PSRAS and PSR Train: frequently asked questions

What is the PSRAS?

The Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme. The SRA describes it as "a compulsory qualification for solicitors and non-solicitors who provide legal advice at the police station on a legally aided basis". The SRA manages it, and the Legal Aid Agency keeps the Police Station Register of probationary and accredited representatives.

Sources: SRA: Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme; LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025

What are the three PSRAS assessments?

A written examination, a portfolio and the Critical Incidents Test (CIT). The SRA guidelines (para 3.1) say the assessments "must comprise of a: written examination portfolio assessment critical incidents test". The LAA Arrangements say the qualification "is made of three parts, all of which must be completed to become Accredited".

Sources: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines; LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025

How long is the PSRAS written exam, and what is the pass mark?

Two hours, with a pass mark of 50 per cent (correct as of 1 November 2026). SRA guidelines para 4.3 says "The candidate is given two hours to complete the examination." Para 4.4 says the pass mark is "50 per cent of the total available marks", and that multiple choice questions "cannot account for more than 20 per cent of the available marks".

Source: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines

What can I take into the written exam?

Only the materials your assessment organisation allows. The SRA guidelines leave the detail to each organisation: para 4.3 says "Assessment regulations must describe the general format of the written examination and must prescribe the length of the examination." Check your own assessment organisation's regulations before you sit, and practise under the same conditions.

Source: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines

Who is exempt from the PSRAS written exam?

Solicitors and barristers, people who have completed the LPC or the Bar Vocational Course/BPTC, and CILEx Fellows and Members who have passed the level 6 Higher Diploma in Law including the criminal law and litigation papers (SRA guidelines para 3.6). The SQE does not exempt you: para 3.6 says "There is no exemption for individuals who have passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination." Nobody is exempt from the portfolio or the CIT.

Sources: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines; LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025

Do I have to do a PSRAS training course?

No. The LAA Arrangements say "It is not mandatory to complete the training with the two Assessment Organisations, but they are the only organisations who can provide the assessments and award accreditation." The two assessment organisations are Cardiff University and Datalaw.

Sources: LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025; SRA: Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme

When can I sit the Critical Incidents Test?

Only once you are registered as a probationary representative. SRA guidelines para 7.4 says "the CIT may only be taken after a candidate has registered with the LAA as a probationary representative".

Source: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines

How is the Critical Incidents Test marked?

On three criteria, Control, Confidence and Content, which carry equal weight. SRA guidelines para 8.2 says "To pass, a candidate must achieve at least 50 per cent in respect of each criterion." Para 8.3 adds that "a gross professional error, committed in the context of the assessment, must lead to a candidate failing the CIT even though their numerical score equals or exceeds the pass mark."

Source: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines

How long do I have to finish PSRAS once I am a probationary representative?

You must pass one of the remaining assessments within six months of registering, and all of them within 12 months (correct as of 1 November 2026). SRA guidelines para 3.4 says a candidate "will be suspended from the police station register if they do not pass one of the remaining Accreditation Assessments within six months". The LAA Arrangements (para 2.2) certify you as accredited once you have "passed the remaining Relevant Tests within 12 months of registration".

Sources: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines; LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025

How many times can I resit a PSRAS assessment?

There is no fixed limit, but the time limits still apply. SRA guidelines para 3.5 says "Subject to the time limit for successfully completing the Accreditation Assessments, there is no limit on the number of times a candidate may attempt the respective assessments."

Source: SRA: PSRAS assessment guidelines

Can a probationary representative do duty or indictable-only cases?

No. The LAA Arrangements say "Probationary Representatives must not take on duty cases or indictable only cases." The Contract Specification (para 9.29) says "A Probationary Representative must not provide Police Station Advice and Assistance on an indictable only offence".

Sources: LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025; LAA: 2025 Standard Crime Contract Specification (version 3)

What do I have to do to stay on the Police Station Register once accredited?

Stay supervised and keep your attendances and training up (figures correct as of 1 November 2026). LAA Arrangements para 5.1 says a representative "must be supervised by a Supervising Solicitor whilst on the Police Station Register". Para 5.3 requires "a minimum of 25 Police Station attendances over a 12-month period" and "6 hours professional development training on issues relevant to criminal law over a 12-month period". The Contract Specification (version 3) uses a different figure in the note to its para 9.25 table, for an accredited representative to count as "Engaged" by the firm: "A minimum of 24 Police Station attendances in each rolling 12-month period is required for Accredited Representatives." Check both with your supervising solicitor.

Sources: LAA: Police Station Register Arrangements 2025; LAA: 2025 Standard Crime Contract Specification (version 3)

Does completing this training qualify me as a police station representative?

No. This training prepares candidates for the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS). Completion does not itself confer accreditation or authorisation to provide police station advice. Formal accreditation depends on the recognised external scheme and applicable supervision and assessment requirements.

Is PSR Train an official PSRAS provider?

No. PSR Train is independent preparation and practice. I align the content with the PSRAS syllabus, PACE 1984, and Code C, but your accreditation is awarded by your assessment organisation, not by this site.

What does PSR Train cost?

Nothing. PSR Train is free to use, with no paywall, no subscription and no card required. If you sign up now, you can start practising straight away.

Will it actually help me pass?

I built it around what the assessment actually tests: timed mock exams, CIT-style scenarios, and syllabus-mapped MCQs with worked explanations. I cannot guarantee a pass, but you will see where your reasoning breaks down before the real sitting.

What is included?

Practice questions across every syllabus area, timed mock exams, critical-incident scenarios, learning modules, and progress tracking that shows your accuracy and weakest topics.

Who is this platform for?

Candidates preparing for Police Station Representative accreditation (PSRAS) in England and Wales — whether you are starting out or polishing up before assessment. Qualified solicitors may also use it as a supplementary refresh of PACE 1984, Code C, and police station procedure.

How do I get started?

Create a free account and open the learning modules, practice bank, or a timed mock. No card is required. I usually tell trainees to map the syllabus first, then alternate timed MCQs with one CIT-style scenario each week.

Are the questions updated regularly?

Yes. I review and add questions as PACE Codes and syllabus emphasis shift. Always check the current Code text on GOV.UK for anything safety-critical; this platform is preparation, not a substitute for the official materials.

Can I track my progress?

Yes. The platform includes progress tracking. You can view your performance statistics, track your improvement over time, and identify areas where you need more practice.

Do you offer certificates?

We offer course-completion or participation certificates for certain modules or milestones. These are evidence of training completed on our platform only; they do not constitute professional accreditation or authorisation to provide police station advice. Check the certificates page in your dashboard for more information.

Where can I find more PSR resources and community?

PoliceStationRepUK is a free directory and resource hub for police station representatives.