Exemptions to Entry Policy (CLC & Qualifications Scotland programmes)

Datalaw Exemptions to Entry Policy (CLC & Qualifications Scotland Programmes)

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Datalaw’s approach to granting exemptions for learners entering Qualifications Scotland (QS)-accredited CLC qualifications. It ensures consistency, fairness, and compliance with QS and CLC entry requirements, including permitted exemptions for prior learning and legal qualifications.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all applicants seeking entry onto:

  • QS Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law & Practice
  • QS Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law & Practice
  • Any future QS-regulated CLC programmes delivered by Datalaw

It applies to applicants with legal qualifications; applicants with partial legal qualifications; apprentices enrolled through Datalaw; and staff involved in admissions, assessment, quality assurance, and learner support.

3. General Entry Requirements

3.1 Level 4 Diploma

There are no formal academic entry requirements for the QS Level 4 Diploma.

3.2 Level 6 Diploma

Learners must have completed an QS Level 4 Diploma, or a legal qualification (or units) at Level 4, or a Legal Apprenticeship at Level 3 or above.

4. Exemptions Available

4.1 Completed Law Degrees

Applicants with a completed law degree (England & Wales) may progress directly to Level 6 without requiring Level 4 units. Those with overseas law degrees based on English common law jurisdictions may also progress directly to Level 6.

4.2 Incomplete Law Degrees / Part-completed CPQ Levels

Exemptions at Level 4 may be granted where learning outcomes sufficiently map against passed modules or units. Applicants must provide an official academic transcript. CPQ candidates may receive exemptions for academic elements, but mandatory Level 6 units (including Managing Client and Office Accounts) cannot be exempted.

4.3 SQE1 Candidates

Candidates who have passed SQE1 FLK1 must still complete CLC-required academic standards and all mandatory units.

5. Evidence Requirements

Applicants must submit academic transcripts; certificates of prior learning; awarding body confirmation (where required); and unit specifications (if mapping requires additional detail). All documentation must be verified by the Datalaw Quality Team and securely stored in line with the Data Management Policy.

6. Evaluation and Mapping Process

  1. Review the exemption request
  2. Map previous learning to current unit standards
  3. Confirm outcome alignment
  4. Approve or decline the exemption
  5. Record all decisions and rationale

7. Non-Exemptible Units

The following units cannot be exempted under any circumstances:

  • Managing Client & Office Accounts (Probate or Conveyancing)
  • Any unit where the CLC mandates no exemptions

8. Responsibilities

Learners: provide accurate and complete evidence; submit exemption requests early (at enrolment).

Coaches / Tutors: identify possible exemptions; support learners in evidence submission.

Internal Quality Assurer (IQA): validate mapping decisions; ensure fairness and consistency.

Quality Manager: approve exemption decisions; maintain policy and ensure compliance.

9. Appeals

Applicants may appeal decisions through the Datalaw Learner Appeals Process (SQA).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when QS/CLC requirements change.

Reviewed Date

5th February 2026

Next Review Due Date

5th February 2027

Reviewed by

Sharon Parsons

Signature

S E Parsons

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