Qualifying tests

Qualifying tests are written papers, used to shortlist candidates for the Selection Day stage of most  exercises. They are designed to assess candidates' ability to perform in a judicial role, by analysing case studies, identifying issues and applying the law.

The JAC has adopted qualifying tests as an objective method for taking shortlisting decisions. However, we tailor our processes appropriately and might not always use qualifying tests. For example, when there are a small number of vacancies or in other limited circumstances we may instead choose to use a paper sift.
 
Development of Qualifying Tests
The tests, developed most often by experienced judges are tailored to the requirement of the post. They might contain case studies and/or technical questions. The preparation of tests are equality checked and the tests are piloted before use.

Marking and moderation
The tests are marked by experienced judges and the results are carefully moderated by the Judge markers and the JAC to ensure consistency in the marking. Marking and moderation is done in such away that the marker cannot identify the candidate from the answer script.
 
Results at the testing stage may be made available to the selection panel to help inform, alongside all the other information gathered, the Panel's discussion regarding the candidate.