Online tests give you the chance to show your skills and experience in a range of different ways.
It’s important to prepare carefully before applying and before taking the test.
This page includes guidance, resources, and links to support programmes to help you prepare for your application. These resources have been highlighted by past candidates as particularly useful when preparing for these tests.
You may also be eligible to receive expert help as part of the JAC’s Targeted Outreach programme or other judicial support schemes.
Taking part in a mock assessment is a great way to get familiar with the selection process and try a full set of qualifying test questions.
You can volunteer to be a mock candidate and take the test before it is used in a live selection exercise. After the test, you’ll be able to give feedback on how it was delivered. You’ll also receive your percentage score after candidates in the live exercise have received their results.
Important: If you take part in a mock assessment, you will not be able to apply for that specific live exercise.
Mock assessments for non-legal roles
You can apply to take part in a mock assessment if you interested in applying for a non-legal role. However, due to the specific experience required for these roles and the frequency they are advertised, it may be some time before a suitable exercise becomes available.
Find out how to volunteer as a mock candidate.
We offer a practice tool to help you get used to the format, software, and types of questions used in the qualifying test.
Find out more about the practice qualifying test.
We publish feedback and evaluation reports after selection exercises. These include an overview of how the test performed, as well as information to help you understand what makes a strong response.
When preparing to apply for a judicial role, it’s important to spend time learning about the role and the area of law (jurisdiction) you’re applying to.
We recommend visiting a court or tribunal and observing from the public gallery. This can help you understand how judges work and the types of issues they deal with.
Find out more about how to observe a court or tribunal hearing.
The Judicial Office regularly runs seminars to advertise upcoming JAC exercises. These provide an opportunity to hear from both sitting judges regarding their experiences of the role, and an overview of the selection process from a representative of the JAC.
The UK Judiciary YouTube page contains profiles and ‘day in the life’ videos, giving some insight into the workings of the court and various judicial roles.
The following resources offer free, practical guidance on best practice regarding judicial conduct. They may come in particularly helpful as preparatory background reading when considering the most (or least) appropriate actions to take as a judge as part of the Situational Judgement Test.
Equal Treatment Bench Book (ETBB)
This is a key reference work and is used daily by the judiciary in England and Wales. It aims to increase awareness and understanding of the different circumstances of people appearing in courts and tribunals, containing practical guidance to help make the court experience fair and accessible for all.
Guide to Judicial Conduct
This guide contains a set of core principles designed to help judicial office holders reach their own decisions.
These resources are not produced by, nor affiliated with, the JAC but candidates may find these helpful in their preparations for the qualifying test.
The Advocate’s Gateway
The Advocate’s Gateway (TAG) is an independent body run by a volunteer management committee. It provides free access to practical, evidence-based guidance on communicating with vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
TAG’s toolkits have been widely endorsed by senior judges and by professional bodies. Although focused on advocacy, the toolkits have been highlighted as providing clear and insightful guidance for judges, as well as practitioners.
The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct
A document adopted by the United Nations about the standards for ethical judicial conduct. The first three of these principles are highlighted by the judiciary as being central to the roles of judicial office holders in England and Wales.
Commentary on the Bangalore Principles
A commentary on the Bangalore Principles, produced by the Judicial Integrity Group, an independent, not-for-profit entity comprised of current or former senior judges from a range of countries around the world.