How to Become a Conveyancer

There are four main routes to qualifying as a conveyancer in England and Wales, and thanks to the Level 4 Conveyancing Technician and Level 6 Licensed Conveyancer apprenticeships, two of them are fully funded by employers and the government. This guide walks through every route, the entry requirements, the typical timeline and who each route suits.

Conveyancing Technician Apprenticeship

A Level 4 government-funded apprenticeship that trains you as a Conveyancing Technician regulated by the CLC. Takes around 24 months, employer pays all fees, and you earn a salary throughout. Perfect first step into conveyancing.

Licensed Conveyancer Apprenticeship

A Level 6 apprenticeship that builds on Level 4 to qualify you as a full Licensed Conveyancer with your own practice rights. Takes a further 24 to 36 months, fully funded, and you can run your own transactions on completion.

Level 4 CLC Diploma (Private Study)

The classic Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing, studied privately through a CLC-approved provider. Takes 12 to 24 months alongside work, costs around £2,000 to £4,000, and leads to Conveyancing Technician status.

Level 6 CLC Diploma (Private Study)

Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice, studied privately, usually after Level 4 and some work experience. Adds 18 to 30 months of part-time study, costs around £3,000 to £6,000, and ends with Licensed Conveyancer practice rights.

Solicitor Route with Conveyancing Specialism

Qualify as a solicitor via the SQE (or apprenticeship) and specialise in property during your training contract or qualifying work experience. Takes longer but gives you broader practice rights beyond conveyancing.

CILEX Route with Conveyancing Specialism

Qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive in conveyancing via the CPQ. Takes 3 to 5 years depending on your starting point, and gives you specialist practice rights as a CILEX Fellow in conveyancing.
How to qualify as a conveyancer uk

The Typical Journey

Most conveyancers start as a conveyancing assistant or paralegal and build up qualifications while working. The apprenticeship routes are the fastest way into the profession for school leavers, and the Level 4 to Level 6 progression through the CLC is the most common path overall.

Here’s how the main routes compare in time and cost:

  • Conveyancing Technician Apprenticeship: 24 months, fully paid, Level 4 end point
  • Licensed Conveyancer Apprenticeship: 48 to 60 months total (including Level 4), fully paid
  • Self-funded Level 4 CLC Diploma: 12 to 24 months, £2k to £4k, part-time study
  • Self-funded Level 6 CLC Diploma: 18 to 30 months after Level 4, £3k to £6k
  • Solicitor with property specialism: 5 to 6 years via SQE or solicitor apprenticeship
  • CLE with conveyancing specialism: 3 to 5 years via CILEX CPQ

Who Can Apply for Each Route?

All four main routes are accessible. The apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and career changers, with employers paying the fees. The self-funded CLC diplomas are open to anyone with four GCSEs 4-9 at Level 4 entry. The solicitor and CILEX routes have their own entry requirements set out on their dedicated pages.

The common entry points:

  • Conveyancing Technician Apprenticeship: four GCSEs 4-9 including English and Maths, age 16+
  • Licensed Conveyancer Apprenticeship: Level 4 qualification or equivalent work experience
  • Self-funded CLC Diplomas: four GCSEs 4-9 for Level 4, Level 4 pass for Level 6 entry
  • Solicitor route: standard SRA entry requirements plus conveyancing-seat placement
  • CILEX route: CILEX CPQ entry requirements plus conveyancing as chosen specialism
How to Become a Conveyancer​ UK

How the Routes Compare

The biggest differences are cost, time and earnings. Apprenticeships are free to you and pay a salary. Self-funded diplomas are cheaper than the solicitor or CILEX routes, but you typically need paralegal work alongside. Solicitor and CILEX routes take longer but give broader practice options outside conveyancing.

The practical comparison:

  • Cost: apprenticeships free, CLC diplomas £2k to £10k total, solicitor route much higher
  • Salary during training: apprenticeships pay, diploma route usually means paralegal pay
  • Speed to practice rights: Level 4 apprenticeship fastest to earning-as-technician status
  • Speed to full Licensed Conveyancer: Level 6 apprenticeship or diploma route
  • Scope of practice after qualification: CLC routes focus on conveyancing, solicitor route is broad
  • Specialisation: dedicated conveyancing routes go deeper faster than generalist solicitor training

The Step-by-Step Application Process

The process is similar across all routes. Apprenticeship applications open once a year and close fast. Self-funded diploma enrolments are rolling. Whichever route you pick, plan ahead and apply at least twelve months before your target start date.

Typical sequence:

  • Research the routes thoroughly and decide between apprenticeship and private diploma
  • Check entry requirements for your chosen route against your current qualifications
  • For apprenticeships: browse live vacancies on government and provider websites
  • For diplomas: pick a CLC-accredited provider and check enrolment windows
  • Build a CV and cover letter focused on client service, attention to detail and numeracy
  • Apply to employers (apprenticeships) or enrol directly (diplomas)
  • Prepare for interviews: case study exercises, written tests, aptitude assessments
  • Accept an offer, confirm funding if relevant, and start building your transaction portfolio

Compare Level 4 and Level 6

One of the first decisions on the conveyancing path is whether to aim for the Level 4 Conveyancing Technician qualification, the Level 6 Licensed Conveyancer qualification, or both. The comparison page walks through the differences in scope, pay and career progression.

Compare Level 4 vs Level 6