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100+ Free BSB Civil Litigation Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: BSB Civil Litigation Exam

90 questions

Total across Paper 1 (50) and Paper 2 (40) in the BSB Civil Litigation assessment

Bar Standards Board - Bar Qualification Manual

Two papers

Paper 1 closed book (2 hours) and Paper 2 open book with the White Book (2.5 hours)

Bar Standards Board - Vocational component of Bar training

35 RCS questions

Paper 2 ends with five rolling case scenarios of seven questions each

BSB Central Examination Board Chair's Report

60% reported pass

Criterion-referenced pass mark translated and reported to AETOs as 60%

Bar Standards Board - Bar Qualification Manual

3 sittings a year

Centralised Litigation assessments are offered in April, August and December

Bar Standards Board - Curriculum and Assessment Strategy

White Book 2025

Syllabus built on Civil Procedure (the White Book) 2025 and the Jackson ADR Handbook 4th edition

BSB Civil Litigation and Evidence Syllabus 2025-2026

Set by the BSB

Papers set and marked centrally by the BSB Central Examination Board, taught by AETOs

Bar Standards Board - Bar Qualification Manual

100

Free original SBA-style practice questions provided here

OpenExamPrep

The BSB Civil Litigation, Evidence and ADR assessment is a centrally set knowledge exam for the vocational component of Bar training in England and Wales. It is taken in two papers in one sitting: Paper 1 (50 MCQ/SBA questions, closed book, 2 hours) and Paper 2 (40 MCQ/SBA questions, open book with the White Book, 2.5 hours), giving 90 questions in total; the last 35 of Paper 2 are rolling case scenarios. The pass standard is criterion-referenced and varies by sitting, but is translated and reported to AETOs as 60%, with both papers aggregated to one Competent/Not Competent result. The syllabus is built on the White Book 2025 and the Jackson ADR Handbook (4th edition) and spans the overriding objective and CPR, statements of case, case management, interim applications, disclosure, evidence, costs and Part 36, limitation, enforcement, appeals and ADR. This 100-question bank gives original SBA-style scenario practice across those areas.

Sample BSB Civil Litigation Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your BSB Civil Litigation exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under CPR Part 1, what is the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules?
A.To ensure the claimant always recovers full damages
B.To enable the court to deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost
C.To resolve every dispute by mediation before trial
D.To minimise the number of hearings regardless of fairness
Explanation: CPR 1.1 states the overriding objective is enabling the court to deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost. This includes ensuring parties are on an equal footing, saving expense, and dealing with cases proportionately, expeditiously and fairly, while allotting an appropriate share of the court's resources.
2Which of the following is expressly identified in CPR 1.1(2) as part of dealing with a case justly and at proportionate cost?
A.Ensuring the wealthier party bears all costs
B.Ensuring the parties are on an equal footing
C.Guaranteeing a trial within three months
D.Preventing any appeal against case management decisions
Explanation: CPR 1.1(2) lists factors including ensuring the parties are on an equal footing, saving expense, dealing with the case proportionately, ensuring it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly, allotting an appropriate share of the court's resources, and enforcing compliance with rules and orders.
3A claim form is issued but not yet served. Under CPR 7.5, within what period must the claimant generally complete the step required to serve a claim form within the jurisdiction?
A.Within 14 days of issue
B.Within 4 months of the date of issue
C.Within 6 months of the date of issue
D.Within 12 months of the date of issue
Explanation: Under CPR 7.5(1), where the claim form is to be served within the jurisdiction, the claimant must complete the relevant step (for example, posting or delivering it) before midnight on the calendar day four months after the date of issue. For service out of the jurisdiction the period is six months under CPR 7.5(2).
4A solicitor serves a claim form by first class post on a Monday that is not a bank holiday. Under CPR 6.14, on what day is the claim form deemed served?
A.The day of posting (Monday)
B.The next business day after posting
C.The second business day after posting
D.Seven days after posting
Explanation: CPR 6.14 provides that a claim form served within the jurisdiction is deemed served on the second business day after completion of the relevant step under CPR 7.5(1), regardless of the actual method used. This deemed date is fixed and cannot be displaced by evidence of earlier or later actual receipt.
5A defendant is served with particulars of claim and wishes to dispute the claim but needs more time. Under CPR Part 15, by when must the defendant file an acknowledgment of service to obtain the extended period for filing a defence?
A.Within 7 days of service of the particulars of claim
B.Within 14 days of service of the particulars of claim
C.Within 28 days of service of the particulars of claim
D.Within 3 months of service of the particulars of claim
Explanation: The general period for filing a defence is 14 days after service of the particulars of claim (CPR 15.4). If the defendant files an acknowledgment of service within that 14-day period, the period for filing a defence is extended to 28 days after service of the particulars of claim.
6A defendant wishes to bring a money claim against the claimant arising out of the same contract. What is the correct term for this type of claim under the CPR?
A.A reply
B.A counterclaim
C.An interpleader
D.A request for further information
Explanation: A claim brought by a defendant against the claimant is a counterclaim, a form of Part 20 claim governed by CPR Part 20. It is usually included in the same document as the defence and allows the defendant to assert its own cause of action against the claimant.
7Which statement of case is the optional document a claimant may file to respond to matters raised in the defence?
A.A reply
B.A rejoinder
C.A surrejoinder
D.A counter-schedule
Explanation: Under CPR 15.8, a claimant who wishes to respond to a defence may file a reply, which must be filed with any directions questionnaire. A claimant is not obliged to file a reply, and a failure to do so does not amount to an admission of the matters raised in the defence.
8Under CPR Part 16, which of the following must be included in the particulars of claim?
A.A concise statement of the facts on which the claimant relies
B.The defendant's likely defence
C.A copy of all witness statements
D.The judge's preliminary view on liability
Explanation: CPR 16.4 requires the particulars of claim to include a concise statement of the facts on which the claimant relies, together with any claim for interest and certain other specified matters. The pleading sets out the claimant's case but does not include evidence or anticipate the defence.
9A statement of case must be verified by a statement of truth. What is the principal consequence of signing a statement of truth without an honest belief in the truth of its contents?
A.The document is simply returned for re-signing
B.Proceedings for contempt of court may be brought
C.The party must pay an automatic fixed penalty of £500
D.The statement of case is converted into a witness statement
Explanation: Under CPR 22.1 a statement of case must be verified by a statement of truth, and CPR 32.14 provides that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against a person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.
10A party wishes to amend its statement of case after it has been served and after a defence has been filed. Under CPR 17.1, what is generally required?
A.No permission is ever needed once served
B.The written consent of all other parties or the permission of the court
C.Only the permission of the trial judge at trial
D.Payment of a fixed amendment levy to the court
Explanation: Under CPR 17.1, a party may amend a statement of case at any time before it has been served. Once it has been served, the party may amend only with the written consent of all the other parties or with the permission of the court. The court will consider the overriding objective and any prejudice when exercising its discretion.

About the BSB Civil Litigation Exam

The Civil Litigation, Evidence and ADR centralised assessment is a knowledge component of the vocational stage of Bar training in England and Wales, introduced under the Future Bar Training reforms that replaced the BPTC from 2020/21. It is set and marked centrally by the Bar Standards Board through its Central Examination Board, while tuition is delivered by Authorised Education and Training Organisations. The assessment is taken in two papers across a single sitting: Paper 1 is a closed-book paper of 50 multiple-choice and single-best-answer (SBA) questions in 2 hours, and Paper 2 is an open-book paper of 40 MCQ/SBA questions in 2.5 hours, where candidates may consult the White Book and the final 35 questions form rolling case scenarios. The syllabus, based on the White Book (Civil Procedure) and the Jackson ADR Handbook, covers the overriding objective and the CPR, statements of case, the case management track system, interim applications and remedies, disclosure, evidence, costs, Part 36, limitation, enforcement, appeals and ADR. The pass standard is criterion-referenced and reported to providers as 60%.

Assessment

Two papers totalling 90 questions. Paper 1: 50 MCQ/SBA questions, closed book, 2 hours. Paper 2: 40 MCQ/SBA questions, open book (White Book only), 2 hours 30 minutes, with the first five questions standalone and the remaining 35 set as five rolling case scenarios of seven questions each.

Time Limit

Paper 1 lasts 2 hours and Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, taken in the same sitting (4.5 hours of assessment time in total).

Passing Score

There is no fixed numerical pass mark. The standard for success is set at each sitting using a criterion-referenced standard-setting technique, then translated and reported to AETOs as 60%. Both papers are aggregated to a single Competent/Not Competent decision and there is no minimum required on either paper alone.

Exam Fee

No separate fee is paid directly to the BSB to sit the assessment; candidates pay their AETO. As a guide, one AETO lists Civil Litigation Paper 1 at £365 and Paper 2 at £365, taken in the same sitting. A BSB enhanced clerical error check costs £100 for the Civil Litigation exam. (Bar Standards Board (BSB), with papers set by the Central Examination Board (CEB) and tuition delivered by AETOs)

BSB Civil Litigation Exam Content Outline

26%

CPR framework, starting proceedings and statements of case

The overriding objective and parties' duties under CPR Part 1, jurisdiction and the allocation of business, issuing and serving the claim form, deemed service, and statements of case: particulars of claim, defence, counterclaim, reply, Part 20 claims, amendments and requests for further information.

24%

Case management, interim applications and remedies

Track allocation across small claims, fast, intermediate and multi-track, case management directions and the court's powers, sanctions and relief from sanctions, and interim applications and remedies including summary judgment, default judgment, interim injunctions, interim payments, security for costs and freezing and search orders.

18%

Disclosure and evidence

Disclosure and inspection, standard and specific disclosure, the duty to search and continuing duty, privilege, witness statements and their use, expert evidence and single joint experts, the court's control of expert evidence, and hearsay in civil proceedings.

16%

Costs, Part 36 and funding

The general rule that costs follow the event, the court's discretion and the relevance of conduct, costs budgeting and management, fixed and assessed costs, the standard and indemnity bases, and Part 36 offers to settle including their form, acceptance and costs consequences.

8%

Trial, judgment, enforcement and appeals

Pre-trial checklists and listing, the conduct of trial, judgments and orders, interest on judgments, methods of enforcing money judgments, and the routes, permission requirements and tests for civil appeals.

8%

Limitation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Accrual of causes of action and limitation periods for contract, tort, latent damage and personal injury, plus the general principles of ADR, the duty to consider ADR, mediation and arbitration, and the timing and costs consequences of using or unreasonably refusing ADR.

How to Pass the BSB Civil Litigation Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: There is no fixed numerical pass mark. The standard for success is set at each sitting using a criterion-referenced standard-setting technique, then translated and reported to AETOs as 60%. Both papers are aggregated to a single Competent/Not Competent decision and there is no minimum required on either paper alone.
  • Assessment: Two papers totalling 90 questions. Paper 1: 50 MCQ/SBA questions, closed book, 2 hours. Paper 2: 40 MCQ/SBA questions, open book (White Book only), 2 hours 30 minutes, with the first five questions standalone and the remaining 35 set as five rolling case scenarios of seven questions each.
  • Time limit: Paper 1 lasts 2 hours and Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, taken in the same sitting (4.5 hours of assessment time in total).
  • Exam fee: No separate fee is paid directly to the BSB to sit the assessment; candidates pay their AETO. As a guide, one AETO lists Civil Litigation Paper 1 at £365 and Paper 2 at £365, taken in the same sitting. A BSB enhanced clerical error check costs £100 for the Civil Litigation exam.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

BSB Civil Litigation Study Tips from Top Performers

1Work directly from the BSB Civil Litigation and Evidence syllabus and tie every topic to the exact CPR Parts, White Book commentary paragraphs and Jackson ADR Handbook references it cites, because only the listed examinable material can be tested.
2For Paper 2, build and tab your White Book so you can find a CPR Part, practice direction or commentary paragraph in seconds; speed of navigation, not extra knowledge, is what the open-book paper rewards.
3Drill the track allocation thresholds and case management rules until they are automatic, since small claims, fast, intermediate and multi-track distinctions and directions recur throughout the paper.
4Master the Part 36 costs consequences from both the claimant's and defendant's perspective, including what happens when a party fails to beat an offer, as these are high-yield SBA topics.
5Practise reading rolling case scenarios as a developing narrative: track how the facts, dates and orders change between linked questions so a later answer reflects the earlier procedural steps.
6Time yourself at roughly two minutes per Paper 1 question and a little over three minutes per Paper 2 question, and learn to flag and return to hard items rather than overspending on one scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the BSB Civil Litigation assessment structured?

It is taken in two papers in one sitting. Paper 1 is a closed-book paper of 50 MCQ and single-best-answer questions in 2 hours. Paper 2 is an open-book paper of 40 MCQ/SBA questions in 2.5 hours, where the first five are standalone and the remaining 35 form five rolling case scenarios of seven questions each, giving 90 questions in total.

What is the pass mark for the Civil Litigation centralised assessment?

There is no fixed pass mark. The standard is set at each sitting using a criterion-referenced standard-setting technique, so it can vary, but the BSB translates and reports the pass mark to AETOs as 60%. The two papers are aggregated into a single Competent or Not Competent result.

Can I use the White Book in the exam?

Paper 1 is closed book, so no reference materials are allowed. Paper 2 is open book and you may use the current White Book (Civil Procedure) only, including any annotations on its blank pages; you may not interleave loose sheets or use other materials.

Who sets and marks the assessment?

The Bar Standards Board sets and marks it centrally through its Central Examination Board, made up of senior examiners and practitioners. Tuition is delivered separately by Authorised Education and Training Organisations (AETOs), and the papers are marked electronically by the BSB.

When can I sit the Civil Litigation assessment?

There are three sittings each year, usually in April, August and December. All candidates sitting a given centralised assessment do so on the same day; specific dates are published by the BSB and arranged through your AETO.

Are these official BSB practice questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions mapped to the BSB Civil Litigation, Evidence and ADR syllabus. They are for extra revision and do not reproduce official BSB, CEB or AETO assessment questions.