Consider Your Options for NCA Requirements

Start by Reviewing Your Assessment

Before deciding which option is right for you, take time to carefully review your NCA assessment. Your certification requirements are set by the NCA and may include individual components. It’s essential that you understand exactly what those requirements are and that your proposed study plan is approved by the NCA in advance. Without that confirmation, you risk completing coursework that does not ultimately satisfy your requirements.

Your options generally fall into three categories.

1) Write NCA Challenge Exams

NCA challenge exams are 3-hour, open-book examinations that test your knowledge of a particular NCA subject. The exams are held online, and take place at set times during the year. You can find exam schedules and sample exams on the NCA’s website.

Writing challenge exams can be a great option for self-motivated, independent learners. Generally, if you are coming from a common law background and only have the six subjects, writing challenge exams is the most time and cost-effective way to meet your NCA requirements.

There are several tutoring companies and Facebook groups that offer support and notes for students writing the NCA exams. This option is typically the least costly, but it may carry some risk if you require additional support and guidance when learning new concepts.

However, there are some downsides to self-study challenge exams. Self-study may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals benefit from more structured learning environments and guidance from instructors. Additionally, challenge exams may not provide feedback on your performance, making it difficult to identify areas for improvement. Finally, although the exams cover the core subjects, they may not include all the content that will appear on the bar exam, which could leave gaps in your knowledge. For example, Family Law isn’t a mandatory NCA subject, but your Bar Exam could over Family Law extensively.

2) Complete NCA-Accredited Courses or Programs

Several universities offer courses and programs with NCA-accredited content. OsgoodePD is home to Canada’s oldest NCA-accredited graduate program, the LLM in Canadian Common Law,  and the broadest range of options for internationally trained lawyers.

Keep in mind that not every student can complete all of their NCA requirements through an LLM. The number of requirements you can complete within a program depends on your NCA assessment and the degree requirements of your program. Typically, a student in the Canadian Common Law specialization can complete 6 to 8 NCA requirements.

Canadian Common Law LLM (Full-Time) – The full-time LLM in Canadian Common Law is a one-year, in-person program. Full-time studies are best suited for students who can commit to a full-time course schedule. It is generally not manageable to enrol in full-time studies while also working full-time. In-person classes provide a structured learning environment with access to professors and classmates for support.

Canadian Common Law LLM (Part-Time) – Part-time Canadian Common Law students have access to the same in-person courses as full-time students. In addition, they have access to online learning options through problem-based learning courses. The part-time program is designed to be completed over two years.

General Law LLM (Full-Time and Part-Time) – The General Law LLM program offers a broader curriculum that allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals while still meeting some or all of the NCA requirements. Depending on the program’s structure, you will be asked to select two to three areas of focus. You can select Canadian Common Law as well as an additional area of interest from one of the 16+ LLM specializations we offer, such as health law, tax law, or business law, to develop a more diverse skill set.

Other LLM Specializations – Keep your goal of securing a job top of mind and take a look at the 16+ LLM specializations offered at OsgoodePD. Is there a specialization that pertains to your interests? Is there a specialization that employers will look favourably upon? Is there a need in the legal market for a particular niche specialty? Does a particular specialization align with your previous work experience, and would pursuing an LLM in that area help distinguish you from the competition?

Single Course Enrollment – At OsgoodePD, taking an LLM course as a non-degree student is called Single Course Enrollment (SCE). Students can take a lifetime maximum of 12 credits through SCE. This is a great option for those who can generally learn independently but require extra support for particularly challenging subjects.

3) Complete a Mix of Self-Study Challenge Exams and NCA-Accredited Courses or Programs

This option allows you to strike a balance between self-study and structured learning by combining challenge exams with NCA-accredited courses or programs. By tailoring your approach, you can focus on self-study for subjects you are more comfortable with while seeking additional support through courses, such as Single Course Enrollment, for areas where you need more guidance.

Which is the Right Option for You?
It comes back to your goals and background – you will want to consider:

Your Academic Background: Take a moment to think about your previous education and how familiar you are with the Canadian legal system. If you are well-versed in common law, self-study and challenge exams may be a good option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured approach to learning, an NCA-accredited program may be a better fit.

Your Professional Background: Reflect on your work experience and how it relates to the Canadian legal market. If you have extensive experience in your home jurisdiction and are confident in your ability to adapt to the Canadian context, self-study may be sufficient. However, if you need to build new connections and gain practical experience in Canada, an NCA-accredited program could be beneficial.

Your Learning Style / Needs: You know your study style better than anyone else. If self-study would be a struggle for you, then taking courses may be a better option. However, remember that accreditation does not end with the completion of your NCA subjects. You will also need to write the bar exam, so developing effective study skills is crucial.

What resources do you need that you don’t currently have: When weighing your accreditation options, consider the networking, career development, and other opportunities that an LLM program can offer. Enrolling in an LLM program, such as the one at Osgoode, can open doors to valuable resources, including professional networking events, career services, and mentorship opportunities. These additional benefits can help you build a strong professional network, enhance your career prospects, and connect with professors and fellow students who can support you throughout your legal journey in Canada.

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