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Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship
Take the next step towards senior professional practice with our Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship. This advanced apprenticeship is designed for individuals already working in probate or private client roles who are ready to progress into licensed practice.
The programme leads to Licensed Probate Practitioner status and prepares learners to manage complex estates independently, take on regulatory responsibility, and operate at a senior professional level. Learners earn while they qualify, combining structured training with real-world probate casework.
The apprenticeship can be tailored based on prior experience or qualifications, ensuring learners progress efficiently without repeating knowledge they already have.
Employers: visit the Employer Hub to plan an apprenticeship for your firm.
All programmes are CLC/SQA approved
Real-time help from qualified tutors
WHO CAN APPLY?
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme is designed for professionals who are ready to progress into licensed probate practice.
It is particularly suited to:
- Level 4 Probate Technicians ready to progress
- Experienced probate or private client assistants
- Professionals working in estate administration with relevant experience
- Employers developing future Licensed Probate Practitioners within their firm
APPRENTICESHIP OVERVIEW
What You'll Learn
This apprenticeship focuses on developing the advanced legal knowledge and professional judgement required at the licensed practitioner level.
Learners will build expertise in:
- Advanced probate law and estate administration.
- Managing complex estates and inheritance tax matters.
- Trusts, succession planning, and contentious issues.
- Regulatory responsibility and compliance under the CLC framework.
- Independent case management and client decision-making.
This pathway ultimately leads to becoming a Conveyancing Technician (Level 4) and, with further study, a Licensed Conveyancer (Level 6).
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Apprenticeship Duration
The typical duration of the Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship is 18–24 months.
The overall length may be reduced depending on prior learning, qualifications or experience, which are assessed at the start of the programme. All apprenticeships include off-the-job training, delivered flexibly to fit around probate workloads and client responsibilities.
THE STEPPED APPROACH
A two-stage route for those starting out.
- Step 1: Level 4 Probate Technician Apprenticeship (typically 24 months) - gain core legal knowledge and qualify as a Probate Technician.
- Step 2: Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship (duration set at your Initial Assessment) - progress to full licensure and advanced responsibilities.
DIRECT LICENSED PRACTITIONER ROUTE
A single, continuous apprenticeship (up to 56 months, commonly reduced after the Initial Assessment) combining both Level 4 and Level 6 learning. Ideal if you are committed to a long-term, comprehensive programme from the start. It combines all the necessary training into a single, seamless apprenticeship in probate.
ASSESSMENT
How The Apprenticeship Will Be Assessed
Assessment is designed to confirm competence at licensed practitioner level, and is built into your qualification rather than bolted on at the end. Your learning maps to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in the ST1311 standard.
You will be assessed through:
- Practical Level 6 exams for each module of the Diploma in Probate Law and Practice (Wills, Succession and Grants of Representation, The Administration of Estates, Managing Client and Office Accounts), awarded by Qualifications Scotland.
- Your Diploma result confirms completion of the apprenticeship under the ST1311 v2.0 standard (all starts from 8 June 2026).
- There is no separate End-Point Assessment, no external assessment organisation and no EPA fee.
Gateway to Completion and your CLC licence
- Level 6 Diploma achieved.
- Workplace behaviours confirmed by your employer.
- Minimum programme duration met, with your employer and Access Law agreeing you are occupationally competent.
To hold a CLC licence and practise independently you also complete the CLC's 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience, verified by an Authorised Person.
Full Support Provided
Mock exams, practice questions, detailed feedback, and resit opportunities are all included.
FUNDING & PAYMENT
Funding & Employer Support
The level 6 probate apprenticeship is designed to be a cost-effective solution for firms looking to grow their internal expertise. With multiple funding routes available, we ensure the financial barrier to starting an apprenticeship in probate is as low as possible for both the firm and the individual.
Levy-Paying Employers
100%
Employers with a pay bill over 3 million pounds fund training in full through the Growth and Skills Levy (formerly the Apprenticeship Levy).
Non-Levy, Apprentice Aged 16-24
100%
From 1 August 2026 the government funds 100 percent of training costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24 at non-levy firms, whatever the firm size.
Non-Levy, Apprentice Aged 25+
95%
The government funds 95 percent of training costs; the employer contributes 5 percent.
Additional Support Available
1,000 pounds employer payment (apprentice aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 with an EHC plan or care experience)
3,000 pounds care leaver bursary, paid directly to the apprentice
2,000 pounds hiring payment (non-levy, new apprentice aged 16 to 24, starts from 1 October 2026)
GRADUATE REVIEWS
Transforming Careers & Elevating Law Firms
Real stories from apprentices who transformed their careers through our programmes.
HOW WILL MY CAREER PROGRESS?
Career Opportunities after Level 4
On completion, learners are eligible to apply for a CLC probate licence, enabling them to:
Primary Outcome
Probate Technician
- Work independently on probate and estate matters.
- Manage complex estates and inheritance tax cases.
Future Options
Take on senior or supervisory responsibilities.
Progress into leadership roles within private client teams.
Build a long-term career as a Licensed Probate Practitioner.
OUR DIFFERENCE
Why Train with Access Law Online
We aren’t just another training provider; we are specialists in the CLC route. Unlike generalist organisations that cover a broad range of unrelated legal sectors, our focus is dedicated to the specialist fields of property and probate law. This means every resource, tutor, and piece of advice is focused on your success as a future Licensed Probate Practitioner.
CLC Probate Specialists
We focus purely on CLC-regulated qualifications. You won’t be learning from generic private client materials; every resource we provide is built specifically for this level 6 probate apprenticeship and the high standards of the regulator.
Built for the Busy Desk
Our digital-first platform is designed by practitioners who understand the reality of high-volume estate administration. Your probate apprenticeship allows you to study when and where it suits your schedule, with zero disruptive travel or time away from the office.
Practical, Not Academic
We skip the essays and focus on what matters. Our tutors provide direct feedback on your practical drafting and legal advice—such as preparing inheritance tax accounts and oath documentation—preparing you for the actual work of a senior fee earner.
Direct Access to Experts
You are never just a number. You have a direct line to specialists who understand the current private client market and can help you apply legal theory to your real-world estate files.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Probate Apprenticeships FAQs
A level 6 probate apprenticeship is a specialist, work-based professional programme designed to qualify you as a Licensed Probate Practitioner. Unlike traditional academic routes, this probate apprenticeship combines high-level legal theory with practical, on-the-job training. It is the premier pathway for those looking to master estate administration and succession law while earning a competitive salary, ultimately leading to a professional license regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
No, you do not need a Level 4 qualification or a prior law degree to apply. One of the key benefits of our apprenticeship in probate is its flexibility. We offer an Integrated Foundation-to-License route for beginners that covers all the basics from the ground up. Conversely, if you are an experienced fee earner or a law graduate, our level 6 probate apprenticeship features an accelerated pathway that acknowledges your existing expertise, ensuring you never have to repeat training you’ve already mastered.
Typically 18 to 24 months, depending on prior learning and experience assessed at your Initial Assessment. To hold a CLC licence you also complete the CLC's 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience.
Yes. Once you successfully complete your level 6 probate apprenticeship and receive your CLC license, you are a fully qualified legal professional. You will have the regulatory authority to manage complex estates, provide expert legal advice, and handle all probate matters independently without the need for senior supervision. Qualifying through an apprenticeship in probate provides the "gold standard" of practical experience, making you a highly valuable asset to any private client team.
No. For starts from 8 June 2026 the apprenticeship follows the ST1311 v2.0 assessment plan: your Level 6 Diploma result confirms completion of the apprenticeship. There is no separate End-Point Assessment and no EPA fee. Separately, to hold a CLC licence you complete the CLC's 1,200 hours of supervised practical experience.
CONTACT US
Ready to learn more?
Whether you are taking your first step into law or you are an experienced professional ready to formalise your expertise, we provide the specialist framework you need to succeed.
A Quick Guide Before You Continue
To ensure the apprenticeship is the right fit, please note these key requirements for eventual enrolment:
- Employment Status: Our apprenticeships are designed for individuals who are currently employed in a relevant role in England.
- Employer Support: Securing the full support of the employer is essential. This includes an agreement to provide the time required for off-the-job training and workplace mentoring.