The document outlines four career paths for students interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal: 1. A path for those with no experience or qualifications that involves obtaining qualifications and experience over time to apply for associate membership. 2. A path for those with qualifications but no experience that follows the same steps to apply for associate membership. 3. A path for career changers and experienced paralegals that involves applying for associate or qualified membership based on their experience and training. 4. A path for those with experience but no qualifications that uses the experiential route to progress to qualified or fellow membership status.

1. Student Career Path
Join as an
Affiliate
• Step 1
Work
towards a
Level 3
Qualification
• Step 2
Obtain work
Experience
• Step 2
Achieve
Level 3
and/or 1 year
work
experience
• Step 3
Apply for
Associate
Membership
A.Inst.Pa
• Step 4
This career path is suitable for those who have no experience and no
qualifications/training

2. Career Path – qualifications ONLY
Join as an
Affiliate
• Step 1
Work
towards a
Level 3
Qualification
• Step 2
Obtain work
Experience
• Step 2
Achieve
Level 3
and/or 1 year
work
experience
• Step 3
Apply for
Associate
Membership
A.Inst.Pa
• Step 4
This career path is suitable for those who have qualifications/training, but no
experience

3. Career Path
Associate
A.Inst.Pa
Find your entry
level and apply for
membership
Scroll over the
grades to see
criteria
Qualified
Q.Inst.pa
Add to your
qualifications/experience
to progress your
membership status.
Consider whether the
Experiential Route is right
for you.
Fellow
F.Inst.Pa
This career path is suitable for career changers, legal secretaries, new and experienced
paralegals who have some experience or relevant training or qualifications.

4. Career Path – experience ONLY
Associate
A.Inst.Pa
Find your entry
level and apply for
membership
Scroll over the
grades to see
criteria
Qualified
Q.Inst.pa
Consider whether the
Experiential Route is right
for you.
This route will enable you
to progress to become a
Qualified or Fellow
member.
Fellow
F.Inst.Pa
This career path is suitable for those who have experience, but no
qualifications/training

5. Progressing your membership grade
Associate
A.Inst.Pa
Find your entry
level and apply for
membership
Scroll over the
grades to see
criteria
Qualified
Q.Inst.pa
Consider whether the
Experiential Route is right
for you.
This route will enable you
to progress to become a
Qualified or Fellow
member.
Fellow
F.Inst.Pa
This career path enables IoP members to progress their career and achieve the highest
level of professionalism. Contact us to find out if you qualify for the next grade.
Affiliate