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Will this exam be in addition to the requirements of a law degree/Graduate Diploma in Law, Legal Practice Course, training contract/period of recognised training and Professional Skills Course? If so, is there any justification for constructing yet another hoop for would-be solicitors to jump through, all at great expense?

So far, my firm and I have spent around £16,000 (not counting the cost of my undergraduate degree) and I am still months away from being admitted to the rolls. Erecting another expensive barrier to entry is going to deter people from ordinary backgrounds, who don’t have rich parents, from entering the profession. If this is what the SRA wants then they should be honest about it and stop harping on about equality and diversity.

On the other hand, if the central exam were to replace the LPC and PSC then it may actually be a very good idea. There is no way that you can replace the training contract or period of recognised training though – solicitors need hands on experience and not just academic qualifications.