PSQ Requirements

If you would like to provide advice and assistance at the police station, for which payment is claimed from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), you must become an accredited police station representative. Qualified solicitors and barristers can choose which accreditation they want to complete; the Police Station Qualification (PSQ) or the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS).

The Police Station Qualification applies to qualified solicitors (who hold a practising certificate) and barristers who advise in the police station for which payment is not initially claimed from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). You will be unable to provide legal advice, for which payment is claimed, until you have registered with the Legal Aid Agency as an accredited police station representative.

If you wish to become a criminal duty solicitor and provide legal advice and assistance for which payment is claimed from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), you must complete the Police Station Qualification and the Magistrates’ Court Qualification and apply for membership of the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS).

You may attempt the Police Station Qualification and Magistrates Court Qualification in any order, or simultaneously.

Please be aware that only solicitors, barristers, Fellows of the Institute of Executives (FILEX) or European lawyers (registered with the SRA under the Establishment of Lawyers Directive 98/5/EC) can become members of CLAS.

For those with little to no prior criminal legal knowledge, please note, these courses have been designed to supplement your learning efforts and guide your training and development. In isolation, these courses will not provide sufficient information to undertake the PSQ.

All candidates will be expected to complete their own legal research to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge required before commencing the PSQ.

PSQ Price

Please note, a £20 plus VAT administration fee will apply on registration and will be added to the first assessment or support package purchased. Web prices include the administration fee where applicable.

Updated on: 08/10/2020