QLTS School's course for the OSCE & TLST features the most unique approach for the practical assessments of the QLTS. It combines selected LPC books, online resources, mock assessments and 1-2-1 tutor support. Taking the course with us will ensure you are well-prepared towards your final stage of the assessments.

About the OSCE & TLST

The practical assessments: The OSCE and TLST are the practical assessments of the QLTS which examine Parts C, D and F of the SRA's Day One Outcomes. The OSCE tests interviewing and advocacy skills, and the TLST tests the skills of legal research, drafting and writing. The two assessments test the skills in the context of three main areas of legal practice: Business Law, Litigation (Civil and Criminal), and Property Law (Conveyancing, Wills and Probate).

Style of assessments: This style of assessments tests the same knowledge, understanding and skills that are required on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) which is the vocational stage for becoming a solicitor in England and Wales through the domestic route for qualification.

Why Does a Preparation Course for the Practical Assessments Require a Different Approach?

Higher level of knowledge and understanding required: While the MCT element merely tests your knowledge of academic law, the practical assessments actually demand considerably more from you. The practical assessments aim to test higher level of knowledge, understanding and ability to accurately advise clients in all 3 legal practice areas, using a variety of skills.

The focus is firmly on you mastering and displaying considerable relevant legal knowledge in legal practice areas as well as foundation subjects and successfully using a variety of skills expected of a Practising Solicitor to accurately and competently advise clients.

How are the Skills Assessed?

Five skills are tested: The skills of Interviewing, Advocacy, Writing, Drafting and Online Legal Research are assessed through various simulated legal environments using different techniques, including actors as interview clients and professional legal databases and keyboard skills.

Simulation of solicitor - client interaction: For instance, during an interview, an actor (a client) could be asking you to advise him how to transfer the shares of his company to a third party. In another station you may be also asked to interview the client and following his instructions draft his will, or perhaps advise the client about his best possible options to sell his property, while minimising tax liabilities. The syllabus is vast so the connotations are endless!

What are You Expected to Demonstrate?

You should be able to know and understand the relevant legal principles, foundation law, be able to explain those to the client using accurate and timely advice, which documents to use and also to draft various documents yourself when needed. These skills are assessed in 18 simulated 'stations' through six consecutive days with short breaks between each assessment.

What Makes our OSCE & TLST Course Unique?

Our added value: We believe that studying for the OSCE & TLST assessments requires more than simply reading through textbooks or attending a course similar to what you were used to in your law degree studies. Our course is therefore designed to bridge the gap between your academic study of the 3 practice areas, foundation subjects and legal skills which can only be gained through practising experience. We also aim to provide you with a good foundation for your early years of practice.

Make sure you are well-prepared: The costs of the practical assessments are substantial and you only have limited number of opportunities in which to take these assessments. Therefore you must ensure that you have properly prepared yourself for the practical assessments and that you selected the best preparation course available today, which will provide you with all the tools to succeed.

How is the Course Structured?

Personalised approach: Taking into consideration the specific needs of our candidates and the unique features of the assessments, we have accordingly structured the most personalised preparation course available with an expert tutor guiding you from day one through a programme customised especially for your particular needs and goals.

Expert tutor guiding you from day one: Our expert tutors are drawn from Senior University Law Lecturers as well as Lead SRA External Examiners on The Legal Practice Course. With this unique approach, you and your tutor can develop a specifically-tailored study plan to suit your strengths and weaknesses and personal circumstances.

What is Included in our Course?

QLTS School offers a combined preparation course for the OSCE and TLST, which includes the following:

• Initial interview with one of our Senior Tutors to assess your experience and level of training and tuition required
• QLTS Course Guide
• Expert guidance and direct contact with experienced tutors drawn from Solicitors, Barristers, University Law Lecturers, as well as SRA External Examiners on The Legal Practice Course
• Exam-type practice questions with answer guides for self-assessment
• Five mock exams with one-to-one tutor support in each of the five heads of the assessments (e.g., 1 practice mock assessment in Interviewing, Advocacy/Oral Presentation, Drafting, Writing and Research). Each mock test will be personally marked by one of our Senior Tutors, who will provide you with substantive feedback based on the SRA marking criteria to help you prepare for the skills assessment
• Response to general academic enquiries
• Networking opportunities with other examinees and online peer review during practice assessments

Our candidates will be using during the course selected LPC and skills textbooks of Oxford University Press, with access to online resources including video and audio lectures and interactive tutorials. 

QLTS School and Oxford University Press have reached an agreement that will provide all QLTS School's candidates with a 20% discount off all OUP titles required for the OSCE and TLST course.

Following your enrolment onto the OSCE & TLST course, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide details about your legal experience and qualifications. The initial interview with our Senior Tutor will be conducted once the tutor has reviewed your questionnaire. You will also be provided with your unique login details to access our online training system. 

Do You Need to Come to the UK to Take the Course?

No - study anytime, anywhere: You can work on your personalised curriculum from a variety of locations worldwide. Online practice questions and answers will be available through the virtual classroom, so you can assess your own development. Your 5 mock skills assessments with the tutor will be conducted over a period of several months at mutually agreed times.

Specifically tailored for working lawyers: The nature of the course promotes flexible learning – candidates are able to practise the skills required whenever it suits them - making it ideal for distance or part-time learners.

What are the Course Requirements?

Candidates must have access to the full, electronic version of Lexis Library and/or Westlaw, either through their law firms, local library or University. This is an essential component of the Legal Research module and assessment.

Candidates also must also have internet access as well as Skype account, web camera and microphone for the practice online Interviewing and Advocacy mock assessments.

How Much?

The fees of the combined course for the OSCE & TLST are £1,350 plus the costs of selected LPC textbooks (approximately £160). If you wish to enrol for only one of the courses, your fees would be £790 plus the costs of LPC textbooks. Course fees do not include any fees payable to Lexis Library/Westlaw, which should be paid by the candidate directly to these service providers.

If you are exempt from one or more of the skills, you may be entitled to a discount in your course fees. Or if you wish to undertake more than one 1-2-1 mock assessment in any of the skills areas there will be an additional fee. Please contact us for further advice.