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Exam Review

Key Facts: PP Paralegal Exam

70%

Passing Score Per Part

NALS Certification Resource Manual

4

Separately Scored Parts

NALS

2 years

Passed Parts Stay Valid

NALS

5 years

Certificate Validity

NALS

75 hrs/5yr

Recertification CLE

50 substantive + 5 ethics

2004

PP Designation Established

NALS

The NALS Professional Paralegal (PP) exam has four separately scored multiple-choice parts, and a candidate must reach at least 70% on each one. NALS does not publish a pass rate, a per-part question count, or a time limit. Eligibility requires graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal studies program or five years of paralegal experience. NALS paused individual exam registration while the Certifying Board revises the CLP and PP exams.

Sample PP Paralegal Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PP Paralegal exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 367+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which sentence correctly uses the plural possessive form?
A.The attorneys arguments were persuasive.
B.The attorney's arguments were persuasive.
C.The attorneys' arguments were persuasive.
D.The attorneys's arguments were persuasive.
Explanation: When showing possession for a plural noun that ends in "s," add only an apostrophe after the "s." Since "attorneys" is plural (more than one attorney), the correct form is "attorneys'" with the apostrophe after the final "s." For a singular noun like "attorney," you would use "attorney's." The double "s" in "attorneys's" is always incorrect.
2In legal writing, when should numerals be used instead of words for numbers?
A.Always use words for numbers in formal legal documents
B.Use numerals for numbers 10 and above, words for one through nine
C.Use numerals for all numbers to ensure clarity
D.Use words for round numbers and numerals for specific amounts
Explanation: Standard legal writing convention follows the general rule: spell out numbers one through nine, and use numerals for 10 and above. However, there are exceptions—always use numerals for measurements, percentages, time, money, and ages. Also use numerals when one number in a series is 10 or above (e.g., "3 of the 12 defendants").
3Which sentence correctly uses commas in a series?
A.The discovery requests included interrogatories, requests for production and requests for admission.
B.The discovery requests included interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
C.The discovery requests included, interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
D.The discovery requests included interrogatories requests for production and requests for admission.
Explanation: The Oxford comma (also called the serial comma) is placed before the coordinating conjunction in a series of three or more items. In legal writing, using the Oxford comma is strongly recommended because it prevents ambiguity. Without it, "requests for production and requests for admission" could be interpreted as a single item rather than two separate items.
4Which word is spelled correctly?
A.supercede
B.superseed
C.supersede
D.supersceed
Explanation: "Supersede" is the correct spelling, meaning to replace or take the place of. It is one of the most commonly misspelled words in legal writing because the "-sede" ending is unique. "Supersede" is the ONLY English word ending in "-sede." Three English words end in "-ceed" (exceed, proceed, succeed — mnemonic: "full speed ahead"), and several end in "-cede" (accede, cede, concede, intercede, precede, recede, secede). The common misspelling "supercede" incorrectly applies the "-cede" ending.
5Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
A.The list of exhibits are attached to the brief.
B.The list of exhibits is attached to the brief.
C.The list of exhibits were attached to the brief.
D.The list of exhibits have been attached to the brief.
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is "list" (singular), not "exhibits" (plural). The prepositional phrase "of exhibits" modifies the subject but does not change its number. Therefore, the singular verb "is" is correct. To verify, remove the prepositional phrase: "The list is attached" clearly sounds correct, while "The list are attached" does not.
6Which semicolon usage is correct?
A.The defendant failed to respond; therefore; the court entered default.
B.The defendant failed to respond; therefore, the court entered default.
C.The defendant failed to respond, therefore; the court entered default.
D.The defendant failed to respond therefore the court entered default.
Explanation: A semicolon is used to join two closely related independent clauses. When a transitional word or phrase (like "therefore," "however," "furthermore") follows the semicolon, it is followed by a comma. The pattern is: [Independent clause]; [transitional word], [independent clause]. This creates a stronger connection than a period but a clearer separation than a comma alone.
7Which sentence uses the correct form of "its" versus "it's"?
A.The corporation must file it's annual report.
B.The corporation must file its annual report.
C.Its important to file the report on time.
D.The company and it's subsidiaries must comply.
Explanation: "Its" (no apostrophe) is the possessive form, indicating something belongs to "it." "It's" (with apostrophe) is a contraction meaning "it is" or "it has." In legal writing, contractions are generally avoided in formal documents, so "it's" rarely appears. The test is simple: if you can replace the word with "it is," use "it's"; otherwise, use "its."
8Which sentence demonstrates correct use of "affect" versus "effect"?
A.The new regulation will adversely effect small businesses.
B.The new regulation will adversely affect small businesses.
C.The affect of the regulation is still unknown.
D.The regulation will have a negative affect on business.
Explanation: "Affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence or change. "Effect" is typically a noun meaning a result or consequence. A helpful mnemonic: Affect = Action (both start with "A"), Effect = End result (both start with "E"). The phrase "adversely affect" correctly uses the verb form to show that the regulation will influence small businesses negatively.
9Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
A.The plaintiff alleged that the defendant breached the contract, committed fraud, and that negligence occurred.
B.The plaintiff alleged that the defendant breached the contract, committed fraud, and was negligent.
C.The plaintiff alleged breach of contract, that fraud was committed, and negligence.
D.The plaintiff alleged that the contract was breached, fraud was committed, and negligence occurred.
Explanation: Parallel structure requires that items in a series use the same grammatical form. In option B, all three items follow the pattern "defendant [verb]": "defendant breached," "defendant committed," and "defendant was negligent." The other options mix active and passive voice or change the grammatical structure, creating awkward and unparallel construction.
10Which is the correct way to write a date in a formal legal document?
A.The contract was executed on March 1st, 2026.
B.The contract was executed on March 1, 2026.
C.The contract was executed on 3/1/2026.
D.The contract was executed on the first of March, 2026.
Explanation: In formal legal writing, dates should be written as "March 1, 2026" without the "-st" ordinal suffix. Using numerals only (3/1/2026) can create confusion (is it March 1 or January 3?) and appears informal. Writing out "the first of March" is acceptable but less common in modern practice. The "-st, -nd, -rd, -th" endings are typically omitted in formal legal documents.

About the PP Paralegal Exam

The NALS Professional Paralegal (PP) exam is a four-part national certification administered by NALS, the National Association for Legal Support Professionals. Established in 2004, it tests advanced communications and legal terminology, law office procedures and knowledge, advanced legal ethics and legal authority, and advanced substantive law. Each part is scored separately and must reach 70%.

Exam sponsor: NALS (National Association for Legal Support Professionals). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Four multiple-choice parts, each scored separately at a 70% passing standard

Time Limit

Not published by NALS; each part is completed online within a 30-day scheduling window

Passing Score

70% or higher on each part

Exam / Certification Fees

Not currently published — NALS has paused individual certification exam registration

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Part 1

Advanced Communications & Legal Terminology

Diction and grammar, the sixteen punctuation marks, number usage, capitalization, spelling, syntax, editing and proofreading, letters, memoranda, e-mail and text messages, and Latin and legal terminology

Part 2

The Law Firm: Office Procedures & Knowledge

Records management, filing procedures and Gregg Reference Manual alphabetic filing rules, computer hardware and software, conflicts-check systems, document processing, and law firm billing, accounting, and trust-account procedures

Part 3

Advanced Legal Ethics

Appearance of impropriety, confidential information, privileged communications, client funds and property, confidence and integrity in the profession, UPL, and legal authority: nature and sources of law, categorizing the law, conflicts of law, jurisdiction, and the federal and state court systems

Part 4

Advanced Substantive Law

Bluebook citations for cases, statutes, constitutions, court rules, books and periodicals; civil procedure; criminal procedure; torts and products liability; and the twenty-five areas of law listed under Legal Knowledge

Preparing for the PP Paralegal Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% or higher on each part
  • Assessment: Four multiple-choice parts, each scored separately at a 70% passing standard
  • Time limit: Not published by NALS; each part is completed online within a 30-day scheduling window
  • Exam / certification fees: Not currently published — NALS has paused individual certification exam registration Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 367 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PP Paralegal: Suggested Study Strategy

1Treat each part as its own exam — every part is scored separately against a 70% standard, so a strong Part 4 cannot rescue a weak Part 2
2Part 2 is the part most candidates underestimate: alphabetic filing rules, law-office computer vocabulary, conflicts-check systems, and trust-account mechanics are all fair game
3Use the Gregg Reference Manual (11th ed.) for grammar, punctuation, number usage, and filing questions — NALS names it as the only accepted filing authority
4Memorize the ABA Model Rules that govern paralegal work: 1.6 confidentiality, 1.7 to 1.10 conflicts, 1.15 client property, 5.3 supervision, and 5.5 unauthorized practice of law
5Answer ethics questions as a lawyer's assistant working in any state — not under your own state's rules or your firm's habits
6Build breadth for Part 4: NALS lists twenty-five areas of law, so recognition-level fluency across immigration, taxation, workers' compensation, and antitrust matters as much as depth in litigation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NALS Professional Paralegal (PP) exam?

The Professional Paralegal (PP) examination is a national credential administered by NALS, the National Association for Legal Support Professionals, and established in 2004. It has four separately scored multiple-choice parts: Advanced Communications and Legal Terminology; The Law Firm: Office Procedures and Knowledge; Advanced Legal Ethics; and Advanced Substantive Law.

Can I register for the NALS PP exam right now?

No. NALS has placed individual certification exam registration on hiatus and is currently administering only the Certified Legal Support Professional (LSP) exam to school groups. NALS describes this as a temporary pause while the Certifying Board revises the CLP and PP exams, and says PP materials should be ready by the end of 2026 for release in 2027. Existing PP holders are unaffected and can still recertify.

What is the passing score on the NALS PP exam?

A candidate must score at least 70% on each part. Parts scoring below 70% must be retaken, and all failed parts are retaken at the same sitting. Parts you pass stay valid for two years; after two years the entire examination must be retaken. NALS does not publish a pass rate for the PP exam.

What are the eligibility requirements for the NALS PP exam?

NALS states that the PP is designed for students graduating from an ABA-approved legal studies or paralegal studies program, or for individuals with a minimum of five years of paralegal or legal assistant experience. Membership in NALS is not required for any NALS certification examination.

Do CLP holders have to take all four parts of the PP exam?

No. A candidate holding a valid, current CLP credential sits for Part 4 of the PP exam only. Every other candidate must take all four parts on the first attempt. NALS has also announced that once the exams are revised, passing the CLP will become a prerequisite for the PP, and the PP will contain advanced substantive law questions only.

How is the NALS PP exam delivered?

The PP is a computer-based, AI-proctored online exam delivered through the Prolydian platform with Rosalyn.ai proctoring. It requires a desktop or laptop with a camera and microphone; tablets, Chromebooks, and phones are not supported. Candidates receive a 30-day window in which to schedule and complete the exam and have a digital notepad inside the portal.

Which books does NALS require for the PP exam?

NALS lists the NALS Advanced Manual for the Legal Professional (15th ed.), the Gregg Reference Manual (11th ed.), Rotunda's Black Letter Outline on Professional Responsibility (9th ed.), The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work (8th ed.), and the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The Gregg Reference Manual is the only accepted authority for filing questions.

How is the NALS PP certification maintained?

The PP certificate is valid for five years. Recertification requires a minimum of 75 continuing legal education hours and activities per cycle, including at least 50 hours in substantive legal topics and at least 5 hours in ethics.