Advance your legal career with Higher Rights of Audience.
We’re the approved provider of the Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) assessment. This professional qualification enables solicitors, all CILEx practitioners with rights of audience and Chartered Legal Executive Advocates to represent clients in the higher criminal and civil courts. Gaining these rights not only enhances your status but expands your earning potential and advances your legal career.
Types of Assessment
We offer assessments in both:
- Civil Higher Rights of Audience
- Criminal Higher Rights of Audience
Each assessment includes:
- A computer-based exam
- A practical advocacy assessment
Both assessments must be passed in order to gain Higher Rights of Audience. Assessments can be taken online or in person at one of our campuses - meaning you can choose a location and date that works best for you.
Prepare with Confidence
We recommend reading these essential documents to help you prepare:
Written Examination (Civil and Criminal)
The written examination focuses on evidence, ethics, advocacy issues, and equality and diversity. This is tailored to either civil or criminal law, depending on your chosen discipline. The exam includes a scenario followed by a series of short-answer questions, as well as a critical review of documentation.
You can see specimen civil and criminal exam papers below.
Practical Assessment (Civil and Criminal)
The practical assessment evaluates your advocacy skills and addresses advocacy skills not examined in the written assessment. Again, this is tailored to either civil or criminal law depending on your chosen discipline.
The assessment includes arguing an interim application and conducting a mini trial based on the details provided in a trial bundle, which will be sent in advance.
Please see sample trial bundles below.
- HRA Civil Practical Pilot Assessment – Trial Bundle
- HRA Criminal Practical Pilot Assessment – Trial Bundle
Interim Application
Candidates are required to apply for, or defend, an interim application. As part of this advocacy exercise candidates must draft and submit a skeleton argument in advance of the assessment.
- HRA Civil Practical Pilot Assessment – Interim Application Instructions
- HRA Criminal Practical Pilot Assessment – Interim Application Instructions
Mini Trial
Candidates will deliver an opening speech, examine in chief a witness and cross-examine a further witness. In preparation for the mini trial candidates are required to draft and submit a trial strategy plan in advance of the assessment.
Assessment dates
| Booking Window Closes for Written Exams | Booking window ends for Practical Exams | Written exams | Practical exam Start Date | Practical exam End Date | Results to candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 10-Oct-25 | Mon 29-Sep-25 | Fri 7-Nov-25 | Mon 27-Oct-25 | Fri 31-Oct-25 | Thu 18-Dec-25 |
| Tue 13-Jan-26 | Mon 19-Jan-26 | Tue 10-Feb-26 | Mon 16-Feb-26 | Fri 20-Feb-26 | Thu 16-Apr-26 |
| Tue 28-Apr-26 | Mon 04-May-26 | Tue 26-May-26 | Mon 01-Jun-26 | Fri 05-Jun-26 | Mon 27-Jul-26 |
| Tue 09-Jun-26 | Mon 15-Jun-26 | Tue 07-Jul-26 | Mon 13-Jul-26 | Fri 17-Jul-26 | Tue 08-Sep-26 |
Book Your Assessment
Assessment windows are available throughout the year at various times and locations. The cost to take the assessment is £650 + VAT.
Visit our Assessment Booking page to view the available dates.
Book nowEligibility & Booking Information
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible to undertake the Higher Rights of Audience Assessment if you are:
- An admitted Solicitor (eligible under the 2019 SRA Regulations).
- A CILEX Practitioner with litigation and advocacy rights.
- A Chartered Legal Executive Advocate who has completed their first advocacy certificate renewal.
CILEX Pathways:
- Authorised in Civil Proceedings → eligible for the Civil Higher Rights programme.
- Authorised in Criminal Proceedings → eligible for the Criminal Higher Rights programme.
- Authorised in Family Proceedings → eligible for the Civil Higher Rights programme.
If you're unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the CILEx Regulation Authorised Practitioners Directory or contact CILEx Regulation at [email protected].
View full eligibility criteria.
Booking Requirements
When you book your assessment, your place will be provisional until eligibility is confirmed.
To secure your booking, you must email a copy of your practising certificate to [email protected] within 7 working days of booking. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete any training?
No formal training is required to sit the assessment. However, candidates are strongly advised to prepare thoroughly using the specimen papers, assessment specification, and regulations provided.
Can I cancel or reschedule my assessment?
Yes. If you wish to cancel or change your assessment booking, please contact the Assessments Team as soon as possible. We require 24 hours’ notice to cancel the computer-based assessment and three weeks’ notice to cancel the practical advocacy exercise.
Changes are subject to availability and must be made within the deadlines set out in the Assessment Regulations. Please note that administrative fees may apply for late cancellations or rescheduling.
Why are there two assessment choices?
You should choose the assessment that aligns with the area of law in which you wish to gain higher rights. If you intend to practice in both civil and criminal higher courts, you may take both assessments.
How is the assessment structured?
Each assessment comprises:
- A written paper (completed electronically) testing knowledge of relevant law, procedure, and evidence
- A practical advocacy assessment simulating a real-life court scenario
Both elements must be passed to gain Higher Rights of Audience in your chosen practice area.
Where can I take the assessment?
Assessments are available at our campuses across the UK and online. You’ll be able to choose your preferred location or delivery format during booking.
When will I receive my results?
You’ll normally receive your results within six to eight weeks of completing the assessment. You’ll be notified by email once your results are available.
Further Information
The Solicitors Regulation Authority provides more information about the HRA scheme.
SRA | Higher Rights of Audience | Solicitors Regulation Authority
View Higher Rights of Audience - Assessments Terms and Conditions