CILEX Regulation qualifications new_25.09.2026

A law degree is one possible entry route, but it is not a requirement. CILEX qualifications or relevant legal work experience also provide a route to entry.

No. You qualify through recognised study and qualifying employment, without a training contract or pupillage. You will need to meet the academic and experience requirements and obtain authorisation from CILEX Regulation.

CILEX Regulation offers two routes to gaining conveyancing practice rights. The right route for you will depend on how specialised you want your qualification to be and your longer-term career goals. 

Speak to an adviser for guidance on the route that best suits your career goals.

CILEX Practitioner (Conveyancing Practitioner Qualification)
This is a focused route for those who want to specialise in conveyancing. You can become authorised as a CILEX Practitioner (Conveyancing), with practice rights in conveyancing, without qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.

Chartered Legal Executive (Conveyancing Legal Practice Qualification)
This route leads to Chartered Legal Executive status with conveyancing practice rights. It provides a broader qualification and may be more suitable if you want to develop your career beyond conveyancing or pursue additional practice rights in the future.

CILEX Regulation offers two routes to gaining probate practice rights. The right route for you will depend on how specialised you want your qualification to be and your longer-term career goals.

Speak to an adviser for guidance on the route that best suits your career goals.

CILEX Practitioner (Probate Practitioner Qualification)
This is a focused route for those who want to specialise in probate. You can become authorised as a CILEX Practitioner (Probate), with practice rights in probate, without qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.

Chartered Legal Executive (Probate Legal Practice Qualification)
This route leads to Chartered Legal Executive status with probate practice rights. It provides a broader qualification and may be more suitable if you want to develop your career beyond probate or pursue additional practice rights in the future.

Yes. The course is designed to fit around your work and other commitments. If your role meets the relevant requirements, you can also build your qualifying experience while you study.

Yes, depending on your previous qualifications and experience. Law degrees, CILEX qualifications and relevant professional training may be considered for exemptions. Speak to us to check your eligibility before you enrol.

The course is flexible, so the time it takes will depend on your pace of study. There are three assessment windows each year, and you can build the required 2,300 hours of qualifying experience alongside your studies.

You will need 2,300 hours of qualifying legal experience, assessed by CILEX Regulation. This can often be built through your existing legal role while you study.

The course is the first stage of the qualification process. You will also need to complete the required qualifying experience and portfolio before applying to CILEX Regulation for authorisation. Once authorised, you can undertake the activities covered by your authorisation, subject to your practising certificate and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Yes, litigators can add rights of audience through an Advocacy Skills Course, and later extend them to the higher courts through a Higher Rights Course.

CILEX Regulation charges separate fees for assessing your qualifying experience and your final application. Once authorised, you will also pay an annual practising fee. You can find the current fees in the Fees and funding section.

Minimum hardware requirements

• Computer / laptop / Google Chromebook / Apple MacBook
• Keyboard and a mouse or another pointing device
• Broadband connection with 10 Mbps average speed
• An Ethernet cable for maintaining internet stability
• Working microphone, either internal or external
• Webcam with 320 x 240 VGA resolution, either internal or external

Minimum system requirements

• Preferred internet browser: Google Chrome
• Operating system: Windows 7+ / macOS 10.11+ / Chrome 58+
• Free RAM: 2GB
• Processor: 2GHz Intel Pentium / Intel / ARM
• Free disk space: 1GB

• Enrolment: Our Student Services Team will process your enrolment and contact you if any further information is required.
• Payment: You or your sponsoring employer will receive an invoice. Payment can be made by bank transfer or card, with monthly instalments available by Direct Debit.
• Cooling-off period: A 14-day cooling-off period applies. You can choose to waive this if you would like to start your course sooner.
• Course access: You will receive access to your course within two working days of payment, so you can begin your studies.