Legal and compliance careers in the UK change constantly and therefore professionals have to adapt to new rules, technology as well as industry standards. Having relevant certifications is a good way of keeping up which also shows that you have a deeper understanding of the field.
Therefore, if you want to know the most helpful certifications for legal and compliance careers in the UK, below we’ve listed some:
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
For prospective solicitors in England and Wales, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is an essential certification.
What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in the UK?
The SQE is a standard course for aspiring solicitors and became effective from September 2021, replacing the outdated Legal Practice Course (LPC). The solicitors qualifying examination entails two parts: SQE1 as well as SQE2
This innovative approach gives more room for students to learn while working, giving them the opportunity to earn money while studying. The SQE is generally seen as a huge achievement for those who successfully complete this course
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) Qualifications
For those who do not wish to follow traditional routes into law, there are other avenues like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).
What is a CILEx Lawyer?
A CILEx lawyer is someone who has successfully completed all three levels of the CILEx course, otherwise known as the CILEx Professional Qualification (CPQ). This means they would have completed essential courses in Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Furthermore, to be a CILEx lawyer, you must have completed at least three years of relevant practical experience and be specialised in one area of law.
What are the Three Levels of CILEx Qualifications?
As mentioned above, there are three levels of the CILEx Qualification, these range from a level 3 diploma to gaining specialisation in a certain field:
CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice: This diploma is just A-levels equivalent with knowledge of law;
CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice: This qualification acts like an undergraduate degree to those intending to become chartered legal executives.
They could also specialise in particular areas such as being partners at certain firms or companies.
Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)
Since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was launched, data protection has become very important within legal and compliance roles. Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) certification is essential for professionals dealing with data protection in the UK and Europe. It is offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals and it covers such areas as:
- European data protection laws and regulations
- What GDPR requires for compliance
- Data protection practices in Europe
- CIPP/E is valued by employers across various sectors ranging from finance to healthcare.
- Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) Qualifications
What Qualifications Can I Get For Risk Management and Compliance From The CGI?
If you are interested in governance, risk management and compliance, there are a number of highly rated qualifications which can be obtained from The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI). Below is a highlight of some of them:
Foundation Programme: This course introduces people to the basics of governance;
Advanced Certificate in Corporate Governance: With this certification, one gets a deep understanding of corporate governance principles;
Chartered Governance Professional Qualification: For professionals who want to become chartered members of CGI; this is also the highest level qualification.
These qualifications are very important for jobs like company secretaries, governance officers or even compliance managers as they help organisations ensure that they operate within legal and ethical frameworks.
AML Certifications
In the financial services industry especially, AML forms an important part of compliance. Strict anti-money laundering as well as terrorist financing statutes in the UK increase the value of AML certifications.
Some of these include:
ICA International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering: ICA provides this course on AML rules, risks and how money laundering can be prevented professionally.
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS): It is a worldwide certification provided by ACAMS that concentrates on AML principles and practices.
In particular, banking, finance or other related professionals should consider gaining these certifications.