A CLDP is certified by the Arizona Supreme Court.  He or she must have a certain level of education together with several years of legal office experience working directly under the supervision of an attorney.  He or she undergoes an extensive background check, studies and sits for a comprehensive written exam and is only certified if approved by a vote of the Arizona Supreme Court Board of Certified Legal Document Preparers.  A CLDP must take a minimum of twenty (20) hours of Continuing Legal Education classes/seminars during each two-year certification period.

A Paralegal has achieved a certain level of education and training through the performance of extensive legal work under attorney supervision.  A Paralegal may not independently produce legal documents for use by a consumer in a legal matter.