How to apply for exemptions under the QLTS
15 May 2018
Exemptions Guidance
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme helps you become a solicitor of England and Wales if you are already a qualified lawyer in one of our recognised jurisdictions. You can also take this route if you are a qualified barrister in England and Wales and have completed your pupillage.
Exemptions for Legal Practice Course (LPC) graduates
If you have successfully completed the LPC in the law of England and Wales, you can ask us for full exemption from the MCT assessment.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for this application.
Do I need to complete any forms?
You must download and complete this application form.
QLTS MCT exemption application (PDF 4 pages 187KB)
How do I apply for this exemption?
- Email our QLTS Team explaining what exemption you would like to apply for
- Attach your completed application form
- Attach a copy of your Legal Practice Course certificate and transcript
- Send
Exemptions for UK and Ireland lawyers and barristers of England and Wales
If you are qualified in Scotland, Ireland or Northern Ireland, or you are a fully qualified barrister of England and Wales, you may be eligible for pre-agreed exemptions.
The assessments test knowledge of the Day One Outcomes. To meet the Outcomes, you must demonstrate that you have relevant knowledge in the Law and practice of England and Wales. The following pre-agreed exemptions apply:
Outcome |
Solicitor of Scotland |
Barrister of E+W (with pupillage) |
Ireland |
Northern Ireland (with QLD) |
A1 |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A2 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A3 |
|
|
✓ |
✓ |
A4 |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
A5 |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A6 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A7 |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A8 |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
A9 |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A10 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
A11 |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
C1 |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
C2 |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
C3 |
|
|
|
✓ |
C4 |
|
|
|
✓ |
We carried out a benchmarking exercise that compared several routes to qualification with that of a solicitor of England and Wales.
More on how to apply for additional exemptions
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for this application.
Do I need to complete any forms?
You must download and complete this application form.
QLTS exemption application (PDF 12 pages 505KB)
How do I apply for these exemptions?
- Email our QLTS Team explaining what exemption you would like to apply for
- Attach your completed application form
- Attach a copy of your certificate of good standing from your home Bar Association (if voluntarily suspended, submit a letter from your home Bar and one from your employer)
- Send
Transitional candidates
In January 2014 the OSCE and Technical Legal Skills Test (TLST) were merged. The MCT remains the same
If you completed at least one of the QLTS assessments before January 2014, the following will apply.
- If you passed the MCT but did not sit the old OSCE or TLST, you must sit the new OSCE in full and pay the fee for both parts.
- If you passed the old OSCE but did not pass the TLST, you must sit OSCE part 2. You will only pay the fee for part 2.
- If you passed the TLST but not the old OSCE, you must sit OSCE part 1. You will only pay the fee for part 1.
Visit Kaplan to learn more.