If you're an internationally trained lawyer hoping to practise in Canada, one of your first significant steps will be navigating the NCA process. It can seem overwhelming at first, especially when you’re still trying to understand how your legal education fits into the Canadian context. This guide offers a clear, approachable explanation of what the process involves—so you can begin your journey with confidence and clarity.
The NCA
The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), a branch of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, assesses the legal education and professional experience of individuals who earned their law degrees outside of Canada or from a civil law program within Canada. Based on this assessment, the NCA determines whether you're required to complete additional exams or coursework before becoming eligible to begin the licensing process in your chosen Canadian province.
NCA Application
To begin, you'll need to submit an application through the Federation’s online portal. The application includes personal information, educational background, and any relevant legal experience. You’ll also need to arrange for your official transcripts and degree certificates to be sent directly from your institution to the NCA. Once everything is received and the fee is paid, your file will be reviewed. This initial stage can take some time, so it's a good idea to confirm that all required documents have been submitted correctly and follow up if needed.
Assessment Report
After your assessment is complete, the NCA will issue a report outlining the subjects you need to complete. Almost every applicant is required to take five mandatory Canadian law subjects: Foundations of Canadian Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Administrative Law, Canadian Criminal Law, and Canadian Professional Responsibility. Depending on your background, you may also be asked to complete additional core common law subjects such as Contracts, Torts, Property, or Business Organizations. The number of assigned subjects varies.
Exams
Once you know what’s required, you can begin preparing for the NCA exams. These are self-study, open-book exams. You won’t attend classes, but you’ll receive a syllabus for each subject with suggested readings and case law. Many candidates find study groups, tutoring, or prep resources helpful during this stage. The exams are offered four times a year—in January, May, August, and October—and you can choose to write as few or as many exams in each session as you’re comfortable with. Most applicants aim for two to four per sitting. You will need to complete your exams within the time frame set out in your assessment report, and results are usually released around 10 to 13 weeks after the exam date.
Certificate of Qualification
After successfully completing all the requirements, you can request your Certificate of Qualification from the NCA. This certificate is essential if you plan to enter the bar admission process in most provinces across Canada. It doesn't mean you’re licensed to practise yet—but it confirms that your legal knowledge meets the common law standards in Canada. With the certificate in hand, you're ready to move forward to the next stage: articling and writing the bar exams in your province.
Starting the NCA process may feel like stepping into unknown territory, but you’re not alone. Many internationally trained lawyers have taken this path before—and with the right preparation and support, you can too. Whether you're just beginning or already planning for your exams, staying informed is key to making the most of this journey.
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