Decision-making criteria
Certificate of Academic Standing, decision to grant
Last updated: 24
February
2012
This criteria came into effect on 24
February
2012.
The previous version is available in the archive.
Introduction
This criteria relates to decisions in relation to the granting of Certificates of Academic StandingDelegated authority
This is set out in delegation [d20]
Criteria in statutory rules
The relevant provision is:
Criteria
The following criteria are relevant but not exhaustive:
- the applicant has made a request for a certificate in writing;
- in accordance with regulation 6, the decision-maker is satisfied that the applicant is able to demonstrate they have the academic ability of a standard equivalent at least to that of a degree conferred by a university in the United Kingdom, and
- the applicant has provided all supporting documentation as requested and required by the SRA.
Policy
The policy applicable to eligibility to undertake a Common Professional Examination, also referred to as a post-graduate or graduate diploma in law, appears within the SRA Training Regulations 2011 Part 1 - Qualification Regulations, approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Board on 17 June 2011. Case study
The example below is illustrative and does not set any type of precedent. Each matter is considered on its own facts and merits.
An applicant intends to apply for a Graduate Diploma in Law at the College of Law in Bristol. The applicant makes a formal written request for us to consider whether their previous qualifications warrant the issue of a Certificate of Academic Standing.
The applicant provides a covering letter and a true certified copy of their Bachelor of Arts certificate from MacQuarie University, Sydney, Australia, issued in April 2003. An original transcript highlighting course content and results is also provided.
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the SRA Training Regulations 2011 Part 1 - Qualification Regulations, we are satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated that they have the academic ability equivalent at least to that of a degree conferred by a university in the United Kingdom. The supporting documents provided are sufficient and a Certificate of Academic Standing is granted.