The BCAT (The Bar Course Aptitude Test) is a 55 minute computerised test, which must be taken in the summer before a candidate starts their vocational bar course. The test is similar to the Watson Glaser Test, which you maybe familiar with. It is designed to test a candidate’s critical thinking skills, ability to understand and assess arguments, and ability to distinguish between facts and opinions. The BCAT has 60 multiple choice questions. In order for somebody to pass, they need to score at least 45 out of 60. If somebody fails the BCAT, then they can re-sit it two more times in that calendar year.

BCAT Requirements

  • The candidate needs to be an offer holder from a BPTC (BPC or BTC) provider.
  • Before taking the BCAT, candidates need to present two forms of ID:
    • A primary government ID with name, photo, signature and date of birth. For example this may be a passport or a driving licence.
    • A secondary ID which features at least two of the following criteria: name, photo and signature. For example this may be a Student ID card.

How Much Does The BCAT Cost?

The BCAT costs £150 if taken in the UK and EU, and £170 in the rest of the world. Payments are made via the ‘Pearson VUE’ website, which is the test’s provider.

How To Book The BCAT: Step By Step

  1. Ensure your are prepared: have your two forms of ID ready, and make sure you have completed the practice test on the Bar Standard Board’s website.
  1. Go to “https://www.pearsonvue.com/bsb/“.
  1. Sign in, but if you do not have an account, then press on the ‘create an account’ button, on the right hand side of the page.
  1. Once you have created an account, you will be able to register for the BCAT, and schedule the BCAT, all from within your Bar Standards Board account. Appointments may be made up to one calendar day prior to the day a candidate wishes to complete the test, subject to availability.

Types Of Questions On The BCAT

There are 5 different types of question on the BCAT.

  1. Inference: this section asks the candidate to draw conclusions based on provided facts that are either observed, or supposed. You may be given a short paragraph of information, followed by a statement that could, or could not be inferred from the text. The candidate has to determine whether the statement is valid, based on the facts.
  1. Recognition of Assumptions: this section gives the candidate a statement, which is followed by an assumption. The candidate must work out if the statement given contains the assumption
  1. Deduction: the candidate is given a series of stated facts which are followed by a proposed conclusion. The task in this section is to determine if the conclusion is supported by the first statement.
  2. Interpretation: the candidate is given a paragraph of information followed by a statement on that text. They then have to decide if this possible conclusion follows or not.
  1. Evaluation of Arguments- the candidate is given a statement, followed by a number of possible arguments relating to the statement. The candidate must decide which arguments are strong, and which arguments are weak.

By Josh Parson

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