Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Assessment

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.

• HRA Civil Written Specimen Assessment Paper
• HRA Criminal Written Specimen Assessment Paper

For more information on the assessments and how these are regulated, view the following documents:

• HRA Assessment Specification
• HRA Assessment Regulations

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 Specimen Assessment – Trial Bundle
• HRA Criminal Practical Specimen 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 Specimen Assessment – Interim Application Instructions
• HRA Criminal Practical Specimen Assessment – Interim Application

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.

• HRA Civil Practical Specimen Assessment Mini Trial Instructions
• HRA Criminal Practical Specimen Assessment Mini Trial Instructions
• HRA Civil Practical Specimen Assessment Sample TSP
• HRA Criminal Practical Specimen Assessment Sample TSP

For more information on the assessments and how these are regulated, view the following documents:

• HRA Assessment Specification
• HRA Assessment Regulations

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.

Yes. You can cancel your assessment bookings provided that you have issued a formal request within 2 weeks of the booking date. For any requests to reschedule your assessment booking, please contact the Assessments Team as soon as possible to confirm availability within the same exam window. Please note that full fees may still apply for any requests to cancel or amend your assessment booking after the 2 week cooling off period. For more details please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

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.

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.

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.

An invoice will be issued as per the billing details provided in the booking or checkout process. If an invoice is not required, please input “Pay Now” in the PO field of the checkout process. Payments can be made by card or bank transfer.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions or contact our Finance Team at [email protected].

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.