Aspiring barristers will have to stick to pen and paper for written exams following a decision by the bar regulator not to lift a suspension of online assessments after receiving 'clear evidence of cheating'.

After suspending online exams from August, the Bar Standards Board announced last week that the suspension would remain in place 'for the foreseeable future'.

Training providers were first advised in April that the delivery of online exams in Bangladesh and Pakistan should be suspended ‘pending further investigations of alleged malpractice’. The following month, the BSB decided online assessment delivery platforms could not be used in any country from August.

Last week, the BSB said: ‘Having consulted with various stakeholders and having received clear evidence of cheating which has been scrutinised by information security experts, we have now decided that the suspension of online exams by bar training providers will now remain in place for the foreseeable future.

‘Thus, written examinations, including the centralised assessments, may be taken in the UK only by pen and paper and only at the training providers’ invigilated examination halls. Overseas written examinations may be taken only by pen and paper and only at British Council venues (or exceptionally at approved venues authorised by the BSB).’

The suspension will not affect the provision of reasonable adjustments for disability, the BSB said. 

 

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