Exemptions

These pages outline the exemption application process and the CILEx criteria for awarding exemptions.

Exemptions are awarded at the discretion of CILEx. CILEx operates an equality and diversity exemption policy and welcomes applications on the basis of comparable qualifications from recognised Institutions which satisfy the CILEx criteria for awarding exemptions.

Applications may be made by CILEx students or by Institutions which award qualifications.

Applications can be made for exemption from one or more units on the CILEx professional qualifications.

View the Exemptions Table of Approved Qualifications and Exemption Fees.

Qualifying law degrees
If you already hold a qualifying law degree awarded within the last seven years, you can take the CILEx Graduate Fast-Track Diploma. You just need to study two CILEx Level 6 Practice units (one of which must relate to the subjects you studied within your law degree), and the CILEx Level 6 Client Care Skills unit to complete your academic studies. (Note: a qualifying law degree is defined as recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the successors to the Law Society in England and Wales on regulatory matters). Please go to the Exemptions Table obtain details of the exemption fee and to download the application form.

Full exemptions are available for those who have obtained a qualifying law degree and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). If you hold these qualifications you do not have to take the CILEx exams, and can apply immediately to become a Graduate Member of CILEx and use designatory letters. Once you have the minimum of five years' employment experience in legal work (including at least two consecutive years' experience after you have become a Graduate Member of CILEx) you can apply to be a Fellow of CILEx. If you have achieved a  Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), please use this form to apply for a full exemption.

General exemptions
Non-qualifying law degrees or other recognised qualifications that have sufficient legal content will be assessed on a subject by subject basis. A full syllabus transcript must be provided with the application to CILEx so that the contents of the qualification can be mapped against the appropriate CILEx units. If you have a non-qualifying law degree or other recognised qualification with sufficient legal content please complete this Exemption Application form and return it to CILEx with the required documentation and fee.

Please go to the Exemptions Table to obtain details of the exemption fee. Further information is available on our FAQs page.