REGULATORY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT

AUTHORISATIONS TEAM

CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMIC STANDING

These Notes are divided into two sections:

A. Guidance Notes – General Procedure for applications and appeals
B. Criteria for applications

Nature of Application Brief Summary

1 Certificate of Academic This covers applications by students who do

Standing not hold a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), who
wish to undertake the Graduate Diploma in
Law (GDL) for completion of the Academic
Component of training. Applications may be
made on the basis of:
i) a ‘qualifying degree’ (see paragraph
B2.3); or
ii) alternative qualifications and/or
experience.
A. Guidance Notes – General Procedure for applications and appeals
1 General
1.1 In these Notes, the Bar Standards Board and its staff are referred to as
the “the BSB”. The BSB Handbook is referred to as “the Handbook”.
The Bar Qualification Rules, which constitute Section 4B of the
Handbook, are referred to as “BTR”.
1.2 These Notes set out the criteria and guidelines which the BSB applies
in considering applications and should be read carefully and in
conjunction with the Handbook.
2 How applications are dealt with
2.1 Applications must be made on the current designated application,
available from the BSB’s website, and accompanied by the relevant
application fee.
2.2 Applications may either be submitted as hard-copies by post or as
scanned copies by email. All applications must contain a hand-written
signature.
2.3 The application fees for each type of application are listed on the BSB
website. The preferred method of payment is bank transfer (BACS), the
details for which are:
Bank Name: Royal Bank of Scotland

Branch Name: Childs, Fleet Street

Sort Code: 15-80-00

Account No: 62428522

Account Name/Alias: General Council of the Bar

Currency: GBP

Bank Identifier Code (BIC): RBOSGB2L

International Bank Account GB60RBOS15800062428522

No (IBAN):

When paying by BACS, you must ensure that the BSB receives the full
amount in Sterling: ie, you must pay all charges of your bank and
agents charges, including those of the BSB. This may include a
 handling charge levied by RBS if the issuing bank does not pay all
bank charges.
Please put a reference of “AUTH” against your name on the transaction
to help identify the payment.
Please provide proof of payment/a copy of your payment receipt with
your application.
If someone else is paying the fee on your behalf, please confirm the
name of the person making the payment and any reference quoted
If you are unable to pay by BACS, you may submit payment by cheque
(made payable to the ‘Bar Standards Board’) or by credit/debit card.
Please call the Authorisations Team on 020 7611 1444 to make a card
payment.
Details of the Fee Waiver Policy are available on the BSB website.
2.4 All applications contain a declaration that the applicant has read,
understood and complied with these Criteria and Guidelines.
2.5 Applications are considered and determined under the powers of the
Bar Standards Board. The Bar Standards Board has delegated to BSB
staff the ability to take decisions within the criteria and guidelines set
out in this document.
2.6 An applicant must ensure that all supporting evidence is sent with the
application form. Where original certificates or certified copies are
required, these must be sent in hard-copy or emailed directly to the
BSB by the awarding institution.

 Any hard-copy documents will be scanned upon receipt. To

facilitate this process, please ensure that documents supplied
with an application are not stapled or submitted in individual
plastic wallets.

 If an applicant requires their original documents to be returned,

they must provide a pre-paid envelope for this purpose. If the
documents are to be returned by courier, it is the applicant’s
responsibility to arrange for the courier and pay any necessary
charges.
2.7 An application will not be treated as “complete” until the application
form, required supporting documentation and application fee have been
received. The BSB may request further information or documentation
 be supplied in support of an application, but applicants should note that
it is the primary responsibility of the applicant to provide all relevant
information and supporting evidence.

 Applicants should exercise judgement when selecting supporting

evidence and ensure that only documentation that is relevant to
the criteria set out in this document is supplied.

 It is usually not appropriate to supply examples of work with an

application. Any applicant who does supply such examples
should ensure that documents that refer to third parties (e.g.
clients) are suitably redacted so as to ensure anonymity. Any
application that is supported by unredacted material will be
returned to the applicant.
2.8 The BSB will take into account all the circumstances of the particular
application and will apply the guidelines set out in these Notes.
2.9 All applications will be acknowledged in writing within seven days of
receipt of the complete application form.
2.10 The BSB normally deals with all applications within eight weeks of
receipt and notifies applicants of its decision within 10 days of a
decision.
2.11 The BSB will treat all applications and any supporting documentation
provided in the strictest confidence.
2.12 All enquiries about applications whether proposed or pending should be
addressed to the BSB.
3 Reviews and Appeals
3.1 Any applicant who is dissatisfied with a decision may request a review
of the decision.
3.2 Any request for a review must be made on the designated application
form and accompanied by the relevant application fee within one
month of notification of the relevant decision and must be
accompanied by the appropriate application fee. All requests will be
acknowledged in writing within seven days of receipt.
3.3 Review Panels deal with reviews of decisions as if the application was
being dealt with afresh, applying the guidelines set out in these Notes.
A Review Panel shall be entitled to have such regard to the original
 decision, and to uphold, vary or take into account such decision, as in
its absolute discretion it feels appropriate.
3.4 Applications for review are normally determined within 10 weeks of
receipt. Should it not be possible to deal with a review within this
timescale, the applicant will be notified.
3.5 All enquiries about reviews whether proposed or pending should be
addressed to the BSB.
3.6 Where a Review Panel has determined a review of a decision, there is
no procedure under the BQR for a further review. A Review Panel may
review its own decisions under section B10 of the BQR but is not
obliged to carry out such a further review. Any person dissatisfied with
a determination of a Review Panel is advised to take independent legal
or other appropriate advice.
3.7 Rule Q39 provides that where the BQR provide for a review by the BSB
of a decision, no appeal may be made to the High Court unless such a
review has taken place.
3.8 Rule Q40 provides that subject to Rule Q39, a person or organisation
who is adversely affected by a decision of the BSB may appeal to the
High Court, in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.
Online Resources
BSB website: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk
Applications forms and guidance notes: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-
as-a-barrister/current-requirements/forms-and-guidelines/applications-
authorisations,-exemptions,-waivers-and-reviews/

Contact details
authorisations@barstandardsboard.org.uk

Authorisations Team
Regulatory Assurance Department
Bar Standards Board
289-293 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7HZ

DX: 240 LDE

Tel: 020 7611 1444

B. Criteria for applications

Certificate of Academic Standing

General
1.1 This form and guidance notes are applicable only to applicants submitting an
application by 31 August 2019. If you intend to submit an application after this
date, you must contact the Bar Standards Board for a copy of the new form.
1.2 Please read these notes carefully, in conjunction with the current Bar
Qualification Manual, and the general application guidelines document available
to download from www.barstandardsboard.org.uk, before completing and
submitting your application.
1.3 For details of the application fees for all Academic Component applications,
please refer to the Bar Standards Board website:
www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/current-requirements/
forms-and-guidelines/applications-authorisations,-exemptions,-waivers-and-
reviews/

Introduction
2.1 The minimum requirement for entry to the Bar is a UK honours degree, of at
least lower second class honours standard.
2.2 Rule Q21.2 of the Bar Standards Board Handbook stipulates that an applicant
who has not obtained a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) may complete the
Academic Component of training for the Bar by obtaining a ‘qualifying degree’
and successfully completing a Conversion Course (i.e. an approved Graduate
Diploma in Law course (GDL)).
2.3 Rule Q23.1 of the Bar Standards Board Handbook defines a ‘qualifying degree’
as either:
● a degree of the required standard awarded by a university in the UK
following a course of study of the minimum period; or
● a degree awarded by a university or establishment of equivalent level
outside the UK which the Bar Standards Board accepts as equivalent to a
degree satisfying the requirements of Rule Q23.1.
2.4 Applicants intending to enrol upon an approved Graduate Diploma in Law
course for completion of the Academic Component of training for the Bar must
confirm that their qualification(s) meets the definition of a qualifying degree. This
 may only be confirmed by means of the application for a Certificate of Academic
Standing. Please note that a Certificate of Academic Standing issued by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is not acceptable for the Bar;
therefore, a separate application must be submitted to the Bar Standards Board.
2.5 In considering applications made in respect of qualifying degrees obtained from
institutions outside of the UK, the Bar Standards Board will normally refer to the
comparability statements provided by UK NARIC, the designated United
Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international
qualifications and skills (www.naric.org.uk). These statements set out the
comparability of generic qualifications obtained in a particular country (e.g. a
Bachelors Degree, a Masters Degree, etc) to those obtained in the UK. It is
possible for individuals to apply directly to UK NARIC for a personal assessment
of their qualifications, and further guidance on that application process may be
found on the agency’s website.
2.6 Alternatively, applicants may apply for a Certificate of Academic Standing on the
basis of alternative qualifications and/or experience, rather than on the basis of a
qualifying degree. Applicants in this category must be able to convince the Bar
Standards Board that they satisfy the criteria set out at paragraphs 4.3-4.4,
below.
2.7 Applications for a Certificate of Academic Standing are considered on an
individual basis, and will only be approved if the applicant’s qualification(s)
and/or experience are found by the Bar Standards Board to satisfy the
application criteria.
2.8 While a successful application for a Certificate of Academic Standing confers
eligibility to undertake an approved Graduate Diploma in Law course (GDL), it
does not guarantee admission to the GDL, or to the Bar Professional Training
Course (BPTC). The offers of places on either of these courses is a matter for
the individual course provider.

Information and documentation

Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of a qualifying degree
3.1 An applicant will be required to provide the following information and
documentation:
3.1.1 Transcripts: currently dated official transcripts must be provided for all
qualifications listed on the application form. Transcripts must show:
● The applicant’s full name
 ● The final overall classification/overall mark of the qualification
● The date of award
● All subjects taken within the qualification
● The number of attempts at each subject
● All marks and/or credits obtained in all years of study. Where an
alphanumeric grading system is used, a key must be included
showing the actual marks, or mark ranges, represented by the
grades shown on the transcript.
Transcripts must be submitted as originals in a sealed envelope
over-stamped with the official stamp, or seal, of the awarding
institution. Open copies (i.e. those not contained within appropriately
sealed envelopes) will not be accepted.
3.1.2 Certificates: if the official transcripts do not give the date of award and
final overall classification/level of the qualification concerned, a certified
copy of the qualification certificate(s) must be provided. A certified copy is
a copy that is verified as a true copy by a UK Notary Public. If you are
unable to access a UK Notary Public, a certified copy may be provided by
a qualified legal practitioner from your home jurisdiction, the awarding
institution, or the appropriate Government Ministry. Any other form of
certification is not acceptable. You must not submit any original
qualification certificates.
3.1.3 Translations: if a certificate or transcript is in a language other than
English, an English translation must be provided. This must be
undertaken by a UK Notary Public, the awarding institution, the British
Council, or the appropriate Embassy. Translations undertaken by a
commercial translation service are not acceptable. Translations must
be attached to a copy of the original documents in their primary language,
which have been certified as true copies by the awarding institution. In
addition, a further copy of the original documents in their primary
language must be submitted in a sealed envelope over-stamped with the
official stamp, or seal, of the awarding institution.
3.1.4 Diploma Supplements (Bologna): for degrees awarded in Bologna
Signatory countries, a diploma supplement must be submitted in a sealed
envelope over-stamped with the official stamp, or seal, of the awarding
institution.
3.1.5 Evidence of change of name: if, for any reason, the names you have
entered on your application form differ from those given on your degree
 transcripts and/or other supporting evidence, appropriate evidence of the
change(s) must be enclosed with your application. Photocopies of this
documentation must be certified copies (i.e. certified as true copies by a
UK Notary Public, or a qualified legal practitioner from your home
jurisdiction). Any other form of certification will not be accepted.
Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of alternative qualifications and/or
experience
3.2 An applicant will be required to provide the following information and
documentation:
3.2.1 A full Curriculum Vitae (CV) setting out details of education, work
experience, responsibilities held, and duties undertaken;
3.2.2 Evidence of all qualifications held, including evidence that the applicant
has satisfied the educational criteria set out at paragraph 4.3. Any
transcripts, certificates, and/or translations must be submitted in the
formats specified at paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3 above.
3.2.3 Any additional information that the applicant wishes to be placed before
the Bar Standards Board, to address the criteria set out at paragraph
4.3.
3.2.4 Evidence of change of name: if, for any reason, the names you have
entered on your application form differ from those given on your
supporting documents, appropriate evidence of the change(s) must be
enclosed with your application. Photocopies of this documentation must
be certified copies (i.e. certified as true copies by a UK Notary Public, or
a qualified legal practitioner from your home jurisdiction). Any other form
of certification will not be accepted.

Criteria
Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of a qualifying degree
4.1 An application for a Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of a qualifying
degree will only be granted in the following circumstances:
4.1.1 when the applicant has attained a qualification(s) that has been
determined to be at least equivalent to British Bachelor (Honours) degree
standard; and
4.1.2 where the award of that qualification(s) is at a standard at least equivalent
 to a lower second class honours degree conferred in the UK.
4.2 An application for a Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of a qualifying
degree will not be granted when the applicant’s qualification(s) is determined to
be equivalent to British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree standard, or lower.
Certificate of Academic Standing on the basis of alternative qualifications and/or
experience
4.3 The Bar Standards Board may, exceptionally, allow an applicant without a
qualifying degree to undertake an approved Graduate Diploma in Law course for
completion of the Academic Component of training. It will do so where it is
satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated those competencies of the Bar
Standards Board’s Professional Statement1 for barristers that are ordinarily
demonstrated through possession of a qualifying degree (for example, the ability
to apply effective analytical and evaluative skills).
An applicant must be able to evidence in their application how they achieved the
relevant competencies, with examples from their qualifications and/or
experience.
4.4 The determination of whether an applicant meets the requirements of para 4.3
will be made on the basis of the Bar Standards Board’s evaluation of one or
other, or a combination of:
● academic and/or vocational qualifications of the applicant which do not
meet the requirements of a qualifying degree, but nevertheless
demonstrate the acquisition of the required competencies.
● achievements of the applicant within an academic, professional, business,
or administrative field that demonstrate the acquisition of the required
competencies.

Guidelines
5.1 Postgraduate qualifications
Applications based in whole or in part upon postgraduate qualification(s) (e.g.
Masters degrees) will be assessed according to the following criteria:
5.1.1 The status of the postgraduate qualification(s): the qualification must be
awarded by a recognised UK university, or a non-UK university regarded
by UK NARIC as a recognised Higher Education Institution (HEI).

1
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/becoming-a-barrister/professional-
statement/
 5.1.2 The level of the postgraduate qualification(s): the qualification must be
regarded by UK NARIC as being of a level at least equivalent to a British
Bachelor (Honours) degree.
5.1.3 Performance on the postgraduate course. The qualification must be such
as to provide evidence of academic achievement significantly higher than
a bare ‘Pass’ (e.g. recognition through the award of a degree with ‘Merit’
or ‘Distinction’).
5.2 Overseas dental/medical/veterinary degrees
Such degrees will normally be regarded as meeting the Bar’s minimum entry
requirement, provided that the degree is accepted by the relevant professional
regulatory body for practice in the UK. Official evidence of this must be provided
from the appropriate UK professional regulatory body (e.g. the General Dental
Council, the General Medical Council, and the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons). This evidence must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the
official stamp, or seal, of the professional body concerned: open copies (i.e.
those not contained within appropriately sealed envelopes) will not be
accepted. Applications based on such degrees cannot be considered without
this evidence.
5.3 Indian law degrees
Before the Bar Standards Board will consider issuing a Certificate of Academic
Standing in respect of a law degree awarded in India, official evidence from The
Bar Council of India (not the awarding university) must be submitted stating that
the law degree course is approved by that body. This evidence must be
submitted in a sealed envelope over-stamped with the official seal or stamp of
The Bar Council of India: open copies (i.e. those not contained within
appropriately sealed envelopes) will not be accepted. Applications based on
such degrees cannot be considered without this evidence.