Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Certified Paralegal (CP) Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following best describes the paralegal’s role in client

interviewing?

• Giving legal advice to the client
• Preparing the client’s case independently
• Assisting the attorney in gathering information
• Representing the client in court

Rationale: Paralegals may gather information and assist in

interviews, but cannot give legal advice or represent clients.

• Which of the following is an example of privileged communication?
• Client telling a friend about a case 1 / 4

• Client telling the attorney about a legal matter
• Client posting details online
• Client discussing a case with a paralegal without supervision

Rationale: Attorney-client communications are privileged; sharing

with third parties may waive privilege.

• What is the primary purpose of a deposition?
• To finalize a settlement
• To obtain sworn testimony from a witness before trial
• To argue motions in court
• To file pleadings with the court

Rationale: Depositions are pretrial discovery tools used to record

witness testimony under oath.

• Which of the following is required for a valid contract?
• Written document only
• Notarization only
• Offer, acceptance, and consideration
• Filing with the court

Rationale: A contract requires an offer, acceptance, and

consideration to be legally binding.

5. A paralegal may NOT:

• Draft legal documents under attorney supervision
• Conduct factual investigations
• Provide legal advice directly to clients 2 / 4

• File documents with the court

Rationale: Providing legal advice is the practice of law and is

prohibited for paralegals.

• Which court has original jurisdiction over federal crimes?
• State Supreme Court
• Court of Appeals
• United States District Court
• Municipal Court

Rationale: Federal district courts are the trial courts with original

jurisdiction over federal crimes.

7. In litigation, a “motion to dismiss” is typically filed:

• After trial
• Before trial
• During jury deliberation
• After verdict

Rationale: A motion to dismiss challenges the legal sufficiency of a

complaint before the trial proceeds.

• Which of the following is an example of discovery?
• Filing a complaint
• Issuing a verdict
• Interrogatories and requests for production
• Oral argument on appeal 3 / 4

Rationale: Discovery involves the exchange of information between

parties, such as interrogatories, depositions, and document requests.

• Which of the following best describes negligence?
• Intentional harm
• Breach of contract
• Failure to exercise reasonable care causing harm
• Strict liability

Rationale: Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care,

resulting in damage or injury.

• Which of the following is NOT required in a will?
• Testator’s signature
• Witnesses
• Notarization in all states
• Testamentary intent

Rationale: Most states do not require notarization for a will; intent,

signature, and witnesses are essential.

11. A paralegal preparing a brief should:

• Submit directly to the court
• Draft under attorney supervision
• Represent the client in oral argument
• Make final legal determinations

Rationale: Paralegals may draft legal documents under attorney

supervision but cannot independently represent the client.

• / 4