Routes to Licence as a CLC Lawyer (Licensed Conveyancer or Probate Practitioner)

17 December, 2021

We want to remind students and employers that the assured educational route to qualify for licence as a CLC lawyer is via the SQA level 6 Diplomas in conveyancing and probate that are regulated as part of the Register of Regulated Qualifications that are offered by providers approved by the SQA. In addition to the SQA Level 4 and 6 Diplomas, the CLC publishes those legal qualifications it accepts as part of its routes to qualify HERE.  

Please note only regulated level 3 qualifications (certificated by national awarding body) and successfully completed level 3 Legal Apprenticeships (Certificated by The Education and Skills Funding Agency) are accepted by the CLC for exemptions at Level 4. However, candidates who have completed level 3 qualifications or Legal Apprenticeships are also required to complete units on the SQA Level 4 Diplomas before being able to progress to study a SQA Diploma level 6. Standalone unregulated level 3 courses are not recognised for any level of exemption by the CLC.

There are level 4 courses in place that provide a pathway to the level 6 qualifications and there may also be exemptions for candidates who already have some legal education. However, attainment of the Level 6 qualification is the final test.  

Completion of lower-level courses or unregulated courses will not enable students to seek licence by the CLC. When joining courses, students and their sponsoring employers must check that the course or qualification meets their requirements and will qualify them to seek to register as a national CLC Technician or first qualifying CLC licence if that is their intention.