Mercia has been the main provider of probate training for ICAEW authorised individuals since 2014. Every two years, ICAEW undertakes a review of Mercia’s performance as a training provider. Read the results of our 2025 review.
Overview
This report outlines the findings from ICAEW’s 2025 evaluation of Mercia Group’s Probate and Estate Administration training course. Our previous review took place in 2023 and this report also reflects on current performance compared to the previous review.
The review considers course delivery, accessibility, candidate performance, support services, complaints and feedback to ensure the course continues to meet the high standards required for ICAEW-accredited probate training.
Introduction
Chartered Accountants seeking to become ICAEW-authorised individuals for probate must demonstrate they have the appropriate knowledge and competence to carry out non-contentious probate work. Mercia Group has been ICAEW’s main provider of probate training since 2014. The course is designed to ensure candidates meet our required standards and are equipped to provide high quality probate services.
Applicants who have successfully passed the assessment are awarded a Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration and are entitled to call themselves probate practitioners (practitioners).
This review assesses whether the course continues to meet its objectives, remains aligned with the probate curriculum, and is delivered in a way that supports candidates' learning and competence.
Curriculum and course format
Mercia offers an "on demand" online course and a "Mercia Live" course. The Mercia live course is livestreamed and consists of four half-day sessions on probate and estate administration and an assessment. The programme is delivered twice yearly in four half-day morning sessions. It is recorded and made available in alternative formats for up to 12 months post-course. Candidates can also purchase access to recordings and course notes independently of scheduled sessions.
There have been no material changes to content or structure beyond minor enhancements and Mercia has confirmed that no major legal or regulatory developments in non-contentious probate justified a change in content. Course materials are clear and engaging. The webinar includes practical information for practitioners such as completing HM Court and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) forms and identifying issues that may potentially become contentious during engagements.
Mercia has observed that some candidates found aspects of the inheritance tax (IHT) course content challenging. In response, they have updated their website to recommend that prospective candidates have prior knowledge of IHT before enrolling. Mercia also offers a separate refresher course on IHT.
In 2025, Mercia will be introducing additional course material on the Administration of Oaths for new applicants to reflect the proposed introduction of these services for ICAEW legal services accredited firms from autumn 2025. ICAEW is also working with Mercia to develop separate resources on Oaths for current practitioners who wish to start delivering these services.
In comparison to our last review, where four live courses and exams were offered, course frequency in 2023 and 2024 was reduced to two live events due to lower attendance. Two courses and three assessment dates (to allow for re-takes) are planned for 2025.
Course attendance and participation trends
Comparison of attendance
| Year | Livestreamed | On-demand | Assessment |
| 2022 | 43 | 31 | 68 |
| 2023 | 25 | 54 | 78 |
| 2024 | 41 | 35 | 76 |
The total number of candidates attending or accessing training materials in 2023 and 2024 exceeded 2022 levels. This suggests continued interest in the programme, despite fewer live events. The on-demand format appears to be popular and offers flexibility.
It was not clear how many participants attended the course to refresh knowledge rather than achieve accreditation, however, notably, 34 candidates in 2023 and 2024 paid for course access but did not attend the assessment. There were 30 candidates out of the 34 who did not sit the assessment booked on to view the recording of the livestream. This group therefore may include those studying for general knowledge or deferring assessments.
Assessment performance and integrity
Examination results (2019–2024)
| Year | Total exam attempts | Passes | Fails | Pass rate |
| 2019 | 141 | 119 | 22 | 84% |
| 2020 | 103 | 90 | 13 | 87% |
| 2021 | 103 | 88 | 15 | 85% |
| 2022 | 68 | 47 | 21 | 69% |
| 2023 | 78 | 51 | 27 | 65% |
| 2024 | 76 | 50 | 26 | 69% |
Assessment performance in 2023 and 2024 mirrors the 2022 dip from earlier years (2019 - 2021 average pass rate of 85%). There is a stable but lower pass rate (65–69%) which has now persisted for three consecutive years. Mercia attributes part of this trend to an increase in under-prepared candidates joining the course without adequate IHT knowledge. To mitigate this, Mercia has revised its website to better communicate required entry knowledge and offers post-failure support and feedback.
Re-sit trends (2019–2024)
| Year | First attempt | Re-sits | Total |
| 2019 | 132 | 6 | 9 |
| 2020 | 91 | 7 | 12 |
| 2021 | 92 | 8 | 11 |
| 2022 | 55 | 6 | 13 |
| 2023 | 78 | 68 | 10 |
| 2024 | 76 | 64 | 12 |
Despite lower pass rates, the number of exam attempts has remained stable. A large number of re-sitters eventually passed in 2023, 2024 and early 2025. Four did not rebook.
As part of this review, Mercia also evaluated candidate outcomes and found no significant difference in performance between those who attended live courses and those who accessed the recorded sessions.
Exam integrity remains high. To maintain objectivity, course lecturers do not mark or compile the exams and the process appears well-managed. Mercia continues to use an external online testing company to invigilate exams. Mercia confirmed that no breaches were reported during the review period. Post-assessment feedback is also provided directly to unsuccessful candidates on request by a Technical Director.
Accessibility and candidate support
Feedback and complaints handling
Additional services and materials
In addition to delivering its core training course, Mercia also offers a range of optional supplementary resources to help practitioners stay up to date with developments in probate practice. Take-up of these services remains strong, with consistently high attendance at refresher courses and conferences, indicating their perceived value among the regulated community.
Additional services attendance
- The Probate and IHT – A Tax Refresher course saw high attendance in 2023 and 2024, with on-demand participation increasing to 137 in 2024. The course attracts a broad audience including uncertificated Mercia members.
- In 2024, eighteen Probate Compliance Reviews were conducted, and twenty-one were completed in 2024.
- Attendance at Mercia’s annual Probate Practitioners Conference remains high, with approximately 300 attendees across the 2023–2024 period.
Conclusion
Resources
2025 Mercia legal services training provider review
This review is also available as a PDF if you would prefer to download it.
Download the review