PCCE Exam Information and Outline
Paralegal CORE Competency Exam
Syllabus Update Checked on: September 15, 2026
PCCE Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
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The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
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Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
PCCE Paralegal CORE Competency Exam
- Legal Terminology- Legal Research- and Legal Writing
- Legal Terminology: Understanding and correctly using legal terms and phrases.
- Examples:
- stare decisis
- res judicata
- voir dire
- subpoena
- tort
- jurisdiction
- liability
- negligence
- Legal Research: Knowledge of research methods and resources.
- Primary vs. secondary sources.
- Use of legal databases
- Westlaw
- LexisNexis
- Citation formats
- Bluebook
- ALWD
- Legal Writing: Drafting legal documents and correspondence.
- Types of legal documents:
- pleadings
- motions
- briefs
- memoranda
- contracts
- correspondence
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Ethical Rules and Guidelines: Understanding the ethical obligations of paralegals.
- Key concepts:
- confidentiality
- conflicts of interest
- unauthorized practice of law (UPL)
- attorney-client privilege
- NFPA Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
- State-specific ethical rules and guidelines.
- Professional Responsibility: Role of the paralegal in the legal team.
- Maintaining client confidentiality.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Proper billing practices and timekeeping
- Legal Technology and Office Administration
- Legal Technology: Use of technology in legal practice.
- Case management software
- Clio
- MyCase
- E-discovery tools and techniques.
- Document management systems.
- Electronic filing (e-filing) systems.
- Office Administration: Managing law office operations.
- File organization and management.
- Calendaring and docketing deadlines.
- Client intake procedures.
- Billing and accounting practices.
- Civil Litigation
- Litigation Process: Understanding the stages of civil litigation.
- Pre-trial:
- pleadings
- discovery
- motions
- settlement negotiations
Trial:
- trial preparation
- courtroom procedures
- evidence presentation
- Post-trial: appeals and enforcement of judgments.
- Key Documents and Procedures:
- Drafting complaints
- answers
- motions.
- Discovery tools:
- interrogatories
- depositions
- requests for production
- Subpoenas and witness preparation.
- Terminologies:
- Summons
- complaint
- answer
- default judgment
- motion to dismiss
- summary judgment
- Substantive Law
- Areas of Law: Basic understanding of key areas of substantive law.
- Contracts:
- Formation
- breach
- remedies
- Torts:
- Negligence
- intentional torts
- strict liability
- Real Property:
- Ownership
- transfers
- leases
- Criminal Law:
- Elements of crimes
- defenses
- procedures
- Family Law:
- Divorce
- custody
- support
- Business Organizations:
- Corporations
- partnerships
- LLCs
- Terminologies:
- Consideration
- breach of contract
- negligence per se
- fee simple
- mens rea
- actus reus
- alimony
- joint venture