Qualifying Test FAQ

What are qualifying tests?
Qualifying tests are written papers, used to short-list candidates for the selection day stage of most  exercises run by the JAC. They are designed to assess candidates' ability to perform in a judicial role, by analysing case studies, identifying issues and applying the law.

When will tests be used for shortlisting?
The JAC uses qualifying tests for most selection exercises but we tailor our processes to each post. That means we might not use qualifying tests for exercises where there is a small number of vacancies or in other limited circumstances.  We will always specify in the information pack to candidates if a qualifying test is to be used.

What will the test paper be like?
Each test is different, to fit the particular nature of the posts being advertised. Tests are designed to be fair to all eligible candidates, regardless of their specialism or legal background. 

They might contain case studies and/or technical questions. When a post is advertised, candidates will be given information about the nature of the test for that exercise, and will be told if any special preparation is needed.

For example, the Recorder (Northern, North Eastern and Wales Circuits) written test in 2008 consisted of case studies set in a hypothetical jurisdiction and was designed to be accessible to lawyers from all backgrounds. No preparation was required: all the relevant statutes and case law was provided and candidates were asked to read a small bundle of papers, assimilate the information in them and work accurately and quickly under pressure. The time allowed for the test was two hours.

Can candidates see some past papers?
As a guide to what to expect, we have published examples and descriptions of tests used in previous exercises.

Can I see a test like the one which will be used in the specific exercise I have applied for?
We don't publish all the tests, but the examples on our website, taken together with the detailed guidance in the application pack, give an idea of what you might expect.

What do the papers test?
Candidates are tested on the qualities and abilities required for judicial office, such as intellectual capacity, their ability to absorb and analyse information quickly, their independence of mind and sound judgement, and their ability to explain procedure and the decisions reached succinctly and clearly.

Shortlisting is a competitive process, so the tests are designed to be challenging, in terms of both time pressure and efficiency.  Judges need to be able to work well under time pressure.

Where are the tests held?
Most tests take place in London, but for some of the larger or location specific exercises they may be held at venues around the country. The application form for the exercise will usually list the likely test locations and dates. They are held under examination conditions with up to 25 candidates sitting the test together in a room.

Will my expenses be paid?
Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse any expenses incurred attending the test. We will make limited exceptions for those with disabilities and in limited exceptional circumstances. Please discuss with our Candidate Services Team who can be contacted on 020 3334 0123.

May candidates use a computer?
Yes - the application form for the exercise will usually ask you to state whether you wish to answer in manuscript or with as laptop. If the latter you will use a secure laptop provided by the JAC.

What are you doing to protect the anonymity of candidates who sit the qualifying test?
We have limited the number of candidates to a maximum of 25 in each sitting. We also ask candidates to respect the confidentiality of other candidates. We continue to work with our partners and others to identify ways in which we can improve candidate confidentiality. In the longer term we hope to be able to use technology to reduce our reliance on candidates attending a test centre. 

How are the papers set and marked?
The tests are developed and marked by experienced judges from the jurisdiction in which the vacancies are and are moderated to ensure consistency in the marking. Marking and moderation is done in such a way that the marker cannot identify the candidate from the answer script.

Where does the test fit into the rest of the selection process?
The test is a shortlisting tool to determine which candidates should be invited to a selection day. The qualifying test score may be made available to the panel at the selection day because it provides evidence of a candidate's qualities and abilities.

When there is a qualifying test, are references and self assessments taken into account as well?
No. The qualifying test results alone are used to decide who is shortlisted. The references and self assessments are taken into account at the selection day for those who are shortlisted. 

Why use tests?
Qualifying tests are considered to provide more objective evidence of candidates' abilities, irrespective of their specialism within the legal profession, compared to the alternative shortlisting method of a written application and references.

Why are some of your tests in a hypothetical jurisdiction, and others within an actual jurisdiction?
You will always be told in advance what type of test you will be sitting, and you will be given any materials and background you need for the test.

One way of testing the ability to perform in a judicial role is to use a hypothetical jurisdiction and test some common principles.  An alternative approach is to supply - as part of the test papers on the day- the specific rules or parts of legislation which are relevant to the test, and ask you to apply those to the scenarios in the test.  Another approach sometimes used is to provide detailed jurisdictional material a few weeks in advance to enable candidates from outside the jurisdiction to "read yourselves in" and compete with candidates already working in the jurisdiction. 

Tests are piloted in advance with a number of people representative of those likely to apply including people from outside the jurisdiction, and you will be told in the information pack for the selection exercise what sort of test to expect. 

Won't a test set in a specific jurisdiction disadvantage candidates who are not familiar with that jurisdiction, particularly when time pressure is so great?
The pilots [see question above] are designed to check - among other things - whether the time allowed on the day is sufficient for all candidates.

Will you make reasonable adjustments for any disability?
Applications for reasonable adjustments must be made on your application form. The JAC is committed to considering any reasonable adjustments needed to ensure that you can participate in the selection process fairly. The application form asks you to identify any arrangements and adjustments you may require. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the information given will not be used in selection decisions.

What should I do if I need reasonable adjustments and didn't request them on my application form?
You should telephone the JAC Candidate Services Team as soon as possible to give them as long as possible to consider and respond to your request. If you make the request on the day the JAC staff will do their best to make the adjustments you need, but it will not always be possible if - for example - you need extra equipment. 

What written explanation will I receive following the qualifying test?
Following the test, you will be sent a letter advising whether your application will be taken any further.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a selection day. Further details will be sent with your invitation to attend. We are sorry that we are not able to provide written explanations to candidates who are not shortlisted.