Australia

Administering bar exams is the responsibility of the bar association in the particular
state or territory concerned. Those interested in pursuing a career at the bar must first
be admitted as lawyers in the Supreme Court of their home state or territory. This
generally requires the completion of legal studies which can take up to 8 years
depending on the mode of study, the particular degree being completed and the law
school.[2] After completing a law degree, law graduates are then usually required to
complete a period of Practical Legal Training (PLT).
During the PLT period, law graduates are provided with further legal education focusing
more on the practical or technical aspects of the law, such as court
practice, conveyancingand drafting statements of claim. Law graduates are also
required to complete a minimum number of days under the supervision of a more senior
lawyer.
After the successful completion of practical legal training, law graduates must then
apply to be admitted to the Supreme Court in their state or territory. This ceremony is
usually held with the Chief Justice of the state or territory presiding. It is a formal
ceremony which also includes taking an oath (or making an affirmation) to uphold the
laws of the jurisdiction and results in the person's name being recorded on the Roll of
Practitioners in that jurisdiction.
Once admitted, those wishing to practise as barristers must contact the relevant bar
association to register and sit the bar exam. The frequency and availability of these
exams depends on the relevant bar association. Generally, the bar exams focus on
three main areas of practice which are relevant to barristers; namely evidence,
procedure and ethics. The exams are usually administered during the course of a day
and comprise a variety of question types, usually answers are given in essay form.
Candidates are informed of their results within a few months and pass rates are very
competitive. It should be noted that passing the bar exam in and of itself does not
automatically allow one to practise as a barrister, in many jurisdictions (such as New
South Wales) further requirements apply.