CILEX Graduate Qualification (Fast Track)
Your Complete Guide
The CILEX Graduate Qualification (CGQ) is a unique pathway for law graduates aiming to enter legal practice without following the traditional solicitor or barrister route. It allows graduates to build on their existing legal knowledge and specialise as Chartered Legal Executives – a role widely recognised and respected across the UK legal sector.
But how does the qualification work? What are the entry requirements? And how can you get started?
Read on to learn more…
CILEX and the CILEX Graduate Qualification – The Basics
The CILEX Graduate Qualification (formerly the CILEX Graduate Fast Track Diploma) is an excellent option for law graduates looking to move directly into a career in law without following the traditional solicitor route.
Offered by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), this qualification provides a streamlined path for law graduates to progress in their legal careers, leading to the title of Chartered Legal Executive.
Designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible, the CILEX Graduate Qualification is ideal for those who have a qualifying law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and wish to qualify for client-facing legal roles without going down the route of a training contract.
If you’re a recent graduate, this could be a highly practical choice for advancing your legal career.
What about the CILEX Graduate Fast Track Diploma? Is this the same thing?
The CILEX Graduate Qualification has replaced the CILEX Graduate Fast Track Diploma. However, it’s essentially the same thing, and so we’ve written this guide with that in mind!
The CGQ offers a ‘fast track’ route to CILEX qualification for people with a law degree.
Explore Our Graduate Course
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| We have a CILEX Graduate (Fast Track) Qualification course! Why not check it out? |
Why choose the CILEX Graduate Qualification?
Explore Our Graduate Course
|
| We have a CILEX Graduate (Fast Track) Qualification course! Why not check it out? |
Why choose the CILEX Graduate Qualification?
There are some excellent reasons to choose the CILEX Graduate Qualification as your route into a legal career.
Here are a couple of the key benefits…
It’s a Unique Path for Law Graduates
The CILEX Graduate Qualification offers an alternative to the solicitor pathway that’s both flexible and cost-effective, allowing graduates to work while they study and qualify as a legal professional sooner. Unlike the more rigid solicitor training pathway, this qualification offers the chance to gain real-world experience while you study, which can lead to faster progression in your legal career.
Benefits for Aspiring Lawyers
Here are just a few reasons why the CILEX Graduate Qualification is an attractive option for law graduates:
- Lower Costs: Compared to the traditional solicitor training path, the CILEX Graduate Qualification is a more affordable route.
- Flexible Study Options: Many providers offer both part-time and full-time study options, making it feasible to study alongside work.
- Real-World Experience: The qualification includes practical requirements, allowing you to gain experience and earn while you qualify.
This route to becoming a Chartered Legal Executive could be your ideal match if you’re looking for a practical, hands-on way to enter the legal profession. To learn more about the advantages of becoming a Chartered Legal Executive, see our Becoming a Legal Executive page.
Eligibility Requirements
If you have a qualifying law degree (LLB) or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), you’re eligible for the CILEX Graduate Qualification. However, to apply, you must have completed certain core legal modules as part of your degree, typically including subjects such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional and Administrative Law.
It’s also recommended that your studies have been completed within a reasonable timeframe to ensure your legal knowledge remains relevant.
To be eligible you must also be based in either England or Wales.
Not sure if you meet the eligibility requirements? It’s a good idea to reach out to CILEX or a CILEX-approved tuition provider for further guidance on your eligibility and any core subjects you may need to cover.
How is the CGQ structured?
The CILEX Graduate Qualification is structured with a law graduate’s background in mind, making it a more streamlined journey toward Chartered Legal Executive status. Here’s what you can expect…
The qualification involves two main components:
1. Core Unit(s)
The core unit is tailored to cover the essential knowledge and skills required to progress within the legal profession as a Chartered Legal Executive. As a graduate, this unit will equip you with the specific competencies needed to work in client-facing legal roles and build a successful legal career.
2. Professional Experience Requirements
The qualification also requires a set period of relevant professional experience, which can be gained through employment in a legal role. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it enhances your employability and helps you build a strong foundation in practical legal skills.
How is CGQ different to the traditional CPQ?
We know what CGQ stands for, so what’s CPQ?
CPQ is the CILEX Professional Qualification, and is the typical CILEX qualification route.
It consists of three stages:
#1 CPQ Foundation stage – provides a foundation in legal principles, covering six core modules:
F1) Legal Systems
F2) The Law of Tort
F3) Contract Law
F4) Intro to Property & Private Client
F5) Legal Skills: Succeeding in the Legal Environment
F6) Legal Skills: Legal Research
You’ll learn vital skills in legal research, client care, and ethics. On the typical CPQ route, you’ll need to complete all of these modules before moving on to stage 2.
#2 CPQ Advanced stage – explores areas like Employment Law and Family Law, where you’ll develop specialised skills through complex assignments and demonstrate practical application of legal knowledge. As with the Foundation stage, regular CPQ students are required to complete five of the modules at the Advanced stage.
#3 CPQ Professional stage – emphasises advanced legal practice and management, preparing you for senior roles. You’ll study Advocacy and Client Care Skills, with assessments that test both theoretical and practical knowledge. There are two modules to complete here, one Professional Skills module, and another subject which can be chosen by the student.
So, how is the CILEX Graduate Qualification (CGQ) different?
Well, the key difference is the number of modules that CGQ students need to complete!
At Foundation stage, CGQ students complete three of the six modules. The modules are ‘Working in Civil Law’, ‘Working in Criminal Law’ and ‘ Introduction to Property, Private Client and Professional Skills’.
Once CGQ students move onto the Advanced stage, they only need to complete one module (choosing whichever one they want).
The Professional stage is no different for CGQ students, but they will have skipped five modules before reaching the Professional stage, making the route to getting qualified much faster!
Here’s a summary of the key differences between the two routes to qualification:
*Prices are based on studying with Astranti – accurate as of January 2025.
Note: You can learn more about each stage with our CPQ Foundation, CPQ Advanced and CPQ Professional guides.
How long does it take to complete?
Typically, the CILEX Graduate Qualification takes around 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time and the time it takes to gain the necessary professional experience.
Factors that can affect the time required include:
- Study Hours: Full-time study can accelerate completion, whereas part-time study may suit those working full-time.
- Professional Experience: The qualification requires hands-on experience in a legal role, and the time taken to meet this requirement can vary.
Speak to a tuition provider about your time commitments and goals to get a realistic estimate of how long it will take to complete.
How much does the CGQ cost?
Course costs will vary based on the tuition provider you choose. However, if you were to study with Astranti, the CILEX Graduate Qualification would cost £4,499.
In comparison, the full CILEX Professional Qualification (for non-graduates) would set you back anywhere from £8,000 to £9,000 or more, depending on your chosen tuition provider. So, the CGQ represents a huge financial saving for those who are eligible!
Opportunities after the CILEX Graduate Qualification
After completing the qualification, you’ll be well-equipped to apply for various legal roles and opportunities, including:
Chartered Legal Executive: As a Chartered Legal Executive, you’ll have many of the same responsibilities as a solicitor, including representing clients and handling cases.
Paralegal Roles: The qualification also allows for career opportunities in specialised paralegal roles across sectors such as family law, conveyancing, and criminal law.
Further Study: Some graduates go on to pursue further study, such as solicitor apprenticeships, which can lead to qualification as a solicitor.
The CILEX Graduate Qualification gives you the credibility, skills, and hands-on experience to advance in the legal profession, whatever path you choose.
How to get started
To start on the path toward the CILEX Graduate Qualification, follow these steps:
1. Assess Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the entry requirements with a qualifying degree.
2. Find a Tuition Provider: Look for a CILEX-approved provider offering the course structure and support you need.
Consider factors like:
- Availability of online or in-person study options
- Tutor support and guidance
- Student reviews or provider reputation
3. Start on Your Core Units: Once you’ve chosen a provider, enrol in the core units to get started.
4. Start Gaining Professional Experience: Look for placements or roles that align with the professional experience requirement to build your skills while studying.
For more tips on choosing the right CILEX course and provider, check out our Guide to CILEX Courses.
Learn More About Our Fast Track Course
Astranti has been helping people gain their professional level qualifications since 2002. Why not take a look at our CILEX Graduate Qualification course and see how we can help you, too?
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