The Bar Standards Board (BSB) sets out three components of training to become a barrister: the academic component, the vocational component and the pupillage / work-based learning component. The vocational component is satisfied by completing a Bar training course; enrolment requires fluency in English and membership of one of the Inns of Court, and students attend qualifying sessions with their Inn during the course. If you complete the vocational component successfully you are Called to the Bar by your Inn, but you may not practise as a barrister until you have completed the pupillage / work-based learning component, which is made up of two six-month periods.
At a glance
- BSB authorisations application processing time (waivers/exemptions/transfer applications), once complete
- At least 16 weeks[2]
Sources & verification
- The Bar Standards Board sets out three components of training to become a barrister: academic, vocational (a Bar training course, which requires membership of an Inn of Court) and pupillage / work-based learning; on successfully completing the vocational component a student is Called to the Bar by their Inn, but may not practise as a barrister until pupillage is complete, source, Last verified 2026-10-10
- BSB authorisations application processing time (waivers/exemptions/transfer applications), once complete: At least 16 weeks, source, Last verified 2026-10-14 🔶
- BSB application fee, General Exemption (applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026): £610, source, Last verified 2026-10-16 🔶
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.