The NCA Process

In this part, we discuss the NCA process. If you prefer an audio or visual explanation, we encourage you to watch our Practise Law in Canada information session, which discusses the NCA process and how OsgoodePD’s programs can assist you.

What is the NCA?

The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) is responsible for assessing the legal credentials of individuals who obtained their law degree outside of Canada.

Internationally trained lawyers, Canadian citizens who completed legal training in another country and Canadian civil law graduates are required to complete the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process to become eligible to practise law in any common law province or territory in Canada.

What is an NCA Assessment?

The NCA assessment is a required step for internationally trained lawyers seeking to practise in Canada. This evaluation determines the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification, which allows you to take the relevant bar exams and ultimately become a licensed lawyer in Canada.

We recommend using the self-assessment tool provided on the NCA website as a starting point to better understand your unique situation.

Based on your credentials, the NCA will provide you with an assessment outlining the steps you must take to demonstrate competencies equivalent to those of Canadian law school graduates. This assessment takes into account factors such as your country of education, the type of law degree you hold, and any legal work experience you have acquired.

Getting Your NCA Assessment

You will apply directly to the NCA for your assessment. The application involves:

• An online application form
• Your current CV (uploaded as part of the application form)
• Payment of an application fee
• Submission of documents:
  • Pre-Law School Transcripts: You may mail your original or official pre-law university transcripts or arrange for your university to send the NCA official pre-law university transcripts (if applicable)
  • Law School Transcripts: Arrange to have sent, by the school that issued them, official transcripts (detailed mark sheets) for your legal education. Please note that in most cases, in addition to official transcripts, degree certificates will also be necessary and will be requested. DO NOT mail your original law school transcripts or degree certificates to the NCA. They do not accept these original documents directly from applicants.
  • If you are a lawyer: Official letter or certificate of good standing from the bar association or bar council (This must outline the date you were called to the bar and your status as a member in good standing.)

Language Screening: After you have submitted your application form and payment, the NCA will provide you with instructions for completing a language screening. Effective March 1, 2026 candidates are required to complete a language screening before an assessment will be issued. The screening consists of an online, proctored Versant English Placement Test (VEPT). A minimum score of 61 (equivalent to a 7 IELTS) is required.

Mandatory NCA Subjects Assessment
Generally, the NCA assigns the following mandatory subjects to all applicants:

Legal Research & Writing: Candidates assessed after January 1, 2022 are required to complete a course on legal research and writing offered by either an approved Canadian Common Law Program or through NCA legal research and writing module with the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED).

Foundations of Canadian Law: This subject provides an overview of Canada’s legal system, sources of law, and the principles of legal reasoning.

Canadian Constitutional Law: This area focuses on the Canadian Constitution, including the division of powers between federal and provincial governments, as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Canadian Administrative Law: This subject explores the principles governing administrative decision-making and the relationship between administrative agencies and the courts.

Canadian Criminal Law: This area covers the general principles of criminal liability, specific offences, and criminal procedure in Canada.

Canadian Professional Responsibility: This subject examines the ethical and professional obligations of lawyers in Canada, including the rules of professional conduct and the role of law societies.

What to Expect from Your Assessment

Broadly speaking, your assessment will depend on your academic and professional background.

Graduates from a Common Law Jurisdiction
These candidates are typically assessed with the six mandatory subjects and have the option to meet their requirements through challenge exams, courses, or a combination of both.

Graduates from a Civil Law Jurisdiction
The NCA will not provide civil law graduates with an assessment, because they don’t have enough Common Law exposure. Instead, the NCA will require Civil Law graduates to complete a minimum of our substantive Common Law subjects (through an approved Canadian Common Law program) then apply for re-assessment.

Upon re-assessment, the NCA will review which of the mandatory subjects you have completed, assign the remaining mandatory subjects as well as Contracts, Property and Torts. Usually, you would have the option to complete your remaining subjects either through challenge exams or courses.

Graduates from Online or Distance Learning JD/LLB Programs
If you earned your law degree through distance learning, the NCA may also require that you complete two years of full-time in-person study (at OsgoodePD, this would amount to completing two LLM degree programs). This requirement can significantly affect both the time and cost of your path to legal practice in Canada.

What to Do with Your Assessment
Your NCA assessment will indicate your options for completing your subjects. These may include challenge exams, taking courses, or a combination of both. The assessment will also include a deadline by which you must complete these requirements.

Failure to meet the deadline set by the NCA will require you to reapply for a new assessment, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Missing your deadline can have several negative effects on your path to becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada.

Delayed Progress
Missing the deadline will significantly delay your progress in the accreditation process. Reapplying for a new assessment means waiting for a new evaluation and potentially completing additional requirements before you can move forward with your legal career in Canada.

Financial Impact
Reapplying for a new assessment may involve additional costs, including assessment fees and any required courses or exams.

Lost Opportunities
The time spent waiting for a new assessment and completing additional requirements may result in missed job opportunities, as potential employers may question your ability to manage deadlines and progress toward licensure.

Policy Changes
The NCA’s policies are subject to change. If you do not complete your requirements by the deadline in your assessment and must obtain a new assessment, you will be subject to the policies in effect at the time of the second assessment.

It is important to note that the NCA will generally grant deadline extensions only in exceptional circumstances. Examples may include serious illness, a family emergency, or other unforeseen events beyond your control. If you believe you have a valid reason for requesting an extension, you should contact the NCA as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Next Up: Landing a Legal Job in Canada
The next part of the series explores tips for entering the Canadian legal job market:  Part 4 – Landing a Legal Job in Canada

This blog is part of our four-part series for internationally trained lawyers:

Part 1 – Identifying Your Goals and Getting Licensed to Practise Law in Canada
Part 2 – The NCA Process
Part 3 – Consider Your Options for NCA Requirements
Part 4 – Landing a Legal Job in Canada