Do you need a course?
You need to pass the assessments. You don't need a course. The SRA's PSRAS page says the assessment organisations also offer training, "although it is not a compulsory part of the process", and that the SRA doesn't prescribe how you prepare or authorise training providers. It keeps a separate list of organisations that have told it they offer PSRAS training.
So separate the two costs in your head: assessment fees, which everyone pays, and training, which is optional.
Who sets and runs the assessments
The SRA sets the scheme and its assessment guidelines. It authorises two assessment organisations to run the assessments on its behalf (SRA, updated 11 September 2026):
- Cardiff Centre for Professional Legal Studies (Cardiff University)
- Datalaw
They're listed in no particular order. This site doesn't rank them. Both publish timetables for 2026. The assessments are the written examination (unless you're exempt), the portfolio and the Critical Incidents Test. Registration as a probationary representative with the LAA follows the written test and certification of Part A of your portfolio (Police Station Register Arrangements 2025). For the portfolio, see the portfolio guide.
What fees cover
Providers price differently, and package contents vary. When you compare, check which of these is included:
- the written examination (you may be exempt; Cardiff's 2026 guide offers separate packages for people who've completed the LPC, BTC or CILEX level 6 diploma including criminal law and litigation);
- portfolio assessment, including technical checking of Part A;
- the Critical Incidents Test;
- training courses for each element;
- resits and resubmissions (the SRA guidelines allow a failed portfolio to be resubmitted within 12 months and a failed CIT to be retaken with any assessment organisation).
I've not listed prices. I couldn't verify a current, dated fee page for both providers on 16 October 2026, and an out-of-date figure is worse than none. Get the price from the provider's own site on the day you book.
Questions to ask a provider
- Which assessments does this price include, and which are extra?
- What does a resit or resubmission cost?
- What are the next assessment dates, and how do they fit the LAA deadlines once I'm registered?
- Is the training live, recorded or both, and who delivers it?
- What written guidance do you give on portfolio format? (The SRA guidelines say assessment organisations should give written advice on the format and content of case reports.)
Funding and employer sponsorship
Many trainees are funded by the firm that supervises them, because the firm needs accredited staff and its supervising solicitor has to sign the portfolio. If you're self-funding, ask the firm before you pay whether it will refund the cost once you're accredited, and get the answer in writing.
Next steps
Read how to become a police station representative, the accredited representative guide, and, for revision, PSR Train's written exam guide. When you're ready to look for supervision or work, join the directory and browse rep jobs.
Sources (primary): SRA, Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (updated 11 September 2026). SRA, PSRAS assessment guidelines (Annex 2). LAA, Police Station Register Arrangements 2025. Cardiff University, PSRAS 2026 booking guide and timetable.
General information for practitioners in England and Wales, checked against the sources above on 16 October 2026. Not legal or financial advice. Contract terms and rates change: always check the current LAA documents.