How to Apply for the Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ) in the UK and What You Need to Know Before You Do

Thinking about a legal career with impact, flexibility and progression? The Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ) could be your ideal route. This guide explains how to apply for the CLPQ, covering eligibility, course content and the benefits of qualifying as a regulated Costs Lawyer in England and Wales.

In today’s legal landscape, costs law is gaining new visibility. As firms respond to regulatory demands and client expectations, the role of the Costs Lawyer has become increasingly important, providing specialist insight where precision and compliance matter most.

This guide goes beyond just the application process,  it includes essential information on the qualification itself, eligibility, and course structure, so you can make an informed decision before applying.

The Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ) is delivered exclusively by the Association of Costs Lawyers Training (ACLT), the only Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB) accredited provider offering the qualifying course for those wishing to practice as Costs Lawyers in England & Wales.

Unlike unregulated legal costs professionals, Costs Lawyers are legally authorised to conduct litigation, hold rights of audience and administer oaths. This full regulatory status not only sets them apart within the legal costs sector but also enables them to take on more substantial client-facing responsibilities and legal proceedings.

This elevated standing often positions qualified Costs Lawyers as trusted advisors within law firms and in-house legal teams, with a growing number progressing into senior leadership roles, including partnership. With law firms placing increasing value on compliance, risk management, and financial oversight, the need for qualified, regulated experts in legal costs is at an all-time high.

According to specialist recruiter Clayton Legal, the demand for Costs Lawyers is growing, with firms increasingly recognising the commercial value of regulated professionals who can manage legal costs in line with stringent compliance standards. This reflects a broader shift in the legal sector towards professionalising costs litigation, budgeting, and recovery as integral components of client service and law firm profitability.

If you are looking for a career with long-term potential, growing demand and professional recognition, the CLPQ offers not just a qualification, but a pathway to meaningful advancement in the legal profession.

Who Is the CLPQ For?

The CLPQ offers a defined route for paralegals aiming to deepen their expertise, and for law graduates (LLB, GDL, LPC) who want to pursue a specialist area of practice with strong professional recognition. It is also a practical route for career changers and non-graduates seeking a regulated entry point into the legal sector.

Many law firms support team members through sponsorship, recognising the commercial and strategic value of having regulated Costs Lawyers who can manage litigation budgets, navigate compliance obligations, and advise on funding arrangements.

With its flexible, part-time online delivery, the CLPQ is ideal for those who want to balance professional responsibilities with further study. It allows candidates to continue working while building the specialist knowledge and credentials required to qualify as a Costs Lawyer.

What the CLPQ Covers

The Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ) equips students with a strong foundation in general civil legal practice, alongside the specialised knowledge required to gain the qualifications needed to work as a regulated Costs Lawyer in England and Wales. Delivered over two years on a part-time basis, it balances practical skills with legal theory, making it a strong fit for working professionals.

Year 1 – Diploma in Civil Practice:

• Contract Law & Tort (12 weeks)
• Civil Litigation (8 weeks)
• Professional Standards & Ethics (4 weeks)

Year 2.1 – Diploma in Costs Law & Practice and Awards in Advocacy:

• Costs Pleading & Process (12 weeks)
• Legal Aid (4 weeks)
• Costs Advocacy (4 weeks)

Year 2.2 

• Practice & Procedure in Specialist Forums (12 weeks)
• The Lawyer-Client Relationship & Funding Arrangements (12 weeks)

Students who hold prior legal qualifications, such as an LLB, GDL, LPC, a Bar Course, or have completed SQE assessments, may be eligible for module exemptions in Year 1. We review all exemption requests individually, so please include your full academic history when applying. Details of current exemption policies are available on the ACLT website.

Together, these modules form a qualification that combines in-depth legal knowledge with practical preparation, enabling graduates to meet the regulatory standards set by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB) and qualify as regulated Costs Lawyers in England and Wales.

Students are assessed through a combination of written assignments, exams, and online seminars. Formal assessments are typically held twice a year, in January and June, providing clear milestones throughout the programme. This structure allows learners to consolidate knowledge regularly and apply it with confidence in professional settings.

Who Can Apply 

The CLPQ is open to a broad range of applicants, including those with relevant academic qualifications, legal training, or relevant professional experience. Entry routes are designed to accommodate individuals at different stages of their legal careers.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must have a minimum of GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent). Those with higher legal qualifications, such as an LLB, GDL or LPC, may be eligible for exemptions from Year 1 modules, depending on the content and level of prior study. These exemptions are assessed individually, and applicants should provide academic transcripts to support their application.

Professional Experience

While prior experience in costs law is not a requirement for entry, it can provide useful context and support academic success during the programme.

Qualifying Experience (QE)

To qualify as a Costs Lawyer, candidates must complete two years of Qualifying Experience (QE) in costs law. This can be undertaken before, during or after completing the academic elements of the CLPQ.

The work must be supervised by a Qualified Person, as defined under Rule 5.3 of the CLSB Training Rules:

“A Qualified Person is: (a) a Costs Lawyer; or (b) another person who is authorised under the Legal Services Act 2007 to carry out the reserved legal activities of (at least) exercising a right of audience, conducting litigation and administering oaths.”

QE must be substantive, ongoing, and demonstrate competence across the areas outlined in the CLSB’s Competency Statement, such as costs management, client interaction, ethical standards, and procedural knowledge. Candidates are required to maintain a QE log, signed by their supervisor, as evidence of their progress.

Full guidance is available via the CLSB’s official QE framework.

Applicants from Overseas

ACLT is not licensed to sponsor Student visas, so we unfortunately can’t accept applicants who need one to study in the UK

However, applicants who do not require visa sponsorship, but whose first language is not English, must demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, ACLT requires an IELTS Academic score of 7.5 overall, with no component below 7.0, or an equivalent qualification.

International qualifications are assessed using data from UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) and the UK Centre for Professional Qualifications (UK CPQ). In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide a Statement of Comparability at their own cost.

Most applicants are based in England or Wales, though those working in relevant legal roles overseas may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB).

If you have any questions relating to entry requirements specific to your situation, please contact ACLT directly for guidance.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register Your Interest
Visit the ACLT website to register your interest for the next available intake. This ensures you’ll receive relevant updates, key dates, and application reminders.

2. Prepare Your Application Materials
Gather the necessary documents, including:

• Academic transcripts/diplomas 
• Evidence of any legal or professional qualifications
• An up-to-date CV

If you’re applying for exemptions based on prior legal study, ensure you provide full transcripts or certificates to support your request.

If you no longer have copies of your GCSE records but currently work in a Costs environment, let us know at time of application. We may be able to accept employment verification in lieu of academic evidence.

3. Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill in the online application form carefully, ensuring all required fields are completed. A £50 application administration fee is payable at the time of submission. Details of course fees and payment options are outlined on the ACLT website.

4. Application Review and Outcome
We will assess your application, including any exemption requests, and you will be contacted via email with the outcome. Most applicants can expect a decision within a few weeks of submission.

5. Enrolment and Online Induction
Once accepted, you’ll complete enrolment and receive access to our learning platform, Canvas. Your online induction will introduce the course structure, assessments and academic support team.

Advancing Your Legal Career.

Becoming a qualified Costs Lawyer through the CLPQ can take your legal career to the next level, giving you the knowledge, skills and status to stand out in a growing area of practice. With online delivery and support from experienced tutors, ACLT offers a flexible, accessible route to professional recognition

Ready to get started? 

Begin your application today>>>