LSB says bar aptitude test is good to go
updated on 30 July 2012
Legal Week reports that the Legal Services Board (LSB) has authorised the introduction of an aptitude test for those seeking a place on the BPTC.
The Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) would be compulsory for anyone hoping to join the course. It was piloted in 2009-10 and aims to tighten entry requirements and ensure that those embarking on the course have the necessary skills. It comes amid widespread concern among practitioners and students about the disconnect between the number of people doing the BPTC and the number of available pupillages - not to mention the associated cost.
The BSB said in response to the LSB’s announcement: "[We welcome] the LSB’s approval of the BCAT, being the outcome of several years' work on this project. We look forward to working with a range of stakeholders over a five-year period to properly evaluate the impact of the test in support of the regulatory objective, particularly in terms of seeking to encourage an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession."
The test is due to be in place from September 2012, for those seeking a BPTC place in September 2013.
