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Certification and Application Process

We're delighted to have you here as you take these important steps in your professional journey. To help you navigate this page with ease, please use the quick links below to access each section you need. Thank you for your commitment to legal excellence!

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Certification Process

Key Requirements

All paralegal program applicants must:

  • Meet educational and CLE credit requirements through degrees and/or CLE credits.
  • Have a minimum of 2000 - 4000 hours of substantive work experience as a paralegal. (Hours will vary based on qualifying educational requirements).
  • Confirm and attest to not engage in the unlicensed practice of law.
  • Consent to a criminal history background check.

Fees

If paying by check, please make checks payable to the State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Application fees: The nonrefundable $130 application fee and $80 annual certification fee is due at application submission.
  • Annual certificate fee: The nonrefundable $80 annual certification fee is due June 30 each year.
  • General Certification Testing Fees: Initial test fee $300 (nonrefundable). Retest fee $150 (nonrefundable; limit 2 tests per calendar year once per 30 days testing window.)

Certified Paralegal Certification Pathways

There are three ways to become a State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal™ (SBWCP). Click on the image on the rightbelow to view those pathways. You can also use the tool below to see if you are eligible to apply.

Check Eligibility
 

Application Process

When applying, please provide the following:

  • A completed application form
  • A nonrefundable application fee of $130
  • $80 annual certification fee (refunded if certification is denied)
  • The appropriate information as outlined below to the program registrar:
    • Official transcript from educational institutions you attended​
    • Acceptable proof that you have successfully completed any additional educational requirements as described in Education Requirements for Paralegal Certification​
    • Sworn or affirmed declarations from the licensed attorney(s) with whom you work or have worked attesting to your substantive paralegal work experience, the total hours of which must meet the minimum requirements of the program.​
    • Self-Attestation to not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.​
    • If applying based on teaching experience, verified employment records showing you have met the minimum teaching requirements​

Send all materials, documents, and payment to:

State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal Program
Attn: Registrar
P.O. Box 7158
Madison, WI 53707-7158

Upon approval by the program registrar, you will be issued a certificate and may use the credential “State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal™.”

Certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance unless revoked sooner in accordance with the procedures set forth in the State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal Program Requirements​.​​​

Download Forms:

New Wisconsin Resident Paralegal Application Attorney Atte​station of Employment Form

Background Check

 

All applicants for certification must consent to a Criminal History Background Check processed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the corresponding agency in the state(s) in which the applicant most recently resided or practiced, or both, or a federal registry – whichever is most appropriate based on the information in the application.

The certification application contains the necessary consent to the search, and the application fee includes any costs associated with the background check. Applicants whose background check reveals information that would disqualify one from membership in the State Bar of Wisconsin as a lawyer-member will be disqualified from certification.



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