The Magic Circle is a British organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the art of magic. Applicants must qualify for membership.
I passed my practical exam over ten years ago, I had to attend in London and perform in front of some of the best magicians in the country. One of the finest magicians in the world "Michael Vincent" was one of the examiners and I was very nervous.
I do enjoy seeing magicians bad mouth the society, simply because the ones doing so have either been turned down for membership, not good enough to get in or have been thrown out for breaking the rules.
Some critics will point to the fact certain famous magicians are not members, ignoring the fact that they are not members due to revealing tricks (a BIG no no). Some critics will point to the fact you can be a member simply by doing a written exam rather than a practical, ignoring again facts that 99% of professions require a written exam including doctors, lawyers and teachers. Are they any less in their chosen profession due to this?
There is a reason why The Magic Circle is considered the pinacle of any professional magician to reach. And given a choice between some local club or guild or the finest magical society in the world, I know which one I am proud to be a member of.