Exemptions

CILEx operates an equality and diversity exemption policy and welcomes applications for exemption on the basis of comparable qualifications from recognised Institutions which satisfy the CILEx criteria. Applications for exemption may be made from one or more units of the CILEx professional qualifications, by CILEx students or by Institutions which award qualifications.

Listed Exemptions

View the CILEx Exemptions Table for a list of qualifications currently approved for exemption and the associated exemption fees.

LPC/BPTC

Full exemptions are available for those who are Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (formerly the Bar Vocational Course BVC) graduates. If you hold these qualifications you do not have to take the CILEx exams, and can apply to become a Graduate Member of CILEx. For further details please contact our Membership Department:

Phone: +44 (0)1234 845777
Email: membership@cilex.org.uk

Qualifying law degrees

If you hold a qualifying law degree awarded within the last 7 years you can apply for exemption from CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice and the Law units from the Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice. You can then complete your academic studies and gain Graduate Membership of CILEx by completing the CILEx Graduate Fast-Track Diploma, consisting of Level 6 Client Care Skills unit and two Level 6 Practice units (one of which must relate to the subjects you studied within your law degree). Note: a qualifying law degree is one recognised as qualifying by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).  Please confirm with the SRA that your law degree is qualifying before applying for this exemption. Please go to the CILEx Exemptions Table to download the listed exemption form.

Exemptions for Legal Services learners

This exemptions document is relevant to learners taking CILEx’s Level 4 Legal Services qualifications either in the context of the Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services or as standalone qualifications. Further information about this qualification can be found on the Legal Apprentices page.

Unlisted exemptions

If you hold a legal qualification awarded which is not listed in the CILEx Exemptions Table, you can still apply for an exemption.

Applications for exemption based on completion of non-qualifying law degrees (or other recognised completed qualifications with sufficient legal content and at the same level as the CILEx units or higher) will be assessed on a subject by subject basis. A full transcript and detailed syllabus must be provided with the application to enable the contents of the qualification to be mapped against the selected CILEx units. If you have a non-qualifying law degree or other recognised qualification with sufficient legal content, please go to the CILEx Exemptions Table to download the unlisted exemption form.

Appeals

If you do not agree with an exemption decision you can put your appeal in writing to the Head of Awards at CILEx within 10 working days of receiving the initial decision. The Head of Awards will investigate your appeal and respond in writing within 10 working days.

If you are still not satisfied you can submit a final appeal within 10 working days, in writing, to an independent adjudicator, who will consider your case and respond in writing within 10 working days. Please send your appeal to Independent Adjudicator, Exemption Appeals. The decision of the adjudicator is final, no further appeal is permitted.