Feedback Report on the Qualifying Test

The comments we receive from candidates following qualifying tests is that they would welcome feedback so that they can use it to develop and be more successful if they decide to apply again for judicial appointment.

While the sheer number of applications we receive means that we cannot provide individual feedback following a qualifying test, we understand candidates wish to receive feedback so we now publish Qualifying Test Feedback Reports for each exercise.

The Feedback Report is designed to help candidates understand what characterised a successful test, and to consider that in the light of their experience. 

The Report provides general comment on how candidates performed in the test. It gives a broad indication of:

• the general standard of scripts;
• the range of marks awarded;
• the distribution of marks within this range;
• the balance of marks awarded across the scenarios;
• where candidates  performed poorly, and the identification and analysis of common problems.

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Q and A - Feedback Report on the Qualifying Test

Why does the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) not provide individual feedback or test papers?
The JAC is not able to provide individual feedback or scores to all candidates because of the administrative burden doing so would place on JAC resources.

Why does the Commission not provide individuals with their qualifying test scores?
JAC officials would be placed under significant pressure to provide further information to a large number of unsuccessful candidates, which would detract from their ability to deliver current and future exercises.

Why does the Commission not provide details of the qualifying test score required to be invited to a selection day?
The JAC considers the Feedback Report should help candidates prepare for the test in a way that individual feedback or scores cannot. It provides candidates with general information on how to prepare for the test and areas where candidates scored well or common areas where candidates scored lower marks. It sets out the reasons why scores were low and this should help candidates prepare for future tests. Publishing the mark required to progress to a selection day would provide no additional assistance as we are unable to provide individuals with their test scores. 

Why do the JAC not publish model answers to tests?
There are no model answers to qualifying tests. Instead marks are awarded where candidates provide convincing and comprehensive arguments with well supported conclusions.

How many people are invited to selection day?
It is the policy of the Judicial Appointments Commission to invite people through to selection day in a ratio of between two and three candidates per vacancy.