The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC) is exploring the utility of using online platforms for testing and assessment and also as a mitigation measure in response to Covid-19.

The new system uses a web-based platform to provide the assessment test and a third-party proctoring (invigilation) system which uses artificial intelligence to monitor the activities of test takers (in this instance, applicants to judicial office).

In a statement, the commission said: “NIJAC is conscious of the need to prepare its applicant pools for the launch of this new testing approach and has decided that it wishes to combine the need to trial the platform before its ‘live’ use with the benefits of allowing potential applicants to experience it before engaging in a live scheme.

“Therefore, in order to maximise the benefits for all involved NIJAC intends to create a trial assessment which will minimise the impact on those volunteering but maximise the benefits for potential future applicants and NIJAC.”

Those who are interested in taking part in the trial, which will take around 15-20 minutes of their time at some point during the first week of November, can register their interest by contacting judicialappointments@nijac.gov.uk.