There is no APS score needed to study a Legal Secretary course at Skills Academy. Instead, entry is based on course requirements. This means you don’t need high school points to apply, making it easier to start studying.
What Are Legal Secretary Course Requirements?
To study a Legal Secretary course, you need to meet certain entry requirements. These ensure that you have the skills to succeed in your studies.
- Matric or Equivalent: To enrol in the N4 Legal Secretary course, you must have matric or an equivalent qualification. If you don’t have matric, there are other courses you can take first. See matric options here.
- English Skills: Since all coursework is in English, you must be able to read, write, and understand the language well. This helps with assignments, exams, and legal documents.
- Basic Computer Knowledge: Legal secretaries work with emails, documents, and databases. Knowing how to use a computer will make studying and working much easier.
- Good Organisation Skills: This career requires time management and attention to detail. You need to handle different tasks at once and meet deadlines.
Can I Study Legal Secretary Without Matric?
Yes, you can! Skills Academy offers Legal Secretary courses that don’t require matric. If you’d like to get your matric first, you can do one of the following courses:
Adult Matric
This course is for people who never finished high school but want a matric certificate. You can study as an adult and once you pass, you can apply for an N4 Legal Secretary course. Learn more about Adult Matric here.
Matric Rewrite
If you wrote matric but didn’t pass all your subjects, this is a good option. You get a second chance to improve your results and qualify for more courses. Get more details about Matric Rewrite here.
Matric Upgrade
This course helps you improve your marks if you already passed matric but want better results. You can rewrite subjects and open up more career and study opportunities. Find out about Matric Upgrade.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Study Legal Secretary N6 Diploma?
To get a Legal Secretary N6 Diploma, you must first complete three courses. These courses build your skills and prepare you for the job.
Once you finish all three levels, you need 18 months of work experience in a legal office. After that, you can apply for your National Diploma in Legal Secretary and start your career!
What Is the Legal Secretary Course Structure?
The Legal Secretary course is made up of different levels. Each level helps you build skills and gain knowledge needed to work in a law office. By the end of the course, you will be ready for real-world legal work.
What Are The Subjects Of Legal Secretary?
Legal Secretary courses teach important skills needed to work in a law firm. You will learn about office tasks, legal documents, and professional communication.
Each subject focuses on key areas that help you stay organised and work efficiently. Below is a breakdown of the subjects, what they cover, and how they will help you in your studies:
Legal Secretary Course Subjects
| Entry Requirements | Why It Is Necessary |
|---|---|
| N4 Legal Secretary | This gives you the foundation needed before moving to N5. |
| Ability to Read and Write in English | You will need to read legal documents and communicate professionally. |
| Basic Computer Skills | Legal secretaries use computers for typing, filing, and research. |
| Access to the Internet | Since the course is online, you need internet access to study and submit assignments. |
These subjects give you a strong foundation to work as a Legal Secretary. They cover practical skills needed in a real job.
Which Subject Is Best For Legal Secretary?
The most useful subject is Legal Practice. This subject helps you understand legal documents, court procedures, and office work. Legal Practice is important because legal secretaries handle contracts, client files, and legal letters. Learning these skills will make you job-ready.
Do Legal Secretary Courses Have Math?
No, Legal Secretary courses do not have a maths subject. These courses focus on administration and legal work, not calculations. However, basic numeracy is helpful. You may need to track schedules, organise legal fees, or manage office tasks. But there are no complex equations or advanced maths in the course.
How Long Does A Legal Secretary Course Take?
Each N-level (N4, N5, and N6) takes 12 months to complete. If you complete all three levels, it will take three years in total.
After that, you need 18 months of work experience in a law office. Once this is done, you can apply for your National Diploma. This gives you recognised qualifications to start your career.
See the full Legal Secretary course breakdown here.
Is Legal Secretary Accredited?
Yes, Legal Secretary courses at Skills Academy are fully accredited. This means your qualification is recognised in South Africa and meets industry standards.
Read more about accredited courses here.
Legal Secretary Course Accreditation
| Course | Accreditation Body | Certificate Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| N4 Legal Secretary | QCTO (Quality Council for Trades & Occupations) | National N Certificate |
| N5 Legal Secretary | QCTO | National N Certificate |
| N6 Legal Secretary | QCTO | National N Certificate |
| Legal Secretary Diploma | DHET (Department of Higher Education & Training) | National Diploma (after work experience) |
These accredited courses help students gain skills and earn a recognised qualification. Once you complete your course and practical experience, you can start a career as a Legal Secretary.
Is Legal Secretary A Good Course?
Yes! A Legal Secretary course is a great choice if you want to work in the legal field but don’t want to study law. It gives you the practical skills needed to work in law firms, courts, and corporate offices. You’ll learn how to handle legal documents, communicate with clients, and assist legal professionals.
Why Is Legal Secretary A Good Course?
- Jobs Are Available – Law firms, government offices, and businesses need trained legal secretaries.
- Quick To Complete – This course takes a few years, which means you can start working sooner.
- Recognised Qualification – The course is accredited, so employers will accept your certificate.
- Different Career Options – You can work in law firms, government offices, or big companies.
How Do I Apply To Study Legal Secretary?
Applying is quick and simple. You don’t need an APS score, and you can study from anywhere in South Africa.
Steps To Apply
- Go to the Skills Academy website.
- Choose the Legal Secretary course that fits your goals.
- Fill in the online application form or speak to a course expert for help.
- Apply today!
How Does Legal Secretary Exams Work?
Legal Secretary exams are set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). They are held twice a year, in May/June and October/November.
To pass your course, you must:
- Complete three open-book assignments per subject.
- Write a final exam for each subject.
- Do 18 months of practical work after N4–N6 to qualify for your diploma.
How Do I Prepare For Legal Secretary Exams?
Studying the right way helps you feel confident and pass your exams. Here’s how you can get ready:
- Go over your notes – Make sure you understand the main topics.
- Practise legal documents – Work on past assignments to improve accuracy.
- Make a study plan – Set time aside to go over each subject before the exam.
- Join a study group – Learning with others can make studying easier.
- Stay organised – Keep your notes, books, and exam dates in one place. Get more exam tips here.
How To Pass A Legal Secretary Course?
Passing your course is all about staying focused and keeping up with your work. Good study habits make a big difference.
- Complete assignments on time – They help you understand the work.
- Practise typing and legal documents – You need to work quickly and accurately.
- Ask for help if needed – Speak to tutors if you don’t understand something.
- Study a little every day – It’s better than cramming at the last minute.
- Use past exam papers – They give you an idea of what to expect in the test and find out how to do well in your studies.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be ready to pass your course and start your career as a Legal Secretary!
Where Can I Study Legal Secretary Courses?
You can study Legal Secretary courses at Skills Academy through distance learning. This means you can study from anywhere in South Africa without needing to go to a classroom. You can learn at your own pace while balancing work and home life. With Skills Academy, all your study materials are delivered to you, and tutors are available to help when needed. This makes studying easier and helps you stay on track.
What Is The Advantages Of Studying Legal Secretary?
A Legal Secretary course gives you the skills to work in law firms, businesses, and government offices. You will learn how to handle legal paperwork, assist lawyers, and manage office tasks.
Advantages Of Studying Legal Secretary With Skills Academy
- No Matric Needed – You can study some Legal Secretary courses even if you don’t have a matric certificate.
- Study From Home – Since it’s a distance learning course, you can set your own schedule.
- Help From Tutors – If you need support, tutors are ready to assist you with your studies.
- Recognised Qualification – The Legal Secretary course is accredited, so employers will accept your certificate. See how Skills Academy can help you succeed.
What Skills Do You Need Study Legal Secretary Here?
To do well in a Legal Secretary course, you need some basic skills. These will help you manage legal documents, talk to clients, and complete office tasks.
- Good Communication – You must be able to write and speak clearly to work with legal documents and clients.
- Attention To Detail – Legal work needs accuracy, as mistakes in paperwork can cause serious problems.
- Time Management – You need to stay organised and meet deadlines in a fast-paced legal office.
- Basic Computer Skills – You must know how to use email, word processing, and legal software.
When Can I Study Legal Secretary?
You can start studying anytime with Skills Academy. There are no set start dates, so you can enrol whenever you’re ready. Since it’s a distance learning course, there’s no need to wait for a new semester. You can sign up and start working towards your qualification right away. Apply now and start your journey today!
Is Legal Secretary A Good Career?
Yes! A Legal Secretary career is a great choice if you want to work in law but don’t want to study for years. This role lets you be part of the legal world without needing a degree. You’ll help lawyers with paperwork, schedules, and client communication. There is a high demand for skilled legal secretaries, making this a stable and rewarding career.
Why Do I Choose To Be A Secretary?
A career as a Legal Secretary comes with many benefits. It is a great option if you like organisation, legal work, and helping others.
- Job Security: Law firms, courts, and big businesses always need skilled legal secretaries. This makes it a steady career choice.
- Quick Entry Into The Legal Field: Unlike lawyers, you don’t need a degree. A Legal Secretary course teaches you the skills you need in a short time.
- Room To Grow: With experience, you can move up to senior legal secretary, office manager, or even paralegal.
- Exciting Work: Every day is different. You’ll work with lawyers, clients, and legal documents, making each day interesting.
Is Being A Legal Secretary Hard?
Being a Legal Secretary can be busy, but it’s a job you can handle with the right skills. You will manage paperwork, organise schedules, and assist lawyers. The work can sometimes be fast-paced, especially when deadlines are tight. But if you stay organised and manage your time well, it’s a job that can be both challenging and enjoyable.
What Does A Legal Secretary Do?
A Legal Secretary helps law firms and legal offices run smoothly. You’ll handle important legal documents, organise schedules, and assist lawyers.
Legal Secretary Duties
- Prepare Legal Documents
- Schedule Meetings And Court Dates
- Handle Client Communication
- Manage Office Administration
Prepare Legal Documents
Legal secretaries type and format contracts, agreements, and court papers. These documents must be correct and follow legal rules. Keeping files organised and updated is a big part of the job.
Schedule Meetings And Court Dates
Lawyers are busy, and legal secretaries help manage their schedules. You’ll book meetings, organise court dates, and keep track of deadlines. This helps lawyers stay on top of their work.
Handle Client Communication
Legal secretaries are often the first point of contact in a law office. You’ll answer calls, reply to emails, and help clients with legal questions. Good people skills are important for this role.
Manage Office Administration
A law office needs to run smoothly, and legal secretaries help keep everything in order. This includes filing documents, ordering supplies, and organising records. A well-organised office helps lawyers focus on their cases.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Legal Secretary?
To be a Legal Secretary, you need to be organised, detail-oriented, and good at communication. You will work with important legal paperwork, so accuracy is key.
You also need to stay calm under pressure. Law firms can be fast-paced, so good time management is a must. Knowing how to use computers and office software will also help.
How To Apply For Legal Secretary Jobs?
Applying for a Legal Secretary job is simple if you follow the right steps. Your CV should highlight your skills and qualifications.
Steps To Apply For A Legal Secretary Job
- Update Your CV – Make sure it includes your qualifications, skills, and experience.
- Search For Job Listings – Check job websites, law firms, and recruitment agencies.
- Write A Cover Letter – Explain why you are the right fit for the job.
- Apply To Different Companies – Send applications to multiple law firms and offices.
- Get Ready For Interviews – Practise common interview questions and research the company. Start your Legal Secretary career today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The NATED courses are divided into three levels: N4, N5, and N6. Each level takes 12 months to complete. Find out more about N4 to N6 Legal Secretary courses here.
Yes, you must have matric to study law at a university. You need a Bachelor’s Pass and must meet the university’s entry requirements. Subjects like English and History are useful, but some universities may also require Mathematics or Life Orientation.
Yes! You can study Office Administration courses even if you don’t have matric. These courses teach computer skills, office management, and business communication.
With an office admin qualification, you can work as an office assistant, receptionist, or admin clerk. It’s a great way to start your career in an office environment.
If you complete an N6 Legal Secretary course, you will still need to study further to get a Law Diploma. A Law Diploma at a university usually takes three years.
Your legal secretary training can help with entry requirements, but it does not replace a law degree. You may need additional subjects or qualifications to qualify for university studies.
Yes! Once you complete your N6 Legal Secretary course and finish 18 months of work experience, you can apply for your National Diploma.
Author: Jodie Jacobs
