What Is the Common Professional Examination?

*The Common Professional Examination (CPE), also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), has largely been replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as the main route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. However, the CPE/GDL may still be relevant in some situations, particularly for students on the old route or those seeking a strong academic foundation in law.

What Was the CPE?

The CPE is a postgraduate law conversion course designed for individuals who did not study law at undergraduate level. It condensed the key elements of a qualifying law degree into an intensive one-year (or two-year part-time) programme.

It was widely used as the first step towards becoming a solicitor or barrister for non-law graduates. It covered core legal subjects such as contract law, criminal law, tort, equity and trusts, EU law, property law, and constitutional law.

Is the CPE Still Offered?

While the CPE/GDL is no longer a required part of the route to qualification, some institutions still offer the course. These are mostly aimed at:

• Students who began their legal studies before September 2021 and are continuing on the LPC route
• International students or others seeking a comprehensive legal foundation before taking the SQE
• Those pursuing law-related careers outside traditional solicitor/barrister pathways

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) allows students already on the old pathway to continue until 31 December 2032. For that reason, CPE/GDL providers are still recognised and listed on the SRA website.

Why Might Someone Still Choose the GDL/CPE?

• Academic preparation:- Some students prefer a classroom-based grounding in legal theory before taking SQE exams.
• Law firm requirements:- A few firms still encourage the GDL before progressing to SQE1/SQE2.
• Career flexibility:- It’s still a respected postgraduate qualification for careers in compliance, academia, policy, or international law.

Closing Thoughts

While the SQE is now the main route to qualification, the CPE/GDL still exists for a limited group of students or those seeking a legal foundation before sitting SQE exams.

If you’re unsure whether the CPE is the right option for you, speak to a solicitor training provider or review the latest guidance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).