I've really enjoyed studying with Access Law. The online exams made it easy for me to complete the course while juggling other things. THe tutors are fantastic - always quick to respond and really helpful.
Level 4 Probate Technician Apprenticeship
Build a specialist career in wills, probate and estate administration with the Level 4 Probate Technician Apprenticeship. This programme provides the knowledge, training and experience needed to work confidently in private client and probate teams.
You’ll earn while you learn, combining structured online study with hands-on experience in a probate role. On completion, you’ll qualify as a Probate Technician and be ready to progress to advanced probate practice.
Employers: visit the Employer Hub to plan your first apprentice.
All programmes are CLC/SQA approved
Real-time help from qualified tutors
WHO CAN APPLY?
Is This Programme Right for You?
This apprenticeship is designed for those who want to specialise in probate and estate administration.
It is ideal for:
- School leavers entering the legal profession
- Career changers moving into private client work
- Legal administrators and probate assistants
- Support staff in law firms or estate administration teams
- Employers developing specialist probate expertise
No prior legal qualifications are required, provided you are employed in a relevant role and supported by your employer.
APPRENTICESHIP OVERVIEW
What You'll Learn
The Level 4 Probate Technician Apprenticeship equips you with the practical and legal knowledge required to support probate and estate administration matters.
You’ll learn about:
- The English legal system and core legal principles
- Wills and succession law
- Estate administration processes
- Probate applications and documentation
- Inheritance tax fundamentals
- Professional conduct and compliance
- Supporting clients through probate matters
Learning is applied directly to your role, ensuring relevance and confidence in practice.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Apprenticeship Duration
The apprenticeship typically takes around 24 months to complete. Prior experience and qualifications may reduce the overall duration following an initial assessment.
Training is delivered through a flexible model designed to reflect probate workflow patterns and employer needs.
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 practical and job-focused, and built into your qualification rather than bolted on at the end. Your learning and assessment map to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in the ST1312 standard.
You will be assessed through:
- Scenario-based assignments and exams for each module of the Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice, awarded by Qualifications Scotland.
- Your Diploma result confirms completion of the apprenticeship under the ST1312 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
- Level 4 Diploma achieved.
- Workplace behaviours confirmed by your employer.
- Minimum programme duration met, with your employer and Access Law agreeing you are occupationally competent.
Full Support Provided
Mock exams, practice questions, detailed feedback, and resit opportunities are all included.
FUNDING & PAYMENT
Funding & Employer Support
Significant government funding is available.
Levy 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 for non-levy employers recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24, for 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
After completing the apprenticeship, you will qualify as a Probate Technician, enabling you to:
Primary Outcome
Probate Technician
- Support probate and private client cases
- Assist with estate administration and applications
- Progress within law firms and specialist probate practices
Future Options
Progression to Level 6 Licensed Conveyancer
Specialisation in specific transaction types
Supervisory and management roles
This apprenticeship provides a clear progression route to the Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship, leading to full professional licensure.
OUR DIFFERENCE
Why Train with Access Law Online
Access Law Online specialises solely in CLC-regulated probate and conveyancing apprenticeships.
You benefit from:
Specialist Provider
Specialist probate tutors with practical experience
Flexible Models
Flexible study models aligned to probate workloads
Employer-Trusted
Employer-trusted qualifications
Strong Outcomes
Strong learner outcomes and ongoing support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Probate Apprenticeships FAQs
It is an entry-level apprenticeship on the ST1312 Legal Technician standard, combining paid work with structured training in probate and estate administration, leading to Probate Technician status with the CLC.
Yes. Employment in a relevant role is required.
Typically 24 months, depending on prior learning and experience assessed at your Initial Assessment.
Apprentices pay nothing. Levy-paying employers fund training through the Growth and Skills Levy. For starts from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay nothing for apprentices aged 16 to 24, and contribute 5 percent for apprentices aged 25 and over.
You can work as a Probate Technician or progress to the Level 6 Licensed Probate Practitioner Apprenticeship.
No. For starts from 8 June 2026 the apprenticeship follows the ST1312 v2.0 assessment plan: your Level 4 Diploma result confirms completion of the apprenticeship. There is no separate End-Point Assessment and no EPA fee.
CONTACT US
Ready to learn more?
Request your information and application pack to take the next step towards a career in probate.
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.