PSRAS · 8 min read
What is the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS)?
PSRAS is the accreditation framework for people who provide legally aided police station advice in England and Wales. It sets standards for knowledge, portfolio evidence, and assessment so representatives can work under appropriate supervision within a criminal defence firm.
Why PSRAS exists
Police station representation is a regulated area of criminal legal aid work. Clients in custody need advisers who understand PACE, custody procedure, disclosure, and interview strategy. PSRAS exists to ensure that non-solicitors — and solicitors entering the field — meet consistent standards before they advise at the police station on a legally aided basis.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) describes PSRAS as a compulsory qualification for those providing police station legal advice under legal aid. In practice, candidates work through structured training, supervised practice, and formal assessments administered by authorised assessment organisations.
Who PSRAS applies to
PSRAS is relevant if you want to become an accredited police station representative (sometimes called a police station agent or accredited rep) working for a criminal defence firm. It also forms part of the pathway for solicitors who need the police station qualification for legal aid work.
- Non-solicitors seeking to represent clients at the police station under supervision
- Trainee solicitors and qualified solicitors who need the police station accreditation
- Firms ensuring fee earners meet SRA and Legal Aid Agency expectations
What accreditation typically involves
The exact requirements are set by the assessment framework and your firm’s supervision structure, but most candidates encounter three broad elements: knowledge of PACE and procedure, a portfolio or workbook evidencing supervised attendances, and written or scenario-based assessments including the Critical Incidents Test (CIT).
- Structured learning on PACE, Codes of Practice, custody, disclosure, and interviews
- Supervised attendances at police stations documented in a portfolio or workbook
- Multiple-choice and written assessments testing application of law and procedure
- Critical Incidents Test (CIT) — scenario-based decision making under time pressure
PSRAS vs “being a rep” in everyday language
Colloquially, people say “police station rep” or “agent”. Accreditation is the formal scheme that underpins that role for legal aid purposes. Completing a training course — including online preparation — does not by itself make you accredited; you must complete the official assessment route and work within the supervision rules that apply to your status.
How PSR Train helps (without replacing accreditation)
PSR Train is designed to support candidates preparing for PSRAS assessments: timed MCQs, module-based study, PACE-aligned content, and CIT-style scenarios. It complements — but does not replace — firm supervision, the official workbook, or assessments run by authorised providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PSRAS the same as a law degree or LPC?
No. PSRAS is a specialist accreditation for police station work under legal aid. It is separate from general legal qualifications, though solicitors may also need to complete it for police station legal aid work.
Can I work at a police station without PSRAS?
You must work within the supervision and authorisation rules that apply to you and your firm. For legally aided police station advice, accreditation through PSRAS (or equivalent solicitor qualification routes) is required.
Who runs PSRAS assessments?
Assessments are delivered through authorised assessment organisations under the scheme framework. Your firm or training provider will direct you to the current process.
Related guides
Prepare with PSR Train
PSR Train offers timed MCQs, module-based study, PACE-aligned content, and CIT-style scenarios to support your PSRAS preparation. Training guidance only — completion does not confer accreditation.
This guide is general training information for PSRAS candidates in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and does not replace firm supervision, official assessment materials, or authorised assessment organisations.