Important Information

As part of the introduction of the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), entries to the Level 3 qualification have now closed. Level 6 Single Subject Certificates and Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice will close to new registrations from 28 February 2024. If you start studying a CILEX Level 6 qualification now, you will have until November 2026 to complete it. You will have the right to transition to the CPQ framework at any time during this transition period. Details of which Level 6 units to complete, so that this transition can be as smooth as possible, can be found here. You can also locate details on our CPQ courses here.

CILEX Probate Practitioner

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives’ (CILEX) accelerated pathway in Wills and Probate, delivers the knowledge and experience of the Law in Wills and Succession and Probate Practice in England and Wales. This Pathway educates on laws and acts governing wills and codicils, the concept of valid wills, clauses and gifts, revoking wills, rules for intestacy, rules for inheritance tax, the role of representatives including trustees and executors as well as the probate process.

Choose the pathway and click on the titles below to go directly to the right section on this page.​

Download our Probate Pathway diagram for an overview of the pathway which prepares individuals for a legal career in probate as a case worker or a Chartered Legal Executive and fully qualified lawyer dealing with wills and probate, administering estates or handling claims.

School Leaver / 1st Job

To start out on a career in wills and probate, we advise completion of 5 units at Level 3 for a CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice with a specialist focus on probate. This certificate addresses a growing need for a short but rounded introduction to Law and Practice, legal skills and a need for knowledge and experience within a specialist area of Law and Legal Practice.

School leavers and individuals starting out in their first job benefit from a broad introduction to Law, qualifications at Level 3 in Wills and Succession and Wills and Probate (practice) along with legal ski

5 units, CILEX Level 3 – Certificate in Law & Practice.

* mandatory units for CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice

Probate Paralegal / Probate Assistant

Wills & Probate / Private Client support workers who choose to progress with a career in this specialist field may wish to start with the Level 3 Certificate qualification outlined above or embark on 4 focused level 6 study units, complemented by 3 experience portfolios evidencing competence in Probate Practice.

The same qualification pathway applies to Law Graduates.

Law Graduates (LLB/GDL/LPC/BVC/BPTC)

Wills & Probate / Private Client support workers who choose to progress with a career in this specialist field may wish to start with the Level 3 Certificate qualification outlined above or embark on 4 focused level 6 study units, complemented by 3 experience portfolios evidencing competence in Probate Practice.

Probate Professional with Significant Experience

Practice Rights Application

Probate services are regulated under the Legal Services Act. Individuals need to be authorised to undertake Probate work.

CILEX Regulation can award Probate Practice Rights to gain the required authorisation to provide the full range of probate services to clients through a regulated firm, without supervision.

The scheme of Authorisation is open to all practitioners who can demonstrate their competence through qualifications and/or experience as evidenced by portfolio. CILEX Membership is not strictly required and applications can be made irrespective of membership grade. Probate Practitioners will be required to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD support is a core part of CILEX Membership Benefits amongst many other professional and personal benefits.

You can start the application process for Probate Practice Rights by downloading the Practice Rights Application form and use the accompanying Probate Practice Rights handbook.

Individuals can apply to CILEX Regulation as a regulator of firms, for authorisation to set their own regulated business offering probate services. Read more to find out about applying for .

Top-up Qualifications for Chartered Legal Executive / CILEX Fellowship

Individuals can also follow the traditional CILEX pathway to becoming a CILEX Chartered Legal Executive with Probate Practice Rights. The general pathway is designed to provide wider legal knowledge, that is not just specific to probate and provide a broad-based foundation across key areas of Law and Practice, including mandatory core units in law. This ensures that CILEX Chartered Legal Executives and Fellows are well prepared for a career in law against the background of continuing changes in the legal sector.

The Probate Accelerated Pathway is wholly focussed on a career in Wills and Probate with Probate Practice Rights. With top-up units that provide the broader spectrum of core units in law, along with proof of relevant experience, it is possible for Probate Practitioners to qualify as Chartered Legal Executives and become a CILEX Fellow with designatory letters FCILEX.

CILEXX also offers an Accelerated Pathway in Conveyancing which can complement the Wills and Probate Accelerated Pathway with additional focused legal qualifications and experience.

Course fees and enrolment

Please use the buttons below to view our course fees and enrol.

Law Training Centre accepts PayPal as a payment option. A link to PayPal will be provided on your invoice when you sign up for a course. PayPal is a secure card processor and allows you to use your debit or credit card to pay, you do not need to have a PayPal account to use this service.

What will I need before I get started?

To study your online course, you will need the following:

We are here to help. If you have any questions on the above, please contact us.

How do I enrol?

The Law Training Centre accepts applications throughout the year so that learners can start when it suits them most.

You can complete our CILEX enrolment form here.

To ensure your enrolment is processed as quickly as possible, please make sure that you read the form carefully, and fill out all the required boxes. If you need any help or have questions, please contact us on 0330 088 8495 or [email protected]

What happens after I send my enrolment form?

Once received, your enrolment will be processed by our Student Services Team. If there are any queries at this stage, we will contact you.

• Invoicing:
  We will issue your invoice according to your chosen option – either self–sponsored or firm-sponsored. If you are paying by instalments, a separate Direct Debit mandate email will be sent out for you to complete online, you will need to set up both the Direct Debit and complete the initial payment. Once the invoice has been paid (or the Direct Debit set up if applicable) please notify us by return email.
• Payment options:
  You can pay by bank transfer to our account or by card using the payment link on your invoice. Cheques are accepted and your course login will be made live once the cheque has cleared into our bank account.
• Course Login:
  Once we have processed your payment and the 14-day cooling-off period has passed or has been waived, please allow up to 2 working days from the invoice being paid to being emailed your course login.

Why choose Law Training Centre?

As specialised legal trainers, we’ve trained over 3,500 learners from the UK and across the globe.	Our academic team are legal professionals and academic specialists that understand the requirements of the legal sector.
Unique, fully flexible online course delivery made to fit around your work and life commitments.	Unlimited tutor support for learners to help you accelerate your legal career and stand out from the competition.