PSRAS · 9 min read
What is PSRAS (Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme)?
PSRAS (Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme) is the qualification non-solicitors need to give legally aided advice at police stations in England and Wales. A PSR is a police station representative. You pass the written exam (unless exempt) and have portfolio Part A accepted, register with the Legal Aid Agency as a probationary rep, then pass portfolio Part B and the Critical Incidents Test to become accredited.
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The stages at a glance
The LAA Police Station Register Arrangements define the Relevant Tests as the portfolio (Part A and Part B cases), the written examination, and the Critical Incidents Test (CIT). The usual order and booking rules are set by your assessment organisation — confirm the live process before you commit to dates.
For stage-by-stage detail (supervision, costs, timeline, jobs), see the full route to accreditation on PoliceStationRepUK.
- Written examination on core PACE, Code C and related procedure
- Portfolio of supervised police station attendances
- Critical Incidents Test: scenario-based judgment under pressure
- LAA Police Station Register: probationary after the written exam (unless exempt) and Part A, accredited after Part B and the CIT
What does "PSR" mean?
PSR full form in police: police station representative. In criminal defence, PSR usually means police station representative — someone accredited to advise and represent clients in police custody under a firm's legal aid contract, working with duty solicitors and supervising solicitors.
In other contexts "PSR" can mean something else. In courts, PSR often means a pre-sentence report prepared for sentencing. On this page, PSR means police station representative unless stated otherwise.
Who needs PSRAS accreditation, and who doesn't
If you are not a solicitor and want to advise at the police station on a legally aided basis, you normally need PSRAS (and firm supervision). Solicitors can qualify through PSRAS or the separate Police Station Qualification (PSQ) instead of PSRAS.
PSRAS is not a single course: you work under supervision, pass assessments run by an SRA-authorised organisation, and meet Legal Aid Agency (LAA) registration rules before you are listed on the Police Station Register.
Being described as a "rep" in conversation is not the same as being accredited. Finishing training or practice questions online does not accredit you; the SRA-authorised assessment route and LAA registration do.
- Non-solicitor candidates seeking accredited rep status with a criminal defence firm
- Solicitors who need a police station qualification for legal aid custody work (PSRAS or PSQ)
- Firms checking fee earners meet SRA and LAA expectations
Who sets and runs the assessments?
The SRA runs the PSRAS scheme and authorises assessment organisations to deliver the assessments. The SRA currently authorises two organisations: Cardiff University (Cardiff Centre for Professional Legal Studies) and Datalaw. Check formats, fees and dates on the Cardiff University and Datalaw sites because arrangements change.
Once you pass the first stage, the LAA registers you on its Police Station Register, first as a probationary representative and then as an accredited representative when you complete the requirements.
PSRAS vs "being a rep" in everyday language
People say "police station rep" or "agent" informally. For legal aid purposes, accreditation through PSRAS (or the solicitor PSQ route) and ongoing LAA register conditions are what matter. There is no fixed PSRAS "reaccreditation cycle" in the sense of a single renewal exam; once accredited, you stay on the register while you meet ongoing conditions (attendances, CPD, supervision — see the current Police Station Register Arrangements on GOV.UK).
How to prepare on PSR Train
I built PSR Train for exam practice, not to award accreditation. Use timed MCQs and mocks for the written paper, CIT-style scenarios for judgment, and the study planner to structure revision. Start with the PSRAS written exam guide, free PSRAS practice questions, the Critical Incidents Test guide and Code C flashcards. Access is free while we are in beta.
Frequently asked questions
What is PSRAS?
PSRAS is the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme — the SRA-regulated qualification for legally aided police station advice in England and Wales, delivered through authorised assessment organisations and leading to LAA registration.
What does PSR stand for in the police station context?
Police station representative: an accredited adviser who attends custody and interviews under firm supervision. Do not confuse this with a pre-sentence report (PSR) in sentencing.
Is PSRAS the same as being a duty solicitor?
No. Duty solicitors are qualified solicitors on the rota; accredited representatives often work with them. See how a duty solicitor and a police station rep differ.
Who needs to be accredited to give police station advice under legal aid?
Non-solicitors need PSRAS. Solicitors need PSRAS or the Police Station Qualification (PSQ), and must meet firm and LAA registration rules.
How long does PSRAS take, and what does it cost?
Timelines and fees depend on your firm, attendance opportunities, and assessment sittings. Published fees change — check Cardiff University and Datalaw directly rather than relying on third-party figures.
What is the CIT?
The Critical Incidents Test is a scenario-based PSRAS assessment of how you prioritise issues, consult the client, and justify interview advice. See the Critical Incidents Test guide for preparation.
What happens after I'm accredited?
You remain on the LAA Police Station Register while you meet its ongoing conditions. There is no separate fixed PSRAS reaccreditation exam cycle described in the SRA/LAA materials — keep CPD, supervision and register rules current.
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Prepare with PSR Train
PSR Train offers timed MCQs, module-based study, Code C–aligned content, and CIT-style scenarios to support your PSRAS preparation.
General training information for PSRAS candidates in England and Wales. It isn't legal advice, and it doesn't replace your firm's supervision or your assessment organisation's materials.