The requirements for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders intending to take the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination have been changed. The UEC had not been recognised by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board since 2005. 

According to the Board, from 2021, UEC holders will need to obtain the following results to qualify for the CLP examination:

• 2 passes at the UEC Senior Middle 3 level; and
• At least 5 credits in SPM or O-Levels equivalent

Prior to this, UEC holders were required to obtain:

• At least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels equivalent; and
• A pass in at least 2 subjects at STPM or A-Levels

In short, starting 2021, the UEC examination is treated the same as A-Levels equivalent qualifications. The holders will only need to obtain at least 5 credits in O-Levels equivalent examinations on top of their UEC results. 

Commentary by Tiu Kian Wee
Although the UEC qualification is still not widely recognised in Malaysia, we are seeing a gradual acceptance of this qualification in the legal sector. Indirectly, accredited UK law universities can expect a higher enrolment of UEC students following this policy change. 

If you need more information about the UEC holders market, please contact us at kianwee.tiu@britishcouncil.org.my