Call to the Bar

First things first — you’ll need to submit a Call application. This lets us know that you intend to be Called to the Bar within the next 12 months. It’s the starting point of your Call journey.

You can submit the form even if you haven’t yet received your final results or completed your Qualifying Sessions. However, the form is only valid for 12 months, so if you’re unlikely to meet those requirements within that time, it’s best to wait until you’re ready.

The Call Application Form is currently closed. The link will be available here when applications reopen.

The Call declaration is a formal document confirming that you understand the requirements for becoming a practising barrister in England and Wales and that you are fit and proper to join the profession.

Please note  — your Call Declaration is a separate document from your Call application, you can only send it after we’ve received your Call application. If we receive a Call Declaration without an active application on file, we won’t be able to accept it. 

The Call Declaration must be hand-signed and sent as a physical copy to the Inn. Once it’s been accepted, it will stay valid for 12 months.

As part of the Call process, you’ll need to complete a criminal record check, also known as a DBS check.

To make this easier, we have partnered with Due Diligence Checking Ltd (DDC), a trusted external provider. They will guide you through the process and help ensure everything runs smoothly. The Inn will initiate the checks on your behalf.

What to do:

• Provide original ID documents for verification — either by post or in person at DDC’s office in Syston, Leicestershire.
• If you’re in the UK, DDC will send you an addressed envelope (note: it is not prepaid, so you will need to cover postage and ensure the contents are insured).
• Once DDC receives your documents, they will arrange a video call to verify them. Your documents will be returned the same day via Royal Mail Tracked (usually within 48 hours, though not guaranteed).
• Prefer to use a courier? That’s fine —  just coordinate directly with DDC.
• If you have any questions, email DDC at [email protected]

Please do not send your DBS certificate to the Inn – DDC will notify us once it has been dispatched, and we will update your records.

Important: We cannot accept DBS certificates obtained for other purposes or through the DBS update service. Each applicant must complete the full process through DDC to ensure proper assessment.

If you are currently living in a country where sending your passport is not permitted, or where doing so could pose a risk to your personal safety, you may be eligible to apply for a DBS waiver. You can find our more about the Bar Council requirements for DBS waivers on their website.

Alongside the vocational component (Bar Course or Exemption), you must complete 10 Qualifying Sessions, covering five themes including two interactive sessions.

You can check your session attendance and upcoming events by logging into your online account. It is your responsibility to ensure all sessions are completed and correctly recorded before the Call eligibility deadline. It is important to remember that any missed, late, or cancelled sessions may affect your eligibility to be called so please do make sure you keep up to date with your requirements.

Once you’ve met the necessary Call requirements, we will send you a link to book your Call ceremony. This will only be sent if:
You have an active Call application

• A valid Call declaration (dated within 12 months of the call date) is on your file
• Your final course result or exemption has been received
• You are eligible to book a ceremony even if you have not yet completed all of your Qualifying Sessions, however these must be completed ahead of the corresponding deadline of your ceremony date.

You can find out more about more about upcoming Call ceremonies, deadlines and what to expect here. 

Once you’ve booked your ceremony and your Call eligibility has been confirmed by the Registrar, you can go ahead and arrange tickets and accommodation for yourself, and up to two guests.  For more information about booking guest tickets visit our Call Ceremony page.