The Bar Transfer Test (BTT) is a specialised route that allows qualified lawyers from jurisdictions such as Bangladesh to become barristers of England and Wales without undertaking the full Bar training from the beginning. It is administered by the Bar Standards Board, which assesses an applicant’s prior legal qualifications and professional experience to determine what components, if any, they must complete. Depending on this assessment, candidates may be required to sit examinations in subjects such as civil and criminal litigation, evidence, professional ethics, and advocacy, while in some cases partial exemptions may be granted. This makes the BTT a flexible and efficient pathway tailored for foreign-qualified lawyers.
For a Bangladeshi law graduate or practising advocate, there are broadly two ways to become a barrister. The traditional route involves completing a law degree, undertaking the Bar Training Course in the UK, joining one of the Inns of Court such as Lincoln’s Inn, completing the required qualifying sessions, and being formally called to the Bar. Alternatively, those who are already enrolled as advocates under the Bangladesh Bar Council may pursue the Bar Transfer Test route. Under this pathway, the candidate applies to the Bar Standards Board for an eligibility assessment, completes any prescribed assessments or training, joins an Inn of Court, fulfils the qualifying session requirements, and is then called to the Bar of England and Wales.