Probate Diplomas

Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice

The units studied in the Level 4 Diploma are:

• The English Legal System
• Law of Contract
• Land Law
• Law of Wills Succession and Grants of Representation
• Understanding Accounting Procedures for Probate Transactions

How long will it take?

The Level 4 Diploma is equivalent to the first year of a degree. Typically, the Level 4 Diploma should take between 18-24 months to complete but remember this could take longer depending prior knowledge of the subject and your circumstance at the time of study.

Preparing for your assessments

The first four units are assessed by extended essay/assignment and can be completed in the candidates own time. This provides candidates the opportunity to practise vital legal research skills needed at Level 6 study and very importantly as a CLC lawyer. The final unit ‘Understanding Accounting Procedures for Probate Transactions’ is assessed by exam and will start to prepare the candidate for the exams in the Level 6 Diploma. At this stage candidates should begin to increase the time allocated for self-study and legal research in readiness for the study requirements at level 6.

Qualifying

Candidates with no legal qualifications should start by completing one of the Level 4 Diplomas. It is not necessary for new students to have any prior experience, knowledge, skills or understanding of conveyancing procedure and practice.

Completion of the Level 4 Diploma could qualify you as a Probate Technician. Probate Technicians assist the probate lawyer to administer the estate of a deceased person and will work directly with private clients and other probate lawyers.

Did you know, it is possible to enhance your training to qualify as a Registered Probate Technician by gaining 6 months of Practical Experience in a probate role. This can be completed either during your academic studies or after completion as full or part time, paid or unpaid work experience. Individuals seeking to gain practical experience should contact the person responsible for trainee recruitment within the company. You can get company names and contact details via the SLC job search facility, the CLC firms search facility or our recently qualified Licensed Conveyancers stories.

Candidates would also have the possibility of progressing on to the Level 6 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice and qualifying as a probate practitioner.

To study the Level 4 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice, you must enrol with an approved training provider. This Diplomas can be studied through classroom based learning or by distance learning. The Level 4 Diploma is also available on the Apprenticeship Scheme.

Level 6 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice

The units studied in the Level 6 Diploma are:

• Administration of Estates
• Law of Will Succession and Grants of Representation
• Managing Client and Office Accounts (Probate)

How long will it take?

The Level 6 Diploma is equivalent to the final year of a degree. Typically, candidates should complete the diploma in 18-24 months. Remember the time this takes will be dependent on the candidates’ prior subject knowledge and experience and could take longer. Candidates should ensure that they allocate self-study time outside of the support given by their chosen training provider.

Preparing for your exams

The three units are assessed by open-book exam. Open book means that in the exam candidates are allowed to have access to specified reference materials. Candidates should not rely on the reference materials as a revision technique and should make sure they have an extensive knowledge of the subject prior to sitting the exam. Some training providers offer mock exam papers as a way of preparing candidates. Questions given in mock exams are NOT an indicator of the questions that will be set in the real exam. Course manuals are a supplementary guide only and candidates should use legal research skills and dedicated self-study time to expand their knowledge of the subject so that they are appropriately prepared for the exam.

Progression

Progression on to the Level 6 Diploma could qualify you as a Probate Practitioner. A Probate Practitioner will undertake all of the legal administration of a deceased person’s estate.

To apply for your qualifying licence with the CLC, you will also need to undertake 1200 hours of Practical Experience in a probate role. This can be completed as full or part time, paid or unpaid work experience under the direct supervision of a probate lawyer or solicitor.

Individuals seeking to gain practical experience should contact the person responsible for trainee recruitment within the company. You can get company names and contact details via the SLC job search facility, the CLC firms search facility or our recently qualified Licensed Conveyancers stories.

To study the Level 6 Diploma in Probate Law and Practice, you must enrol with an approved training provider. This Diplomas can be studied through classroom based learning or by distance learning.

View the complete Level 4 Diploma
Take a look in more detail at the units covered in the Level 4 Diploma.

View the complete Level 6 Diploma
Take a look in more detail at the units covered in the Level 6 Diploma.

Our qualifications are awarded by SQA and you can find approved training providers here