NFPA is a nonprofit professional organization founded in 1974. It is a grassroots organization that is issues oriented and policy-driven. NFPA is comprised of an estimated 56 local and state-level member associations giving NFPA over 17,000 individual members. NFPA creates its policies through a democratic process. It is comprised of a congregation of representatives from each member association, resembling a legislature. Each member representative has the opportunity to discuss, debate and vote on NFPA policies at the two national meetings held each year.
NFPA has continued to follow the ever-changing paralegal profession. It has assisted paralegals by addressing many issues concerning the profession's growth and expansion. Since its inception, NFPA has researched many issues affecting the paralegal profession. Much of its research has surrounded the unauthorized practice of law and methods of regulating paralegals. In October of 1992, NFPA's member associations passed a resolution supporting a two-tiered regulatory scheme consisting of licensing and specialty licensing programs. This resolution validated the preferences of a diverse group of paralegal members and became NFPA's policy on regulation.
In early 1993, representatives from the ABA, AAfPE, LAMA and paralegals from all over the country including CLA's, and representatives from several state bar associations met at a symposium in Houston, Texas to discuss regulation. NFPA representatives were on hand to participate in the various discussions concerning regulation. Various discussions were held and a concensus on regulation was reached. NFPA considered the information gathered from the symposium and the results of the extensive research performed by the NFPA Policy Committees. It constructed its resolution for PACE based upon the regulatory resolution passed in 1992.
In October 1994, NFPA's membership debated and approved a resolution to develop an examination to test the proficiency of the experienced paralegal. Professional Examination Services, an independent professional testing firm, is developing the exam. The exam will consist of two stages called tiers. The first tier will consist of general and ethical questions and will validate the competencies of paralegals of all practice areas. A state specific component can be added to this tier as the need arises within a particular state. The second tier evaluates the competencies of more experienced paralegals within specific specialty areas. An independent task force consisting of paralegals, paralegal educators, attorneys and the general public will assist the testing firm in developing PACE. A second independent firm will administer the exam and monitor the results. Additionally, an independent foundation will receive all of the net proceeds from PACE, as NFPA will not have a proprietary interest in the profits derived from the exam. These funds will be used to benefit the entire paralegal profession.
The development of PACE is well underway. A pilot survey sent to legal associations, members of the public and fifteen hundred randomly selected paralegals will assist in validating a job analysis. The job analysis is important to the development of the exam because it describes the major areas of responsibility, tasks, knowledge and skills required of the particular position.
The exam, scheduled for release in 1996, will be administered by computer. This will ensure that the exam is available in all parts of the country. It will also reduce the cost of grading the exam and provide faster results.
The professional designation to be used by successful participants in the exam is the democratic decision of NFPA's member associations. Each member association will have the opportunity to survey its local membership for the preferred designation. Then, delegates from the member associations will vote on the designation at NFPA's Mid-Year Convention, scheduled for November 1995 in Annapolis, Maryland.
''NFPA affirms the paralegal profession as a self-directed profession which supports increased quality, efficiency and accessibility in the delivery of legal services. NFPA promotes growth, development and recognition of the profession as an integral partner in the delivery of legal services.''1 In furtherance of its mission statement, NFPA has not supported other certification exams in the past. NFPA's member associations did not feel that the exams available were supportive of NFPA's mission or its memberships' desire for a two-tiered regulatory scheme. PACE is the next natural step in moving the profession toward the desired regulatory scheme. By developing PACE, NFPA is responding to requests by courts, bar associations and several state legislatures for a certification program that is compatible with a regulatory program. One of the goals in developing PACE is to offer a device for implementing a two-tier regulatory scheme. PACE will exist independently of NFPA, creating an impartial medium assuring verifiable and fair results.
NFPA and its member associations have set out to create an exam that will provide paralegals the opportunity for advancement and promote NFPA's efforts to increase the quality and efficiency of legal services. The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam is a catalyst for the paralegal profession. It aspires not only to promote the expanded utilization of paralegals but to enhance the growth and professionalism of the paralegal profession.
1 NFPA Mission Statement, adopted March, 1987.