Affiliated with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations

Thanks for visiting TBPA's resource for those interested in taking the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) as offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.  This page will grow over time to include articles and other information as it pertains to the exam, so be sure to check back frequently.

For the very latest information regarding PACE, you can visit NFPA's PACE page.

Posted 6/23/08

The costs of studying for and taking PACE are not inexpensive, and if your firm is not supportive of this endeavor, it does take a bite out of the family budget.   The following is how much one would pay to study for PACE:

            PACE Study Manual                            $  75.00

            AIPS on-line review course                 $395.00

            PACE Application and handbook      $  25.00 for NFPA members

                                                                            $  75.00 for non-NFPA members

            Exam Fee                                              $225.00 for NFPA members

                                                                            $250.00 for non-NFPA members

            On-line practice exam                          $  50.00

 Some things to be aware of with these costs:

·         Prentice-Hall now publishes the PACE Study Manual.  The $75 does not include the shipping and handling fee.

·         As a TBPA member, you are automatically a NFPA member, so you will pay the “NFPA member” rate.

·         If you take the AIPS on-line review course, you do not need to take the on-line practice exam, as that is included in the course.

Because these costs can be a deterrent in studying for PACE, NFPA is now offering a PACE Scholarship.   The scholarship includes a check made payable to Professional Exam Services (the testing company) and the award winner for the PACE exam fee, and will also include the PACE Application and handbook, the PACE Study Manual, and enrollment in the AIPS course.  In addition, the winning essay will be published in the National Paralegal Reporter (space permitting).

Eligibility requirements are: 

·         You must be eligible to take PACE;

·         You must be a NFPA member (if you are a TBPA  member, you meet this requirement);

The application process includes answering questions related to your career as a paralegal and an essay component.   The application can be found on NFPA’s website at www.paralegals.org, under “2008 Awards and Scholarship Applications” on the home page, or  at the following link:  http://www.paralegals.org/associations/2270/files/2008%20PACE%20Scholarship%20Application.pdf.

The deadline to submit the applications is July 11, 2008.   

For more information about PACE or to determine if you are eligible to take PACE, please contact me at nita.serrano@gmail.com.

Nita Serrano, RP
PACE Ambassador

Posted 2/27/08

The new PACE exam will go live on MAY 12, 2008.    If you want to take the current PACE exam, you must do so before April 16, 2008.  Tests will not be scheduled during the period 4/16/08 - 5/12/08 to allow the vendor to upload and beta test the new exam.

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 will continue to order the new Study Manual through the NFPA website, just as before.  However, the volume, after March 1, will be shipped directly from the publisher, Prentice Hall.  The cost is $75 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.   

Posted 2/27/08

Gaining Employer Support
By Nita Serrano, RP
TBPA’s PACE Ambassador

            So, you have decided to step up to PACE exam.  Maybe your employer is not supportive or just does not understand certification.   I have had a few attorneys ask me what is and RP or a CLA/CP?  What is NFPA?  I have also had attorneys ask why would you (Paralegals) need to be certified?  Most attorneys now know why we need to be certified since the Florida Supreme Court approving Rule 20 of the Florida Bar Rules, unless of course they have been under a rock.

            Here are some tips and benefits for you to share with your employer and gain his or her support.

 I.        What’s in it for the employer?  Why should the employer care? 
            How to begin the process: 

            a.         Schedule a meeting

            b.         Have your facts ready

            c.         Discuss how and why PACE was developed

            d.         Explain the criteria to sit for PACE

            e.         Stress that paralegals are a separate and distinct profession

            f.          Show how PACE expands roles so everyone benefits

            g.         Explain that PACE is now voluntary but may someday be mandatory.  Why not be the first to set the standard?  Why wait?

            h.         PACE will encourage supervisors to delegate more substantive work to RP’s.

            i.          Show the defined distinction between paralegals and other support staff.

II.       Bottom line—dollars and cents

            a.         As paralegal billing rates increase, firms profit

            b.         Examine the cost of the exam vs. its value to the firm

1.  The test fee is $225 ($250 non member) plus $75 for the study manual

2.  $280 is a small price to pay for the value of an RP

3.  Compare this cost to the cost of the bar exam

c.         Suggest the RP’s exam cost could be reimbursed after successful completion

            1.  Employer could pay a portion of the cost

            2.  Bargain for CLE required to maintain the RP credential

 III.    Beyond the $$$$$$$$$

            a.  Professionalism

            b.  Skills and abilities

            c.   Client confidence

            d.  Setting a standard

            e.  Personal and professional fulfillment

            f.  Office morale and standards

IV.      Dealing with attorney egos and professionalism

            a.  Use to your benefit
                        1.  Be the first!
                        2.  Stress professionalism
                        3.  Attorneys have a high degree of education

            b.  Drawing the lines—who’s who?
                        1.  “Weed out” those not qualified
                        2.  Hiring is made easier
                              q       Who is qualified
                              q       PACE tests critical thinking and analytical ability
                              q       In a competitive market, gain the edge
                              q       Don’t need to spend as much time & money on training RP’s 

V.         Marketing PACE Within The Firm

            a.  Inform attorneys that PACE includes ethical considerations
            b.  Prepare a press release for every RP—which will always show the firm name
            c.  Be ready for questions on the differences between CLA and PACE

VI.       Conclusion

            a.  Presentation is everything

            b.  Be prepared

            c.  Be professional

            d.  Be ready to overcome their objections

            e.  Be ready to try another approach if not successful the first time

            If you have decided to step up to PACE, TBPA wants to know about it so we can support you in your decision.  In addition, if you have recently taken, the exam and passed, or if you have any questions regarding the PACE, please email Nita Serrano, RP, TBPA's PACE Ambassador at nita.serrano@gmail.com.

TBPA's PACE Registered Paralegals

Julie Chandler, RP
Gayle Coffman, RP
Yvonne DeAntoneo, RP
Lynn Gompper, RP
Mary McKay, RP, CP
Jay Quigley, RP, CP
Nita Serrano, RP, FRP
Wanda Skinley, RP
Carol Walden, RP
Peggy Wells-Fuente, RP, CP

Great Links for PACE Related Information

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Last modified: June 23, 2008