Keystone Alliance Credentialing Committee
c/o Nancy Piechota
21 Wren Drive
Bechtelsville, PA 19505

PLEASE NOTE:

• The downloadable pdf form contains all the instructions for submission by mail.
• Please assist us with our scanning process by avoiding the use of staples, metal or plastic bindings, 3-ring binders, metal fold-over straps, etc. One large binder clip or a rubberband is preferred as your entire submission (application, supporting documentation and a copy of your check) will be scanned in as a single document to be emailed to the Credentialing Committee.

.

• Before beginning the online application process, be sure to read all instructions carefully and have all required documentation ready to upload. You will not be able to save an incomplete submission, and only complete submissions will be forwarded for processing.
• Please allow up to 45 minutes to complete the process, although you should be able to complete it in much less time if your information and documentation are well organized and readily available.
• If paying online, do not leave the application page. The link should open a new browser window when clicked on. If for some reason your browser does not support automatically opening a new browser window, right click on the highlighted payment link and choose “Open in new window” or “Open in New Tab” from the dropdown menu.  After opening the link in a new tab or window, complete your application by uploading any required supporting documents and submit your application.
• This electronic form allows for a digital signature. If you are unable to sign digitally, download the Affirmation of Applicant page here. Once you have signed the Affirmation, you can either attach it as part of your electronic submission or mail it along with your check or money order. (See “Fees” below.)

Please note that the Keystone Alliance now accepts payments online. If you would prefer not to pay online, your check or money order for the appropriate fee should be made payable to Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations and mailed to:  Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations, P.O. Box 344, Pittsburgh, PA  15230.  Please note that this fee is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until payment is received.

• $50.00 non-refundable application fee for members of a Keystone Alliance member association.($25.00 non-refundable renewal application processing fee for each two-year renewal period thereafter.)
• $200.00 non-refundable application fee for applicants not affiliated with a Keystone Alliance member association.($100.00 non-refundable renewal application processing fee for each two-year renewal period thereafter.)

1. Supporting documentation regarding educational requirements as follows:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s official transcript(s) from the educational institution(s) attended; OR
• a letter from the educational institution(s) attended indicating the dates of the applicant’s attendance, date of the applicant’s graduation and any other information that would otherwise be contained in a transcript; OR
• a copy of diploma received by the applicant from the educational institution(s) attended.
• Certified Legal Assistants (“CLA”), Certified Paralegals (“CP”) and Registered Paralegals (“RP”) need only submit a copy of their original CLA, CP or RP certificate and a copy of their current letter/certificate of good standing.

2. Declaration from an attorney attesting to the applicant’s substantive paralegal work experience. The Declaration must be submitted on the required form and must be dated not more than thirty (30) days prior to the date the Application is signed by the Applicant. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted as attorney declarations. The number of years of work experience attested to in the Attorney Declaration must correspond to the subsection of the education and experience criteria under which the Applicant is applying. Download the Attorney Declaration Form here.
3. If educational program was ABA approved, copy of program description or a letter on the institution’s letterhead indicating that the program was so approved. If said documentation is not provided, it will be presumed that Applicant’s education was obtained from a non-ABA approved program.

• Please do not submit any CLE-related items at this time. These items should be submitted at the time of renewal.
• Please do not submit any information or documentation beyond the requirements of the application.
• It is the Applicant’s sole responsibility to redact his or her social security number and month/day of birth from all documentation submitted.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FEES. IF YOUR APPLICATION AND/OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE, YOUR APPLICATION MAY BE REJECTED. 

• The Credentialing Committee makes every effort to complete its review process within 30 days of the Chairperson’s receipt of an application. All work is performed by volunteers who are employed as full-time paralegals. Please allow up to 45 days for a response in consideration of mailing delays, work loads, vacation schedules, etc. If you do not receive a response within 45 days, you may request a status report by emailing the Credentialing Committee Chairperson at CredentialingChair@keystoneparalegals.org.
• If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter enclosing your certificate and wallet card as well as information regarding maintenance of the Pa.C.P. Credential. The Pa.C.P. will be solely responsible for meeting the requirements for maintenance of the Pa.C.P. Credential including but not limited to obtaining the requisite CLE’s within the two-year Certification Period and submitting the Application for Renewal prior to the Pa.C.P.’s anniversary date. See the Keystone Alliance website for complete information and forms.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a denial letter advising you of your right to appeal within 45 days and enclosing the necessary forms and instructions for submitting the appeal. The Appeals Committee shall make the final determination on the acceptance or denial of the Appellant’s certification.