The CPEC* is the only Hong Kong localized version of CPE programmes such as the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law offered by many British universities and many successful lawyers are alumni of this popular pathway to the legal profession, which is specifically designed for graduates in non-law disciplines seeking a quick route towards qualifying as solicitors or barristers in Hong Kong. 

The CPEC offers students the advantage of being able to focus on the Hong Kong law subjects of most benefit to their future legal careers, and avoid the need to sit exams in less directly relevant English law subjects such as English Land Law and Public Law, that are a compulsory requirement on all CPE courses.

Solicitor and CPEC Alumnus Ginny Man receiving an award as an Honorary Fellow of HKU SPACE.

The CPEC is an award of the University of Hong Kong under Statute III of the University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Cap. 1053). The CPEC is also a benchmark stipulated by the Law Society of Hong Kong to assess educational qualifications for admission as an overseas lawyer under s. 4 Overseas Lawyers (Qualification for Admission) Rules (Cap. 159, s. 73).

Under the regulations for this programme, students are currently required to study Hong Kong Legal System followed by six law subjects:

1. Constitutional and administrative law
2. Law of contract
3. Law of tort
4. Criminal law
5. Equity and trusts
6. Property law

* The official title of this programme is Hong Kong Common Professional Examination Certificate in Laws (HKCPECLL).