From assessment to licence
The NCA exams, explained
The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) assesses the legal education of internationally trained lawyers and decides what they must do to meet Canadian standards. Here is how the process works, step by step.
Who needs to take the NCA exams?
Internationally trained lawyers who want to practise in Canada.
Graduates of foreign law schools, including those who studied common law outside Canada.
Canadians who studied law abroad and want to return and practise in Canada.
How the NCA process works
Application and assessment
You submit your academic and professional qualifications to the NCA for evaluation.
NCA assessment report
The NCA tells you which exams or courses you need to complete. Most candidates are assigned the five core subjects.
NCA exams
You pass the required subject exams to show your knowledge of Canadian law. Some candidates must also complete the Legal Research and Writing (LRW) requirement.
Certificate of Qualification
Once you meet every requirement, the NCA issues your Certificate of Qualification. It lets you apply to a provincial law society to begin licensing.
Law society licensing
You apply to a provincial or territorial law society (for example Ontario, British Columbia or Alberta) and complete its bar admission requirements: articling or an alternative such as Ontario’s Law Practice Program (LPP), and the bar exams for that province.
Exam format
- Length
- 3 hours
- Format
- Open bookWritten online
- Grading
- 50%Pass or fail. A pass typically requires 50% or higher.
The five core subjects
Depending on your assessment, the NCA may also require one or more of: Commercial Law, Business Organizations, Remedies, Torts, Civil Procedure, Family Law, Evidence, Contracts, Property.
The LRW requirement
Legal Research and Writing (LRW) is an additional requirement that some candidates must fulfil before they receive their Certificate of Qualification.
It assesses your ability to conduct legal research, analyse legal issues and write in a professional legal format: skills that are essential for practising law in Canada.
Always check the official source
NCA requirements, exam dates and fees are set by the National Committee on Accreditation and can change. Confirm the details that apply to you on the NCA’s official website before you apply or book an exam.