Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) builds on the candidates knowledge acquired during the MCT and TLST by examining the candidates ability to apply that knowledge to a practical situation.

Candidates will be presented with an actual case scenario where a client presents themselves in a number of situations regarding aspects of business, civil and criminal issues, and property and probate issues known as “stations”. Candidates will be expected to interview the client and then make a detailed attendance note of the meeting. This will be repeated so there will two interviews and two attendance notes to prepare in each station.

Candidates will then be asked to prepare for a presentation on behalf of the client as they would in practice and make oral submissions before a district judge or a tribunal. This third station will test the candidates’ skills of preparation, research and advocacy during a limited time period

The OSCE will also require candidates to demonstrate their ability to write clear and concise notes and letters such as the client care letter and to bring into play a number of professional conduct rules such as informing clients of complain procedures. In this respect the OSCE acts as a bridge between the LPC and the Professional Skills Course (PSC) which is undertaken by trainee Solicitors during their training period.

The OSCE and TLST can be taken at any stage and in any order by candidates who have passed the MCT.