Exemptions FAQs
Q. How can I find out if my qualification is approved
for exemption?
When a qualification is approved for exemption it is added to a
list of approved exemptions. The
exemptions area of the CILEx website contains details of all
approved qualifications for CILEx exemptions.
Q. My qualification is not on the approved list, if my
application for exemption is unsuccessful is the £100
administration fee refundable?
The £100.00 exemption administration fee is non-refundable.
Q. I have a qualifying law degree which I
completed within the last 7 years which is the best route for me to
follow?
If you already hold a qualifying law degree awarded within the
last 7 years, you can take the CILEx Graduate Fast Track Diploma
and then apply for CILEx Graduate Membership. You need to study two
CILEx Level 6 Practice units (one of which must be in an area of
law that you studied within your law degree) and the CILEx Level 6
Client Care Skills unit to complete your academic studies.
Please note that a qualifying law degree is recognised as
qualifying by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). If
you are uncertain whether your degree is a qualifying law degree or
not, please contact the SRA, or go to the SRA website www.sra.org.uk which displays a list
of institutions that offer qualifying law degrees and details of
qualifying degree titles.
Q. How long does the exemption application process
take?
An acknowledgement of your application is sent out within 5 days
of receipt of the application.
If you are applying for a listed exemption we will confirm your
eligibility in writing within 10 days.
For all other applications for exemptions NOT listed, including
applications from Institutions, please allow up to 28 days for a
decision.
Please note that the above timescales are subject to receiving
complete applications and may change according to the complexity of
your application and the volume received at peak application
times. If your application is unlikely to be dealt with
within the above timescales then you will be advised.
Q. Is it the same exemption fee for
Level 3 and Level 6 units?
No. Students applying for exemption from
individual units from Level 3 will be equivalent to the examination
fees at £44 per unit, and the same applies to students applying for
exemptions from individual units from Level 6, these will be
charged at £82 per unit.
Q. How do I make an appeal against an exemption
decision?
If you wish to make an appeal against an exemption decision,
please write to the Exemptions Administrator (marking your letter
Exemption Appeal). Your appeal request will be acknowledged within
3 working days and will then be processed in accordance with the
appeals policy.
Q. Who can certify my certificate?
The person certifying the certificate/documents supporting your
application must be a practicing or retired professional registered
with the appropriate professional body, for example a Legal
Executive, Solicitor, Barrister or Licensed Conveyancer.
Please note CILEx will carry out spot checks to check the
authenticity of documents.
Q. What if my qualification is more than 7 years
old?
If your qualification is more than 7 years old you will not be
eligible for exemptions.