Licensed Conveyancer

Licensed Conveyancers are qualified, professional property lawyers who specialise in the legal aspects surrounding buying and selling property in England and Wales. Licensed Conveyancers are also Commissioners for Oaths, which means they have legal authority to administer and witness official documents e.g. affidavits to swear that a statement is the truth.

What do they do?

They’re real experts because they’re specialists. A Licensed Conveyancer will ensure that all documentation, contracts and financial arrangements associated with buying or selling a residential or commercial property or piece of land are in order. They can do everything that a solicitor can do in a conveyancing transaction – they have the same legal authority to act.

Where do they work?

Licensed Conveyancers can work anywhere that deals with the transfer of a title to property or land in a legal department headed by a qualified person. The scope of employment is not limited to a law firm; it ranges from housing associations and local authorities, across banks and building societies to property development companies and even railways and airports.

How to study

No previous knowledge or experience is needed. Straight from school or college, the Level 4 Diploma is a great starting place for anyone wishing to pursue a career in law. The Level 4 Diploma is also a perfect stepping stone for anyone considering a career change and looking to improve their prospects of finding a job in law. If you already hold academic legal qualifications such as a Law Degree, take a look at our exemptions guide as you may qualify for some exemption.

The national recognised diplomas can be studied through an approved training provider by classroom based learning, distance learning or on an apprenticeship scheme. Typically, approved training providers offer an all-inclusive fee for each Diploma. Fees for the Level 4 Diploma are around £3500 – £4000, and fees for the Level 6 Diploma start from £3000-£3600. This compares favourably to other degree and professional qualification routes. View our approved training providers here.

Please note information regarding certification from SQA (the awarding body): Group awards are twice per week, Monday and Wednesday. Unit awards are twice per month as per SQC unit only certificates, normally first and third Thursday of the month. Units will only be certificated when there are no other open entries on the candidates record.

Qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer

To qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer the Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) and the Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (or equivalent if applying for exemptions) must be completed. Both diplomas could be completed in as quick as 18 months. This must be combined with 1200 hours of practical experience. You will also be required to upload a copy of your current CV to your application form (please ensure this includes your legal qualifications, dates achieved and a summary of your career history).

Practical Experience

Before you are able to apply for your first qualifying licence to practice as a CLC lawyer, you will need to complete 1200 hours of practical experience and finding the practical experience may be easier than you think. The scope of employment is actually very broad and even includes working in banks and building societies as well as law firms. You can get company names and contact details via the SLC job search facility, the CLC firms search facility or our take a look at our recently qualified CLC Lawyer stories.

Level 4 Diploma
View the units studied in the Level 4 Diploma.

Level 6 Diploma
View the units studied in the Level 6 Diploma.

Enrol with a Training Provider
Study any of our diplomas and enrol with an approved training provider.

Practical Experience
Information about completing and submitting your practical experience.

Apply for your first qualifying licence
As a qualified student, find out the necessary steps in order to apply for your first qualifying licence.