What format does learning take on the PSC?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • Tuesday 07th December
  • 1 min read

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has set out the broad regulations with regards to the Professional Skills Course that all providers have to follow. This includes the format by which the course is delivered, which is largely through face-to-face learning. However, it does allow for up to half of the content on elective modules to be taught through an online training course instead.

Is there a fast track option?

With The University of Law’s offering, a fast-track course can be undertaken by trainee solicitors either at one of the campus locations or directly at their employer’s offices, as part of their period of recognised training. 

Some of the modules will be assessed through an exam, with the Financial and business skills assessment culminating in a 90-minute exam, while others will have no assessment or simply be made up of a skills appraisal at the end of the component.

Your first attempt will be sponsored by your employer, so you won’t need to worry about the costs of taking the PSC. In addition, it might be possible to get dispensation from undertaking one of the modules, if you can show that you have relevant past experience in that specific field, which covers the same content. 

What if I don’t pass?

If you haven’t passed the PSC by the time you’ve finished your training, you wouldn’t need to carry on gaining work experience but you would need to pass the course before applying to the SRA to join the roll of solicitors.

It’s also useful to bear in mind that with the current social distancing regulation in place to combat the spread of Covid-19, the way the PSC is delivered can be subject to change as the ongoing health situation develops.

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