Victorian Bar Entrance Exam

To become members of the Victorian Bar, applicants must successfully complete an entrance exam and meet the eligibility requirements in order to undertake the Bar Readers' Course and a period of readership under a mentor.

The purpose of the Victorian Bar Readers’ Entrance Exam is to ensure every Bar Reader has a base level of core knowledge common to key areas of practice as a barrister. The key areas examined are Civil and Criminal Procedure, Evidence and Ethics.

The Exam ensures that Readers commencing the Readers’ Course are equipped to immediately commence the practical training exercises involved in the Course.

To gain admission to the Victorian Bar Readers' Course, applicants must first sit and pass the Exam and meet suitability requirements. The minimum pass mark is 75%. 

The Exam typically attracts a high number of applicants.  Successful candidates are offered places as per regulation 6(7) of the Bar’s Application and Reading Regulations (Regulations).

Registration is open from 5.00pm, 17 August 2021 to 5.00pm 23 September 2021.

REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED

About the Exam

Eligibility

To be eligible to undertake the Exam a candidate must:

  • be admitted as an Australian Lawyer, or expect on reasonable grounds to become an Australian Lawyer by the time he or she signs the Bar Roll;
  • be of fit and proper standing, (refer to Victorian Legal Services Board’s Fit and Proper Person Policy);
  • be available and willing to undertake either of the next two Victorian Bar Readers’ Courses immediately following the Exam;     
  • be prepared to read with an eligible mentor for nine months, commencing at the start of the Readers’ Course;
  • agree to the Exam Rules and Conditions; and
  • register and pay the registration fee (non-refundable).

Candidates should consult the Victorian Bar Victorian Bar Exam Candidate Information Guide 2021 and the Victorian Bar Application and Reading Regulations (Regulations)  for further information about eligibility to undertake the Exam and to apply to become a member of the Victorian Bar.

Important Dates

2021

Exam Information Seminar

NEW DATE:  Monday 16 August 2021 at 4.00pm (AEST)

Registration Opens

Tuesday, 17 August 2021 at 5.00pm (AEST)

Registration Closes

Thursday, 23 September 2021 at 5.00pm (AEST)

Exam Preparation Seminar

Thursday, 23 September 2021 at 4.00pm (AEST)

2021 Entrance Exam
(for 2022 Readers' Courses)               

Sunday, 24 October 2021 at 9.30am–1.00pm (AEDST)

2022

2022 March Readers’ Course

3 March – 5 May 2022 (Dates to be confirmed.)

2022 September Readers’ Course       

18 August – 20 October 2022 (Dates to be confirmed.)

2022 Entrance Exam
(for 2023 Readers’ Courses)

Date(s) to be confirmed.
Registration

There will be only one exam in 2021 and it will be delivered and invigilated electronically.

Registration opens on 17 August 2021, from 5.00pm, and will close 23 September 2021 at 5.00pm.

Upon registration, candidates will be able to access the Exam materials and resources.

Persons interested in registering for the Exam should note that registration must be completed strictly within the time specified. Late registrations will not be accepted.

REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED

Exam Information Seminar

The most recent Bar Exam Information Webinar was held on 16 August 2021, at 4.00-5.30pm (via Zoom).

At this session the chief examiner provided an overview of the structure and format of the Exam.

The recording of this session can be viewed below.

 

Preparing for the Exam

Electronic Exam

The Entrance Exam will be delivered electronically using ExamSoft software.

To undertake the Exam, candidates must use their own laptop or other device which has a camera and which meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for devices as determined by ExamSoft.  Candidates will sit the exam remotely in their own location.  The Victorian Bar exam will require the use of three software programs provided by ExamSoft:  Examplify, ExamID and ExamMonitor.

The minimum system requirements differ according to the operating system for the chosen device, and are as described in the ExamSoft Minimum System Requirements webpage.

Candidates’ devices must meet the minimum system requirements that apply for exams with ExamID and ExamMonitor enabled.  NB: Virtual camera or audio software and iPad are not supported for use with ExamMonitor and cannot be used for the exam.

How does it work?

Candidates undertake the Exam at their own location (e.g. home, office), using the ExamSoft software. This will be supplied to them after registration and must be downloaded onto their own device and tested well prior to the Exam.

Shortly prior to the Exam, candidates will download an encrypted copy of the Exam onto their device, which can only be accessed (via password) and completed on the day of the Exam.

Candidates will have three hours to complete the Exam after accessing and commencing it. This includes time to both read and complete the exam (there is no additional reading period).

On the day of the Exam, candidates must undertake the three-hour Exam within the permitted window, which is between 9:30am and 1:00pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time). This means that candidates must access and commence the Exam at or shortly after 9:30am. Candidates will be automatically “timed out” three hours after commencing the Exam, and the program will lock the encrypted exam file.  They will then have to upload the Exam promptly before 2:00pm on the same day (as described further below).

During the Exam, candidates must type their answers directly into the software on their device. There is no mechanism for candidates to handwrite their answers. 

The Exam is an open book exam, but candidates may only refer to non-electronic materials (i.e. printed or hand-written notes and other hard copy texts and materials). While undertaking the Exam, candidates must not access or consult any electronic materials or other devices (including phone, tablet, smart-watch), and they must not communicate with any person.  

As the ExamSoft software and the Exam and video are stored locally on the candidate’s device, there is no need for access to the internet or Wi-Fi during the Exam, and the ExamSoft software will prevent that access. 

During the Exam, internet access and other features of a candidate’s device will be disabled by the ExamSoft software, which will access the camera on the candidate’s device and will capture a video of the candidate.  This may subsequently be reviewed and retained by ExamSoft and the Victorian Bar.   

Exam Materials and Resources

Exam materials including the Reading and Legislation Guide, access to video tutorials and seminars and electronic practice exams will be provided to candidates on successful registration.  It is strongly recommended that interested persons register well prior to the deadline to maximise their access to preparation resources.

Past Exam Materials

The following sample documents are provided for persons considering applying for the next exam as a guide and advance preparation tool. They are taken from a Readers’ Course Entrance Exam that was delivered electronically.  Access to the electronic platform by ExamSoft is provided only to registered candidates.

Alternative Sitting Arrangements

In extenuating circumstances, candidates may apply for alternative sitting arrangements (per Regulations, reg. 6A).  This is for special requests that apply during the exam.

In your application you will need to include:

  • Basis for your request, and
  • Detailed supporting documents, eg medical certificate/letter from health professional explaining basis for request.

Applications for alternative sitting arrangements can be made at registration or by email no later than five full business days prior to the exam.  Applications made later will not be considered.  Some requests may be subject to surcharges.

Approval or refusal is at the discretion of the Admissions Officer.

Special Consideration Applications

An applicant who registers to sit the Exam and who considers that his or her result in the Exam may be affected, or has been affected, by illness, injury, bereavement or other hardship, may make an application for special consideration (per Regulations, reg. 6A).  A request for special consideration must be made in writing no more than five full business days after the date of the Exam. Special consideration will only be considered if the candidate would not otherwise receive an offer.

What happens after I sit the Exam?

Approximately 8 weeks after the Exam, you will be notified of your result by email.

The number of participants in each Readers’ Course is limited.  Successful candidates may receive an offer to commence the next Readers' Course or may be required to submit a preference of course intake. Please refer to s.6(7) of the Bar’s Application and Reading Regulations (Regulations) regarding allocation of places.

If you receive an offer, you will be expected to participate in the Readers' Course offered. A deferral to the next reading period may be granted only in exceptional circumstances. An exceptional circumstance includes where your current employment contract requires more than two months' notice of resignation. You cannot defer beyond that second reading period.

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an offer you are welcome to sit the Exam in future intakes, but you must pay the non-refundable application fee to sit that Exam. 

General feedback regarding the Exam is provided to all unsuccessful candidates in the form of selected model answers.  These will be posted online after results are finalised.

Candidates who have been unsuccessful after three or more attempts may apply for an interview with Chief Examiner for individual feedback (fees apply.)

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Victorian Bar Covid-19 Policy for Readers?
As the National Roadmap is rolled out, the Victorian Bar is currently reviewing and developing policies and protocols to address Covid-19 going forward, including the possibility that readers who attend the Readers’ Course in March 2022 (and beyond) will be required to be fully vaccinated.  Successful exam candidates who are offered a place in a Readers’ Course will be notified about the policies and protocols when they are developed and adopted, and readers will be expected to adhere to these.  Further advice will be provided as soon as details are confirmed.
 
Can I sit the exam if I am overseas or interstate?
Yes, but you must advise the Victorian Bar office at the time of registering for the exam.You will be required to sit the exam at the same time as local candidates, (AEDST). No allowances will be made for any time differences.
 
What time commitment is required to study for the exam?
This will vary between individual candidates and is dependent on the individual’s study habits and techniques. The sample past exam and reading guide will give you an indication of what you might expect.
 
Can I hand write my exam?
There is no option to hand write the exam.  A hand-written exam cannot be remotely invigilated. 
 
Will I have allocated reading time for the exam?
There is no separate reading time, however, allowance for reading time is "in built" into the examination time. 
 
Can I use a secondary electronic device as a timer during the exam?
No. Only the electronic device you use for the exam is permitted. Any additional electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
 
Can I use ear buds or head phones?
No. Ear buds, ear phones or anything that covers your ears is strictly prohibited.
 
Do I need to have stable internet connection throughout the exam?
There is no need to access the internet during the exam.  The Examplify program will block the device’s internet access once the exam begins until completion. Internet connection is required only prior to the Permitted Time Window to download the exam file and again after the exam is completed for uploading the completed exam. 
 
Can I print the Exam Reading Guide materials?
Prior to the exam, candidates may choose to print any of the Reading Guide materials to bring into the exam. You may print and prepare any hard copy materials you wish to bring into the exam room with you. This includes any notes, text books, print outs etc.  You cannot print during the exam.
 
How is cheating detected?
ExamSoft offers military-grade exam proctoring and security services. Examinees will log in through ExamID and verify their identity. During the exam, the Examplify software locks the candidate’s device so the exam can be completed while all other software, files and features are disabled.  ExamMonitor captures a continuous audio and video recording of the examinee using both webcam and screen capture. (No WiFi connection is required.) Once the exam is completed, all exam footage is uploaded and analysed by sophisticated artificial intelligence software which detects abnormal activity that potentially indicates collusion or academic dishonesty.
This detected activity is then reviewed by a professional invigilator.  All suspicious behaviour will be reviewed and dealt with by the Victorian Bar. The Victorian Bar has a zero tolerance policy for cheating, and candidates who engage in cheating will be disqualified from the Exam and may face additional consequences including possible reporting to relevant bodies for professional misconduct.
 
How much does the Readers Course cost?
The course fee in 2021 was $7000 including GST.  The course fee is subject to change for 2022.  More information is available on the Readers Course webpage.
 
Does the Bar provide any financial hardship assistance for exam candidates?
No. The Victorian Bar Inc is a not for profit, member organization.  Exam fees are set on a cost recovery basis. 
 
What financial factors should I consider before coming to the Bar?
Being a barrister can be an incredibly rewarding career, commencing your own practice as a sole trader. Successful candidates are required to surrender their current practising certificate prior to commencing the 9-week intensive Bar Readers Course  The VicBar’s brochure 'Becoming a barrister' may help you to assess whether this is the right time to join the Bar.
 
When are exams set for the following year?
Exams for each year will be confirmed late in the preceding year.  The number of exams offered each year is contingent on the number of successful applicants for preceding year's exam/s.