criteria the members established to take this exam, it recognizes any state may adopt the exam and modify the criteria.

Questions about PACE? PACEAdministrator@paralegals.org