The five core NCA subjects
Most candidates must complete these five exams. Open a subject to see its full syllabus and how we teach it.
Canadian Administrative Law
Understand judicial review, standards of review, procedural fairness, jurisdiction and the relationship between administrative decision-makers and the courts.
Key topics: Principles of administrative law, procedural and substantive fairness, remedies, Charter and Aboriginal rights in administrative law.
Canadian Constitutional Law
Build a strong understanding of the Canadian Constitution, Charter rights, federalism, constitutional remedies and constitutional interpretation.
Key topics: Basic concepts, distribution of legislative powers, Aboriginal rights and the Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canadian Criminal Law
Develop a structured understanding of criminal liability, actus reus, mens rea, causation, defences and the principles underlying Canadian criminal law.
Key topics: Sources of criminal law, classification of offences, regulatory offences, defences, investigation, trial, sentencing and appeals.
Foundations of Canadian Law
Understand the Canadian legal system, sources of law, common law reasoning, legal institutions and the foundations on which Canadian law operates.
Key topics: Theories of law, racism and the law, Indigenous peoples and the law, Parliament, the executive, the courts, statutory interpretation.
Canadian Professional Responsibility
Explore the professional obligations, ethical duties and regulatory framework governing the legal profession in Canada.
Key topics: Regulation of lawyers, conflicts of interest, lawyers as advocates, counselling and negotiation, access to justice.
Your NCA assessment report may also assign other subjects, such as Commercial Law, Business Organizations, Remedies, Torts, Civil Procedure, Family Law, Evidence, Contracts or Property. Learn how the NCA process works