Our judicial selection exercises are competitive, so it is important that you prepare thoroughly in advance. We run a regular recruitment programme, so you can apply when you are ready.
Getting started
1. First of all consider the different types of role available and decide which would suit you.
2. Then check forthcoming vacancies and review different types of roles to see what the selection process looks like (the process varies considerably between roles).
3. You should consider whether there is anything in your past conduct or present circumstances that could affect your application. Take a look at our good character guidance.
4. Start to prepare the written evidence you will need to apply, which will be outlined on the vacancy page and might include:
- either a self-assessment using competency framework evidence, an eligibility statement for some non-legal roles, or a statement of suitability using the skills and abilities statement
- a CV
5. Consider who you will ask to complete your independent assessments.
6. The practice qualifying test has been designed as a practice tool to help you get familiar with the format, software and question style used in qualifying tests. More information can be found here and you can take the practice test here. Visit our QT preparation guidance and resources webpage for further information on how to prepare for your test.
7. The following example role play has been designed as a practice tool to help you get familiar with role plays and give you an indication of what to expect. More information and the example role play can be found here.
8. The selection day guide is designed to help candidates prepare for interview day. It contains background on selection days, including assessment frameworks used by the panels, example questions and top tips.
The selection process for most roles is competency based and competency frameworks will be used throughout the selection process. Make sure you have familiarised yourself with the competencies for the role, as you will be expected to demonstrate either that you possess these, or have the ability to acquire them quickly.
All the information about the written evidence you need to apply and competency frameworks will be on the relevant vacancy page. Be sure to read this page thoroughly to make sure you are working from the most up-to-date information, as well as reading our information on preparing written evidence.
For more in-depth advice on the selection process and tips on how to prepare – including examples of good and insufficient competency answers – take a look at our thorough guide on preparing for judicial selection exercises.
JAC opportunities to help you prepare
Mock assessments: Try out part of our selection process as a mock candidate
We use mock assessments for selection exercise elements to check that the selection materials are fair and robust. These include online tests: qualifying tests (which usually consist of two parts: situational judgement questions and critical analysis tests) and scenario tests. The mock assessments for situational questions and role plays are held in person (usually remotely via MS Teams). Participating in a mock assessment as a mock candidate is an excellent opportunity if you are considering applying for judicial appointment in the future to familiarise yourself with the selection process.
Mock candidates should be able to meet the statutory eligibility for the post in question. The experience can help you decide if you’re ready to apply and to understand where you may need development.
Qualifying test: once you have finished the test, you will be asked to complete a short survey, giving your views on the delivery of the test, such as the test content and timings. We will provide you with your percentage score after candidates from the live exercise receive their results. This will be in the form of an average percentage score. Please check the information page for the exercise, where you can find a timeline of when this can be expected.
Scenario test: once you have finished the test, you will be asked to complete a short survey, giving your views on the delivery of the test, such as the test content and timings. We will provide you with your percentage score after candidates from the live exercise receive their results. This will be in the form of an average percentage score. Please check the information page for the exercise, where you can find a timeline of when this can be expected.
Situational questions and role plays: you will be asked to provide feedback to the panel and JAC staff once you have finished your mock assessment. You will be asked a standard set of questions in relation to your views on the timings of the test and the materials. You will then be asked for specific feedback on the exercise material. After you have provided your feedback, the panel’s judicial member will provide you with individual feedback on your performance.
For all mock assessments, mock candidates will be directed to the evaluation and feedback report for the relevant exercise, which is published on the JAC website, no later than 6 weeks after the test date or mop up date (if there was one).
If you take part in a mock assessment, you will not be able to apply for that live exercise. Participating in a mock assessment will not affect any future applications to the JAC – future applications will be considered solely on their own merits. The materials used for selection decisions do not indicate whether an individual has previously taken part in a mock assessment.
For any queries, please contact the selection exercise team directly, using the email address on the information page.
Please note, the JAC offers limited opportunities for people to take part as a mock candidate and we ask you to consider this when signing up to take part. If you are no longer able to participate, please contact the relevant selection exercise team as soon as possible, this is so the JAC can offer this opportunity to others. The cancellation of a mock candidate impacts JAC, judicial and panel resources, as well as the potential to test selection exercise materials ahead of an assessment.
You can sign up online with your preferences and the JAC will contact you when an opportunity arises: mock candidate volunteer form
Targeted outreach for underrepresented groups
We continue to support improved outcomes for JAC target groups (women, ethnic minority people, disabled people and solicitor candidates) and try to help candidates overcome some of the barriers to judicial appointment that we know exist for underrepresented groups. Find out more about the targeted outreach programme and how to apply to take part.
A suite of useful resources and tools to help candidates prepare for a judicial career can be found here.
Other activities that may help you succeed in your application
- Subscribe to Judging Your Future, the monthly vacancies newsletter
- Sign up for email alerts for individual vacancies to receive notifications about the launch dates
- Visit the Judiciary website to learn more about the work of judicial office holders
- Apply for one of Judicial Office’s work shadowing and mentoring schemes
- Observe courts or tribunals from the public gallery
- Spend time in, and research, the jurisdiction you intend to apply for
- Read feedback and evaluation reports from previous exercises such as Recorder, Deputy District Judge and Combined Qualifying Tests. You can read all reports here
Support available from our partners
In addition to the resources on our website, there is plenty of support available from our partners if you are considering applying to become a judge. For lawyers, we recommend exploring the resources and guidance available from your professional body. Find out more about opportunities available from our partners.