Do i have to go to school to be a paralegal?

someone told me i dont because its similar knowledege that an attorney's assistant or legal secretary would have..is this true?

also if i didnt need school would i still need to pass a certain type of test to own that title as "paralegal"

It depends on the state's requirements - what state are you in?

If you are in California, this is what is required:

Business & Professions Code

搂6450. Paralegals-Definition; Scope and Limitations of Lawful Activities; Qualifications; Certification

c. A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:

1. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
2. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
3. A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
4. A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Most paralegals have some type of degree or certificate in paralegal studies, but as I mentioned, it really depends on the state and whether it is required by the state. Some can get the knowledge required to be a paralegal by working in a law office, doing "paralegal" tasks and then eventually being called a paralegal without the degree. One of the secretaries at my last law firm did not have a degree in paralegal studies (no degree at all, just a high school diploma) but she met the requirements of subsection (c)(4).

Yes.