SRA Handbook

Assessments

Version 21 of the Handbook was published on 06/12/2018. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 8: Assessments

8.1

We shall:

(a)

issue guidelines and standards for the provision of competence assessments in higher courts civil advocacy and higher courts criminal advocacy;

(b)

validate and authorise organisations to provide assessments; and

(c)

monitor the provision of assessments.

Guidance note

(i)

You are not required to undertake any training before taking the assessments, but you may decide that you need to undertake additional training, which will be offered by assessment organisations. Whether or not you require additional training is a decision for you.

(ii)

In satisfying the standards, you will need to comply with the relevant legislation and procedures in force at the time.

(iii)

You can apply for the qualification in either civil or criminal proceedings. Assessment providers will offer assessments that cover the generic standards in evidence, ethics, advocacy and equality and diversity as well as specific standards in either civil or criminal proceedings. If you wish to obtain the qualification in both proceedings you must take both assessments.

(iv)

A trainee may undertake the assessments but will not be permitted to exercise the rights until admission as a solicitor.