CILEX CPQ Advanced:
Your Complete Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the CILEX CPQ Advanced qualification!
If you’re a budding legal professional or someone looking to advance their career in law without taking the traditional solicitor route, then you’re in the right place.
The CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) Advanced is designed to provide a flexible, accessible, and recognised path to becoming a competent legal executive or lawyer.
Let’s dive into what the Advanced qualification is all about and why it might be the perfect fit for your career aspirations.
Who are CILEX?
What is the CPQ Advanced qualification?
Who is it for?
What is covered?
How long will it take to complete?
What will it cost?
How is it different to the legacy qualifications?
Exemptions
Where can the CPQ Advanced lead?
What will be covered on my CPQ Advanced course?
Life as a qualified legal executive
Why study CILEX when I could become a solicitor?
Alternative qualifications
Getting started
Who are CILEX?
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) is a professional association that represents over 20,000 qualified lawyers and legal practitioners in the UK.
Founded over 50 years ago, CILEX offers an alternative route to becoming a lawyer, focusing on practical experience and academic learning.
CILEX-qualified professionals are respected members of the legal community, working in various sectors and contributing significantly to the field of law.
Complete the CPQ with Astranti
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| Astranti has helped over 125,000 people get the qualifications they need to take their careers to the next step. Why not find out how we can help you, too? |
What is the CPQ Advanced qualification?
Complete the CPQ with Astranti
 |
| Astranti has helped over 125,000 people get the qualifications they need to take their careers to the next step. Why not find out how we can help you, too? |
What is the CPQ Advanced qualification?
The CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) is a modernised pathway that replaces the legacy qualifications (CILEX Level 3 and CILEX level 6) previously offered by CILEX.
The CPQ is divided into three stages:
- CILEX Foundation
- CILEX Advanced
- CILEX Professional
Each stage builds upon the last, leading to a comprehensive and practical legal education. The CPQ Advanced is the second stage and is aimed at those who have completed the CILEX Foundation or have equivalent qualifications and experience.
CPQ Foundation
Before diving into the Advanced qualification, it’s important to understand the foundation stage. The CPQ Foundation is the first step in the CILEX CPQ journey. It provides a solid grounding in the basic principles of law and legal practice and is similar to the legacy CILEX Level 3 Qualification.
It’s perfect for beginners, school leavers, or anyone looking to start their career in law. Upon completing the CILEX Foundation, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the more challenging Advanced stage.
CPQ Advanced
The CPQ Advanced builds on the knowledge gained during the CILEX Foundation stage. It delves deeper into complex legal concepts and practices, preparing you for higher-level roles within the legal field. The CILEX Advanced qualification focuses on specialised areas of law and practical skills, ensuring you’re equipped to handle real-world legal challenges.
CPQ Professional
The final stage of the CPQ journey is the CILEX Professional. This stage is designed for those who have completed the CILEX Advanced and are looking to reach the pinnacle of their legal education. It covers advanced topics and high-level skills, making you a well-rounded and highly competent legal professional.
Who is it for?
The CPQ Advanced is perfect for individuals who:
- Have completed the CILEX Foundation stage or hold equivalent qualifications.
- Are qualified CILEX Paralegals
- Hold an LLB law degree
- Are seeking to deepen their legal knowledge and skills.
- Wish to progress their careers in the legal field, aiming for roles such as a CILEX Advanced Paralegal, or Legal Executive.
- Want a flexible learning option that fits around work and personal commitments.
What’s covered?
The CPQ Advanced qualification covers a range of subjects designed to provide a thorough grounding in more complex areas of law and practice.
Key areas include:
Civil litigation and dispute resolution
Conveyancing
Criminal law and litigation
Employment law
Family law
Company and partnership law
Wills and probate
These modules ensure that you gain a broad understanding of different legal areas, preparing you for various roles within the legal profession. By completing the CILEX Advanced, you’ll be well-versed in handling sophisticated legal matters, making you a valuable asset to any legal team.
Civil litigation and dispute resolution
Understanding the intricacies of civil litigation and dispute resolution is crucial for any legal professional. This module covers the processes involved in civil disputes, from initial client meetings to court proceedings. You’ll learn how to manage cases effectively, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing is an essential area of law, particularly for those interested in property law. This module covers the legal aspects of buying and selling property, including drafting contracts, conducting searches, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Mastery of conveyancing makes you indispensable in the real estate sector.
Criminal law and litigation
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of criminal law, including the procedures and principles involved in criminal cases. You’ll learn about the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in criminal proceedings, from representing clients to understanding sentencing guidelines.
Employment law
Employment law is a dynamic and crucial field. This module covers the legal principles governing employer-employee relationships, including contracts, discrimination, dismissal, and workplace disputes. Knowledge of employment law is vital for anyone working in corporate legal departments or representing individual clients.
Family law
Family law is a sensitive and rewarding area of practice. This module explores the legal aspects of family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse. You’ll learn how to handle cases with empathy and professionalism, providing support to clients during challenging times.
Company and partnership law
Understanding the legal frameworks that govern businesses is essential for any legal professional. This module covers the formation, management, and dissolution of companies and partnerships. You’ll learn about shareholders’ rights, directors’ duties, and the regulatory environment affecting businesses.
Wills and probate
Wills and probate law deals with the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. This module covers the drafting of wills, estate planning, and the probate process. Knowledge of wills and probate is crucial for those interested in private client work, helping clients manage their assets effectively.
What will be covered on my CILEX Advanced CPQ course?
The CPQ Advanced is made up of several components, each designed to enhance your legal knowledge and skills:
- Core modules: Covering essential areas of law and practice.
- Elective modules: Allowing you to specialise in areas of interest.
- Skills development: Focusing on practical skills such as advocacy, drafting, and client care.
- Professionalism and ethics: Ensuring you adhere to the highest standards of legal practice.
By completing these components, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares you for various legal roles. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that you’re ready to handle the challenges of the legal profession.
How long will it take to complete?
The time it takes to complete the CPQ Advanced can vary depending on your personal circumstances and study pace.
Generally, it takes around 18-24 months to complete this stage if you are studying part-time while working. However, the flexible nature of the course allows you to tailor your study schedule to fit your needs.
By balancing work, study, and personal commitments, you can progress at a pace that suits you.
What will it cost?
The cost of the CPQ Advanced can vary depending on the provider and any exemptions you may have.
On average, you can expect to pay between £3,500 and £5,500 for the complete qualification. This includes tuition fees, study materials, and exam fees.
It’s always best to check with your chosen provider for the most accurate pricing.
Investing in the CILEX Advanced qualification is a step towards a rewarding career in law, with the potential for significant returns in terms of salary and job satisfaction.
How is it different to the legacy qualifications?
The CILEX CPQ pathway is designed to be more flexible and modern compared to the legacy CILEX (CILEX Level 3 and CILEX Level 6) qualifications.
Key differences include:
A more modular approach, allowing for a tailored learning experience.
Greater emphasis on practical skills and competencies.
Integrated ethics, professionalism, and compliance training.
A clear progression route from entry-level to advanced legal roles
The CPQ Advanced qualification reflects the evolving nature of the legal profession, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern legal practice.
Exemptions
If you have prior legal qualifications or relevant experience, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain modules within the CILEX CPQ Advanced. This can reduce the time and cost required to complete the qualification.
Common exemptions are available for those who hold degrees in law or have completed equivalent professional qualifications. For example, if you’ve completed CILEX Level 3 or CILEX Level 6 modules, you might not need to retake similar modules within the Advanced qualification.
Where can the CPQ Advanced lead?
Completing the CPQ Advanced opens up numerous career opportunities.
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- CILEX Paralegal
- CILEX Advanced Paralegal
- CILEX Legal Executive
- CILEX Lawyer
These positions can be found in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, public sector organisations, and more. As you progress, there is also the potential to specialise further and even become a partner in a law firm or run your own legal practice.
The skills and knowledge gained through the CILEX Advanced qualification make you a valuable asset in the legal job market.
Life as a qualified legal executive
Where will I be able to work once CILEX qualified?
CILEX-qualified professionals work across a wide range of industries. You’ll find them in:
- Law firms (from small practices to large international firms)
- Corporate legal departments (in sectors such as finance, insurance, and retail)
- Public sector (local authorities, government departments)
- Not-for-profit organisations (charities, NGOs)
These diverse opportunities mean that a CILEX qualification can lead to a fulfilling and varied career. Whether you’re interested in private practice, corporate law, or public service, the CILEX CPQ Advanced opens doors to numerous possibilities.
Areas of law I can practise
CILEX professionals are involved in various legal fields, including:
- Family law
- Criminal law
- Property law
- Employment law
- Corporate and commercial law
- Wills and probate
- Civil litigation
The breadth of knowledge gained through the Advanced qualification allows you to work in multiple areas of law, giving you the flexibility to pursue your interests and adapt to changing career opportunities.
How much will I earn?
Salaries for CILEX-qualified professionals can vary widely depending on location, experience, and specialisation. On average:
- CILEX Paralegals can earn between £18,000 and £25,000.
- CILEX Advanced Paralegals typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000.
- Legal Executives can earn from £35,000 upwards, with senior positions commanding salaries in excess of £60,000.
Investing in your CILEX education can significantly enhance your earning potential, providing a strong return on investment.
Why study CILEX when I could become a solicitor?
Choosing the CILEX route over becoming a solicitor has several advantages:
- Flexibility: Study part-time and work simultaneously, allowing you to gain practical experience while learning.
- Cost-effective: Lower tuition fees compared to traditional law degrees and solicitor training, making it an affordable option for many students.
- Practical focus: Emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience ensures you’re job-ready upon qualification.
- Accessible: No need for a university degree to start, making it accessible to a wider range of people, including those looking to change careers or start later in life.
In short, the CILEX route provides a clear and achievable path to a successful legal career, without the need for extensive full-time study.
Alternative qualifications
Whilst the CILEX CPQ is a great course for aspiring legal professionals, there are alternative routes to achieve this aim.
CILEX Paralegal Apprenticeship
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, CILEX offers apprenticeship programmes. These combine on-the-job training with academic study, allowing you to earn while you learn. Apprenticeships are available at various levels, including the advanced and professional stages. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain practical experience and build your professional network while working towards your CILEX qualifications.
Find out more about CILEX Paralegal Apprenticeships.
CLC - Council of Licensed Conveyancers
If you’re considering alternatives to CILEX, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) offers qualifications (CLC Level 4 and CLC Level 6) for those interested in specialising in conveyancing. Like CILEX, CLC qualifications are recognised and respected, providing another route into a legal career. The CLC route focuses specifically on property law, making it ideal for those looking to specialise in this area.
Find out more about the council for licensed conveyancers diploma.
Getting started
Ready to embark on your CPQ Advanced journey? Here’s how to get started:
1. Research: Explore the modules and decide which electives suit your career goals.
2. Choose a provider: Find an accredited provider offering CILEX courses. Look for providers that offer flexible learning options, such as online CILEX courses, to fit your schedule.
3. Enrol: Sign up for the Advanced qualification and begin your studies. Make sure to check if you qualify for any exemptions to streamline your learning path.
4. Study: Balance your learning with work and other commitments. Use the support and resources provided by your course provider to stay on track.
5. Complete assessments: Pass your exams and assessments to progress. Regularly review your study materials and seek feedback to ensure you’re meeting the required standards.
6. Advance your career: Use your new qualification to secure a role or seek promotion. Network with other CILEX professionals and explore job opportunities in your chosen field.
Summary
The CILEX CPQ Advanced qualification is an excellent option for those looking to advance their legal careers in a flexible and cost-effective way.
With comprehensive coverage of essential legal areas, practical skills training, and clear progression routes, it’s a pathway that offers significant advantages over traditional routes.
Whether you’re starting out in the legal field or looking to take your career to the next level, the CILEX Advanced provides the knowledge and credentials you need to succeed.
Explore our range of online CILEX courses and take the first step towards becoming a CILEX-qualified professional today. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve a rewarding career in law, making a real difference in the lives of your clients and the wider community. Happy studying!
By pursuing the Advanced qualification, you’ll join a respected community of legal professionals and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. So why wait? Start your CILEX journey today and take the first step towards a brighter future in law.
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