SRA Handbook

Validity periods of certificates of completion of the academic stage

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Version 1 of the Handbook was published on 16/09/2011. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 5: Validity periods of certificates of completion of the academic stage

5.1

A certificate remains in force for seven years after 1 October in the year in which you satisfactorily completed a QLD, Diploma in Law or a CPE.

5.2

If you wish to qualify as a solicitor and your certificate of completion of the academic stage has expired, you must satisfactorily complete the full CPE.

Guidance note:

(i)

We have the discretion to revalidate expired certificates of completion of the academic stage if we are satisfied that you have undertaken ongoing legal updating. This may include active engagement in legal work or a role as a legal educator throughout the period after completing the QLD, Diploma in Law or CPE. We are unlikely to exercise this discretion if your qualifications are more than ten years old.