From CILEX to CLC: A Guide to Converting Your Legal Status 

Are you a CILEX member feeling the need to specialize? Whether you are a Fellow (FCILEx), a Graduate member, or currently moving through the CPQ framework, there is a streamlined pathway waiting for you to become a specialist Licensed Conveyancer or Probate Practitioner.

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) offers established routes for CILEX members to transfer their skills. By making the switch, you gain defined practice rights as an Authorised Person under the Legal Services Act 2007, giving you full regulatory recognition to undertake reserved legal activities in your specialist area.

Here is your roadmap for transferring from CILEX to CLC.

The "Golden Rule": Managing Accounts

Before we look at specific grades, there is one requirement that applies to almost every CILEX transfer: Accounts.

Because CLC Lawyers are specialists in property and estate administration, the handling of client money is central to the role. Consequently, almost all CILEX members (even Fellows) transferring to the CLC must complete the relevant SQA Level 6 Unit in Managing Client and Office Accounts (either for Conveyancing or Probate).

1. The Legacy Route (FCILEx, GCILEx, ACILEx)

If you qualified through the traditional CILEX Level 3 and Level 6 paths, your route depends on your membership grade.

For CILEX Fellows (FCILEx)

This is the fastest route. As a Fellow, your experience is highly valued, and the academic gap is minimal.

• To become a Conveyancer: You generally only need to complete the Managing Client and Office Accounts (Conveyancing) unit.

• Note: You may also need the Landlord and Tenant unit unless your Fellowship was in Conveyancing, or you passed CILEX Level 6 Advanced Commercial Property or Unit 10 Landlord and Tenant Law.

• To become a Probate Practitioner: You simply need to complete the SQA Level 6 unit in Managing Client and Office Accounts (Probate).
• Pro Tip: You do not need to go through a complex "Accredited Prior Learning" (APL) process. You simply request that your SQA Accounts unit be certificated as a "standalone unit.

For Graduate Members (GCILEx)

• You can usually progress straight onto the SQA Level 6 Diploma.
• If you passed your CILEX Level 6 modules within the last 6 years, you may be eligible for further exemptions—it is worth checking with us before you enrol.

For Associate Members (ACILEx)

• With a Law Degree: You can progress straight to the SQA Level 6 Diploma.
• With CILEX Level 3: You must bridge the gap by completing specific SQA Level 4 units (such as Standard Conveyancing Transactions or Law of Wills) plus the relevant Accounts unit before moving on to the Level 6 Diploma.

2. The CPQ Route (CILEX Professional Qualification)

The CLC is strict about who qualifies. You aren't just an assistant; you are a fee earner with autonomy. Your employer muIf you are qualifying under the newer CPQ framework, the mapping is equally clear.st verify that you:

• CPQ Professional Stage (CILEX Lawyer):

• Probate: Complete the Level 6 Managing Client and Office Accounts (Probate) unit.
• Conveyancing: Complete the Level 6 Managing Client and Office Accounts (Conveyancing) unit. You may also need to take the Landlord and Tenant unit if you cannot evidence a pass in the optional Commercial Conveyancing module.

• CPQ Advanced Stage (Advanced Paralegal): You must complete the SQA Level 4 Unit in Understanding Accounting Procedures before moving to the Level 6 Diploma.
• CPQ Foundation Stage (Paralegal): You will need to complete two SQA Level 4 units (The Conveyancing / Probate unit + the Accounts unit) before progressing to the Level 6 Diploma.

3. CILEX Practitioners (CRL Regulated)

If you are a CILEX Practitioner (with practice rights) but not a Fellow:

• You generally must complete the full SQA Level 6 Diploma.
• However, if you have passed equivalent standalone CILEX Level 6 units in the last six years, you may be exempt from everything except the mandatory Accounts unit.

Great News for Existing Practitioners: If you are an FCILEx Practitioner holding a current, unconditional CRL Conveyancing certificate, you are exempt from the CLC occupational experience requirement (the 1,200 hours of practical experience usually required for a license).

Not Ready for a Full Licence? Become a CLC Technician.

If you are currently studying or gathering experience, you don't have to wait until the end to get recognised.

You can register as a CLC Legal Technician at no cost. To do this, you simply need to complete the relevant Level 4 coursework (or add the CLC Level 4 Accounts unit to your existing qualifications) and gain the required work experience. This gets your name on the CLC Technician Directory while you finish your studies to become a full CLC Lawyer.

What About the Cost?

Transitioning is an investment in your career, but the costs are transparent.

• SQA Level 6 Single Units (e.g., for the Accounts requirement): £745
• Full SQA Level 6 Diploma (if required): £1,920
• CLC Technician Registration: Free.

Ready to Switch?

Converting your CILEX qualification to a CLC Licence is a powerful way to secure your status as a specialist in the property or private client sector.

Next Steps:

• Check your transcripts to see which CILEX units you have passed.
• Identify if you need the "Landlord and Tenant" top-up.
• Enroll in the mandatory "Managing Client and Office Accounts" unit with an approved training provider.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Converting from CILEX to CLC

General & Benefits

The "Golden Rule": Accounts

Legacy Route Pathways (FCILEx, GCILEx, ACILEx)

CPQ Route Pathways

Practical Experience & Existing Practitioners

Costs & Process