100+ Free NALA CP Practice Questions

Pass your NALA Certified Paralegal Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

~62% Pass Rate

100+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 100

Question 1

Score: 0/0

What is a plea bargain in criminal law?

A negotiated agreement between the prosecution and defense where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or lighter sentence

An appeal filed directly to the Supreme Court

A motion filed by the defense to suppress evidence

A formal request for a new trial after conviction

to track

Same family resources

Explore More Paralegal Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

ArticleHow to Become a Paralegal — Salary & Career Guide 202615 min read

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NALA CP Exam

120

Exam Questions

NALA CP exam overview

2 hrs

Time Limit

NALA CP exam overview

~62%

Pass Rate

NALA historical data

$250

Member Exam Fee

NALA fee schedule

5 yrs

Certification Validity

NALA renewal requirements

50 CLE

Renewal Hours Required

NALA recertification

The NALA CP Knowledge Exam has 120 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. The pass rate is approximately 62% for first-time candidates. Civil Litigation (20%) and Ethics/Professional Responsibility (15%) are among the most heavily weighted domains. Eligibility requires paralegal education or a combination of degree and experience.

Sample NALA CP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NALA CP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In a civil lawsuit, which document is filed by the defendant in response to the plaintiff's complaint?

A.Summons

B.Answer

C.Subpoena

D.Writ of execution

Explanation: The answer is the responsive pleading filed by a defendant that addresses each allegation in the plaintiff's complaint. The defendant must admit, deny, or state insufficient knowledge for each allegation. Failing to file a timely answer can result in a default judgment. Exam tip: Know the sequence of pleadings in civil litigation.

2Which discovery tool requires a party to answer written questions under oath?

A.Deposition

B.Request for production

C.Interrogatories

D.Request for admission

Explanation: Interrogatories are written questions served on a party who must provide written answers under oath. Unlike depositions, which involve oral testimony, interrogatories allow time for the responding party to research answers. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, each party is generally limited to 25 interrogatories. Exam tip: Distinguish between the various discovery devices and their procedural requirements.

3A motion for summary judgment is appropriate when:

A.The plaintiff wants to amend the complaint

B.There is no genuine dispute of material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law

C.A witness refuses to testify at trial

D.The defendant wants to change the venue

Explanation: Under FRCP Rule 56, summary judgment is granted when the movant shows there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This motion eliminates the need for trial on issues where the evidence is undisputed. Exam tip: Summary judgment is a pre-trial motion that can resolve all or part of a case.

4What is the standard of proof in most civil cases?

A.Beyond a reasonable doubt

B.Preponderance of the evidence

C.Clear and convincing evidence

D.Probable cause

Explanation: The preponderance of the evidence standard requires the plaintiff to show that their version of events is more likely true than not (greater than 50% probability). This is a lower standard than 'clear and convincing evidence' or 'beyond a reasonable doubt' used in criminal cases. Exam tip: Different types of civil proceedings may use different standards.

5Which type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case because the events giving rise to the claim occurred within its geographic boundaries?

A.Subject matter jurisdiction

B.Personal jurisdiction

C.Venue

D.Appellate jurisdiction

Explanation: Venue refers to the geographic location where a case should be heard, typically where the events occurred or where the defendant resides. Venue is distinct from jurisdiction, which determines whether a court has the power to hear a particular type of case (subject matter) or authority over the parties (personal). Exam tip: Know the difference between jurisdiction and venue.

6A paralegal discovers that the attorney's client wants the paralegal to notarize a backdated document. What should the paralegal do?

A.Notarize the document since the attorney approved it

B.Refuse and report the request to the supervising attorney

C.Notarize the document but note the actual date separately

D.Ask a colleague to notarize it instead

Explanation: A paralegal must refuse to participate in any fraudulent or dishonest activity, including notarizing backdated documents. The paralegal should report the request to the supervising attorney and, if necessary, to a higher authority within the firm. This aligns with NALA's Canon 3 prohibiting illegal conduct and ABA Model Rule 8.4. Exam tip: When an ethics question presents pressure to act unethically, the correct answer is always to refuse and report.

7Which of the following activities constitutes the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) by a paralegal?

A.Drafting a memorandum of law under attorney supervision

B.Advising a client on whether to accept a settlement offer

C.Conducting legal research on case precedents

D.Organizing discovery documents for attorney review

Explanation: Advising a client on whether to accept a settlement offer constitutes legal advice, which is the exclusive domain of licensed attorneys. Paralegals may draft documents, conduct research, and organize files under attorney supervision, but they cannot give legal advice, represent clients in court (with limited exceptions), or set legal fees. Exam tip: UPL questions test whether the activity involves independent legal judgment.

8Under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which rule addresses a lawyer's duty of confidentiality?

A.Rule 1.1 (Competence)

B.Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality of Information)

C.Rule 1.9 (Duties to Former Clients)

D.Rule 3.3 (Candor Toward the Tribunal)

Explanation: ABA Model Rule 1.6 establishes that a lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent. This duty extends to paralegals who work under attorney supervision. The confidentiality obligation covers all information related to representation, not just attorney-client privileged communications. Exam tip: Rule 1.6 is broader than the attorney-client privilege.

9A paralegal moves from Law Firm A to Law Firm B. Law Firm B represents the opposing party in a case the paralegal worked on at Firm A. What must Law Firm B do?

A.Immediately withdraw from the case

B.Screen the paralegal from any involvement in the case and provide notice to the opposing party

C.Allow the paralegal to continue working on the case since paralegals are not subject to conflict rules

D.Fire the paralegal to avoid any conflict

Explanation: When a paralegal with a conflict of interest joins a new firm, the firm must implement an ethical screen (also called a 'Chinese wall') to isolate the paralegal from the conflicting matter. This includes restricting access to files, prohibiting discussions about the case, and notifying the opposing party. Disqualification of the entire firm is not required if proper screening is implemented. Exam tip: Screening is the standard solution for paralegal conflicts, unlike attorney conflicts which may require withdrawal.

10Which NALA Canon requires paralegals to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct?

A.Canon 1

B.Canon 3

C.Canon 5

D.Canon 7

Explanation: NALA Canon 1 states that a paralegal must maintain a high standard of ethical conduct. NALA's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility outlines the foundational ethical duties for certified paralegals, including competence, integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to the prohibition against unauthorized practice of law. Exam tip: Familiarize yourself with all NALA Canons as ethics questions frequently reference them.

About the NALA CP Exam

The NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam is the most widely recognized national paralegal certification in the United States. Administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants, the Knowledge Exam tests competency across civil litigation, business organizations, contracts, legal research, ethics, criminal law, real estate, estate planning, and torts. The CP credential demonstrates professional competence and is valued by law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

~70% (scaled)

Exam Fee

$250 (members) / $275 (non-members) (NALA / PSI Services)

NALA CP Exam Content Outline

20%

Civil Litigation

Civil procedure, pleadings, discovery, motions, trial preparation, and post-trial processes

15%

Business Organizations and Contracts

Entity formation, governance, dissolution, contract elements, performance, and remedies

15%

Legal Research and Writing

Primary and secondary sources, citation format, legal memoranda, and analytical writing

15%

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

ABA Model Rules, unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest

10%

Criminal Law and Procedure

Elements of crimes, constitutional protections, criminal procedure, and sentencing

10%

Real Estate and Property Law

Real property transactions, deeds, mortgages, landlord-tenant law, and closings

10%

Estate Planning and Probate

Wills, trusts, intestacy, probate procedures, and estate administration

Torts and Personal Injury

Negligence, strict liability, intentional torts, damages, and products liability

How to Pass the NALA CP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: ~70% (scaled)
Exam length: 120 questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: $250 (members) / $275 (non-members)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NALA CP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on civil litigation procedures first — it is the single largest domain at 20% of the exam

2Master paralegal ethics rules including UPL, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest scenarios

3Practice legal research questions using both primary and secondary source identification

4Study contract formation elements and business entity comparisons for quick recall

5Use timed 120-question practice sets to build pace for the 2-hour exam window

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NALA CP exam?

The NALA CP Knowledge Exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 2 hours.

What is the NALA CP passing score?

NALA uses a scaled scoring system. Approximately 70% correct answers are needed to pass, though the exact cut score is determined through psychometric analysis.

What is the CP exam pass rate?

The first-time pass rate for the NALA CP exam is approximately 62% based on NALA's historical reporting.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CP exam?

NALA offers multiple eligibility paths: graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program, a bachelor's degree plus 1 year of paralegal experience, or an associate degree plus 7 years of experience.

How is the CP different from the CLA?

The CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) was NALA's original designation. It has been rebranded to CP (Certified Paralegal) but represents the same credential and exam.

Can I take the CP exam online?

Yes, NALA offers online proctored testing through PSI Services in addition to in-person testing at PSI test centers.

What subjects should I study most for the CP exam?

Prioritize Civil Litigation (20%), Ethics (15%), Business Organizations/Contracts (15%), and Legal Research/Writing (15%) as these four domains make up 65% of the exam.