SRA Handbook

Exemption from a part or parts of a CPE

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Version 4 of the Handbook was published on 21/06/2012. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 7: Exemption from a part or parts of a CPE

7.1

You may apply to us for an exemption from any of the foundations of legal knowledge and the other area of legal study in a CPE if you have passed corresponding subjects within a degree programme, subject to the restrictions in regulation 7.4.

7.2

We may grant an exemption if we are satisfied that you have passed any assessments and examinations in any of the foundations of legal knowledge or other area of legal study approved by us as being substantially equivalent to the CPE areas/subjects from which you seek exemption.

7.3

If you are a FILEX or MILEX, you can claim full or partial exemption from the CPE if you have passed corresponding papers in the level six membership examinations. Exemptions cannot be claimed if you have obtained exemption from ILEX membership examinations by:

(a)

having passed corresponding subjects as part of a failed QLD; or

(b)

having passed corresponding law papers in a law degree that is not a QLD because it was not completed within the maximum time period.

7.4

You can only apply for exemptions from four or more CPE subjects. Exemptions will only be considered if the degree has been awarded, irrespective of whether individual law subjects have been passed.

7.5

If you have passed three or fewer subjects, you cannot apply for an exemption and must complete the CPE in full.

7.6

If we are satisfied that you are entitled to be granted exemption from any of the foundations of legal knowledge or the one other area of legal study in a CPE, we may issue a Certificate of Exemption stating any foundation or foundations of legal knowledge and the one other area of legal study which you must pass in order to complete a CPE.

7.7

If you are taking only one or two CPE subjects as a result of an SRA exemption, you must begin your studies no later than 1 October of the year prior to the year in which you attempt the examinations and assessments.

Guidance note:

(i)

Regulations 7.4 and 7.5 mean that you can either apply for exemptions from:

(a)

four foundations of legal knowledge subjects;

(b)

three of the foundations of legal knowledge and one further area of legal study; or

(c)

more than four subjects.

(ii)

You can apply for a CPE exemption on this website.