PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION

The Ohio State Bar Association offers a voluntary credentialing program for paralegals.  Individuals meeting the OSBA definition of "paralegal", meeting the eligibility requirements, and passing a written examination will be designated as an "OSBA Certified Paralegal".  This credential, along with a logo provided for the purpose, may be used by the paralegal to the extent permitted by the Supreme Court of Ohio's Rules for the Government of the Bar and Rules of Professional Conduct.

OSBA Paralegal Certification provides a valuable credential for paralegals in Ohio through the use of objective standards which measure the training, knowledge, experience, and skill of paralegals.  It requires a commitment to excellence and will assist lawyers and law firms in identifying the highly qualified paralegal professionals.

PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION INFORMATION

OSBA Paralegal Certification is offered once a year.  Applications for OSBA Paralegal Certification will be accepted January 2009 - March 31, 2009 online on the OSBA web site.  Eligibility information may be found at Paralegal Certification Requirements.  The next exam will be held on May 2, 2009 at the Ohio State Bar Association in Columbus, OH. 

NOTE:  Please review the requirements for 2009; applicatons will be available in March.  Keep checking the OSBA web site for the application.  In the meantime, you can print the Paralegal Certification Requirements to begin preparing.  Deadline dates will be adjusted accordingly.

**Update**Exam Review or Refresher Course

The OSBA will not be providing a review, or refresher, course to prepare for the written examination.  However, such a course is available through Capital University Law School Paralegal program for applicants interested in attending prior to sitting for the OSBA's paralegal certification exam.

OPEC Refresher Course---Kick-Off Sessions 2009

OPEC will again be offering its Refresher Course for the OSBA Paralegal Certification Exam.  The cost of the course is $100.00, which includes the mandatory topics and your choice of any two specialty topic sessions, the study outline, and handouts.

OPEC will be recording the Refresher Course instructors on Saturday, March 7, and on Sunday, March 8, at Capital University Law School in Columbus.  Anyone attending these two-day sessions will be able to attend all mandatory and most of the specialty topic sessions, receive the study outline, and handouts for the $100.00 fee.  This will be the only time you may attend more than two of the specialty sessions!

Additional dates will be posted when determined, so prepare early and attend the March sessions.

To register, please contact Brandy Merryman at (614) 236-6885, or, bmerryman@law.capital.edu, or click here to register on-line.  For more information on dates and times, please contact Donna Schoebel, director of paralegal programs, at (614) 236-6444 or dschoebel@las.capital.edu.

NOTE:  Attendance at any review, or refresher course, is not a requirement of OSBA paralegal certification.  Likewise, attendance at the course is not a guarantee of success on the examination.  Attendance of any review, or refresher course, is purely at the discretion of the applicant.
 (The information above per the OSBA web site.)