How to apply
Our Criminal Litigation Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for practitioners in criminal litigation.
To apply for accreditation, you’ll need to pass two assessments and submit a detailed application.
The application process takes around six to eight weeks. It can take longer if receive high volumes of applications or if you do not give us all the information we need.
Step 1: Read the qualification guidance
You’ll need to pass two qualifications before applying for accreditation:
- the Police Station Qualification (PSQ) – unless you’re accredited under the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS)
- the Magistrates Court Qualification (MCQ)
You can sit these in any order or at the same time.
You must pass both assessments within three years before applying for accreditation.
Read our qualification guidance (PDF 140 KB)
Step 2: Choose an assessment organisation
You must register with one of our approved assessment organisations. You can change provider at any time.
Choose an approved assessment organisation (PDF 215 KB)
Step 3: Pass the PSQ
If you’re PSRAS accredited, you do not need to complete this assessment.
You can sit the PSQ at any time after admission to the roll.
There are two assessments:
- the portfolio
- the critical incidents test
You can take the assessments in any order, but you’ll need to complete both within 12 months of each other.
Your assessment organisation will send you more information about the assessments once you’ve registered.
Step 4: Pass the MCQ
You’ll need 12 months of criminal defence practice experience before taking the MCQ.
There are two assessments:
- the portfolio
- the interview and advocacy assessment
You can take the assessments in any order.
Your assessment organisation will send you more information about the assessments once you’ve registered.
Step 5: Read the guidance
You can apply to be accredited once you’ve passed both qualifications. Before you begin your application, you must read our:
Step 6: Complete the form
Complete your application in Microsoft Word (1997 and later).
Download the application form (Word 333 KB)
Step 7: Submit your application
Submit your completed application, which is made up of:
- your application form
- a copy of your PSQ or PSRAS certificate
- a copy of your MCQ certificate
Do not send files larger than 18 MB. If necessary, send your supporting documents in separate emails.
Submit your application by email
Step 8: Pay the application fee
We’ll send you an invoice when we receive your application.
The total fee is £309.60 (VAT included).
Read about the cost of the accreditation
Step 9: Accreditation
Our accreditation team will review and assess your application.
We’ll let you know the outcome of your application once we’ve received your payment.
Appeals
If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll refund your membership fee.
You may appeal against our decision.
Contact us
Call: 020 7320 5797
Email: accreditation@lawsociety.org.uk
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday