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We are responsible for setting the standards of entry to the Bar and have been piloting the development of an Aptitude Test following recommendations made by the Bar Vocational Course Review Group, chaired by Derek Wood QC.
The aim of the test is to ensure that those undertaking the BPTC have the required skills to succeed, helping to make sure that those without the required skills do not needlessly spend up to £15,750 on the course.
An original pilot of the test took place in 2009-10 with about 300 student volunteers. A second pilot is currently underway and over 1,600 students have taken part.
In order to ensure that the test is accurately identifying those BPTC candidates most likely to succeed, the pilot is not only studying the results of the Aptitude Test, but comparing these with the results of the BPTC course.Once the correlation between the Aptitude Test scores and the students' final BPTC results, including any resit results, has been fully analysed, a decision will be taken as to whether the test is fit for purpose.
The final approval process involves not only the BSB's own internal committee structure, but also the approval of the overarching regulator, the Legal Services Board.
Timetable for introduction
For further information please email the BSB or phone on 020 7611 1444.
The proposed Aptitude Test (BCAT)
Information on the proposed test itself and examples of questions can be downloaded here.
