Plans to introduce an aptitude test for budding barristers have been given the go-ahead by the Legal Services Board (LSB).

The proposed Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) would be compulsory for prospective Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) students, in an effort to tighten entry requirements by setting a minimum required standard.

The aptitude test was first piloted in 2009-10, following recommendations made by the Bar Vocational Course Review Group chaired by Derek Wood QC, amid widespread concern over an oversupply of aspiring barristers.

The proposed test is intended to ensure that those undertaking the BPTC have the required skills, while those with little chance of a successful career at the Bar do not take on the financial burden of training.

The test is set be implemented in September this year for candidates applying for the BPTC in September 2013, with an application fee – which has not yet been finalised – likely to be set at around £67.

However, the LSB has asked the BSB to compile additional data for assessment, with chief executive Chris Kenny warning that as the test has only been practised in limited pilots, it is "impossible to verify in absolute terms" the issues that the test would impact on, particularly in relation to diversity, regulatory objectives and public interest.

Subsequently, data will be gathered over the next five years, after which a decision will be made on whether to "continue, revise, suspend or cease" the BCAT.

The BSB said in a statement: "[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 objectives, particularly in terms of seeking to encourage an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession."

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