September 17, 2025 | British Columbia

For British Columbians considering a rewarding career in the legal field without the extensive education required to become a lawyer, the paralegal profession offers an attractive alternative.  

 
If you're wondering about the time commitment required to launch this career, you're not alone. One of the first questions many prospective students ask is: How long will it take to become a paralegal?  
 

The good news is that you don’t need to spend years in law school to enter this profession. With the right training program, you can be job-ready in just over a year. In this article, we’ll explore how long the process takes, what you’ll learn, and how CDI College Paralegal Diploma Program can help you launch your career efficiently and effectively. 

How Long is the Paralegal Program?  

A paralegal program usually can be completed in 2 years. CDI College's Paralegal Diploma Program is designed as an intensive, occupational training program that requires 67 weeks of full-time study to complete. This accelerated timeline stands in contrast to traditional paralegal education pathways in British Columbia, which can take 2-4 years through conventional college or university programs. 
 

Why the Duration Matters 

The accelerated format of a job-ready paralegal program, like CDI College offers several distinct advantages for career-minded students: 
 

• Time Efficiency: The program delivers comprehensive paralegal training in under a year instead of multiple years, allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner. 
• Cost Effectiveness: With a shorter duration, students save on tuition and living expenses while gaining the opportunity to start earning a professional salary more quickly. 
• Focused Learning: The intensive, career-focused curriculum eliminates unnecessary electives, concentrating exclusively on the practical skills and knowledge needed for success in legal environments. 
• Faster Career Entry: Graduates can begin working in the legal field significantly sooner than with traditional programs, taking advantage of BC's moderate employment outlook for paralegals. 

What You'll Learn in 67 Weeks 

CDI College Paralegal Diploma Program provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends administrative expertise with substantive legal training specifically tailored to British Columbia's legal landscape . The program covers: 
 

Core Legal Knowledge Areas
 

• Canadian court systems and legal institutions 
• Corporate and commercial law, including the British Columbia Business Corporation Act 
• Family law procedures incorporating the Family Relations Act and Divorce Act 
• Real estate law and conveyancing processes specific to BC 
• Criminal law and evidence procedures 
• Litigation procedures for civil cases 
• Wills and estate planning  
• Insurance Law 
• Credit and Collection Procedures 

Practical Skill Development
 

• Legal research and interviewing techniques 
• Document drafting and review (contracts, affidavits, wills, pleadings) 
• Case management and organization 
• Client communication and interaction 
• Legal software and applications  

The program also includes courses in business writing, computer applications, Microsoft Outlook, keyboarding (with a requirement of 50 words per minute), and effective business communication – all essential skills for modern legal environments . 

The Practicum Advantage 

A significant differentiator of this program is its 140-hour practicum component, where students apply their knowledge in real-world legal settings. This hands-on experience provides: 
 

• Practical Application: Opportunities to implement classroom learning in actual legal environments 
• Professional Networking: Connections with legal professionals that can lead to employment opportunities 
• Skill Validation: Confidence-building through successful performance of paralegal tasks 
• Enhanced Employability: Graduates with practicum experience are often more attractive to employers 
   

The practicum component ensures that graduates are not only theoretically knowledgeable but also practically prepared to handle the demands of law firms, corporate legal departments, and other legal environments throughout British Columbia.  

Step-by-Step Timeline to Becoming a Paralegal 
 

Total Program Duration: 67 Weeks 

FAQs: 

 
1. How long is a Paralegal Course? 

Ans: A single paralegal course at CDI College, such as Corporate and Commercial Law or Family Law Procedures, typically ranges from 40 to 120 hours (a few weeks) of study. 

2. How long is Schooling for Paralegal? 

Ans: The complete schooling for the Paralegal Diploma at CDI College is a 67-week (1,400-hour) program that includes all courses, a practicum, and career preparation. 

 
3. Do I need any legal experience before applying? 

Ans: No, this program is designed for those without prior secretarial or legal training. 

Bonus Read: Is Paralegal a Good Career in BC?

Final Thoughts 

For British Columbians seeking a rewarding career in the legal field, CDI College's Paralegal Diploma Program offers an efficient path to employment in under 67 weeks. The program's comprehensive curriculum, practical practicum component, and career-focused approach prepare graduates to meet the demands of BC's evolving legal landscape. 
 

As access to legal services continues to be a fundamental question of justice in British Columbia, the role of paralegals becomes increasingly important . Their contribution helps improve the efficiency of legal services and potentially increases accessibility to justice for British Columbians.
 

If you're detail-oriented, enjoy research, and seek a role that makes a real impact in the legal system, becoming a paralegal could be your ideal career choice. With CDI College's program, you can transform your career prospects in approximately 67 weeks – a investment that offers substantial returns in terms of professional satisfaction, earning potential, and job stability in BC's growing legal industry.