SRA Handbook

Recognition of previous experience

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Version 8 of the Handbook was published on 01/10/2013. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 7: Recognition of previous experience

7.1

If you are a training establishment you may grant a reduction in the period of the training contract in recognition of previous experience only if you are satisfied that:

(a)

the trainee's experience on which you base the reduction:

(i)

was equivalent to that gained in a training contract;

(ii)

was in English law, and in one or more areas of law;

(iii)

was gained in the three years immediately preceding the commencement of the training contract;

(iv)

allowed the acquisition of one or more of the Practice Skills Standards; and

(b)

the trainee:

(i)

was adequately supervised;

(ii)

was appraised; and

(iii)

worked either full-time or not less than two and a half days per week (or the equivalent).

7.2

If you are a training establishment, you may grant a reduction in the period of the training contract in recognition of previous experience of not less than one month (30 days) and no more than six months (183 days).

7.3

If you are a training establishment you must notify us of any reduction in the period of the training contract you have granted under regulation 7.2.

Guidance note:

(i)

You have no obligation to accept previous experience and any reduction in the period of the training contract is entirely at your discretion.

(ii)

When complying with regulation 7(3), you may notify us either:

(a)

when you register the training contract or;

(b)

after registration.