School requirements to gain employment as a paralegal vary.  The most common is an associate's degree from a career college or community college.  A four year bachelor's degree is also available in paralegal studies.  Paralegal certifications are also available which only take a few months to complete.  Some legal secretaries, or experienced professionals in specialty fields like accounting or nursing also obtain work is paralegals.

The paralegal profession is not regulated by the government, but voluntary certification can enhance your marketability to employers.  A Certified Legal Assistant and Registered Paralegal are designations to be earned by passing a test.