Education and Training
The Bar Standards Board oversees the three stages that must be completed to qualify as a Barrister and the process of transfering to the Bar from practice abroad or as a Solicitor in practice in England and Wales. The document Bar Training Regulations is a comprehensive document that should be read in conjunction with the information below. Click here for proposed amendments to the Bar Training Regulations.
Stage 1 Academic Stage
Either an undergraduate degree in law (2ii minimum), or an undergraduate degree in any other subject (2ii minimum) and the one-year conversion course (CPE). Please see the Degree/CPE section for further information.
Stage 2 Vocational Stage
The Bar Professional Training Course ( currently known as the Bar Vocational Course until 2010), which can be completed full time over one year or part time over two.
Once you have successfully completed the BPTC you will be called to the Bar by your Inn. During the BPTC year and before Call can take place you will also have to undertake 12 qualifying sessions (previously known as "dining") with your Inn.
Please see the BPTC section for full information on the BPTC, the Inns and qualifying sessions. Please see BVC consultation for information on the BVC review, which took place in 2008.
Stage 3 Pupillage
A one-year training period spent in an authorised pupillage training organisation (either barristers' chambers or another approved legal environment). See the Pupillage section for full information.
Qualified solicitors, qualified lawyers from other common law countries and legal academics are able to transfer to practice at the Bar. For further details please visit the above section.
If you require further information on Careers at the Bar please click here for the Bar Council’s website.
