Re-accreditation
Our Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices.
Membership lasts for twelve months.
You can apply for re-accreditation up to six weeks before your accreditation expires.
Re-accreditation helps assure clients and key stakeholders that you meet the requirements of the Conveyancing Protocol.
The re-accreditation process follows a three-year assessment cycle. You’ll need to submit a full re-accreditation form at the end of year one.
At the end of year two and year three, you’ll need to complete an annual maintenance assessment. The assessment cycle will continue on a rolling basis.
Step 1: Read the guidance
Before beginning the application, the SRO must read either the:
- full re-accreditation guidance notes (PDF 424 KB)
- annual maintenance assessment guidance notes (PDF 385 KB)
Step 2: Complete the form
The SRO must complete the relevant re-accreditation form for the practice:
- full re-accreditation form (Word 351 KB)
- annual maintenance assessment re-accreditation form (Word 353 KB)
A separate application form must be completed for each new relevant person based on their role:
- new SRO or head of conveyancing (Word 562 KB)
- additional managers (Word 421 KB)
- additional qualified conveyancers (Word 401 KB)
- additional non-qualified conveyancers and key support staff (Word 385 KB)
- additional accounts staff (Word 380 KB)
- additional locums (Word 384 KB)
Step 3: Submit the application
Your practice’s application is made up of:
- the application form
- any additional application forms for new relevant persons
- the certificate of completion for each training course taken by each relevant member of staff
Do not send files larger than 18 MB. If necessary, send your supporting documents in separate emails.
Submit your application by email
Step 4: Pay the fee
We’ll send you an invoice when we receive your application.
The fee will vary depending on the size of your practice.
Read more about the cost of CQS
Step 5: Accreditation
Our accreditation team will assess and review your practice’s application.
We’ll let you know the outcome of your application once we’ve received your payment.
Step 6: Appeals
If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll refund your membership fee.
You may appeal against our decision.
Step 7: Mandatory training
Once re-accredited, all relevant persons must complete mandatory training.
Contact us
Call: 020 7316 5550
Email: cqs@lawsociety.org.uk
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
