Program details are in English. Page labels are translated.
Licensing route
National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) assessment for internationally trained lawyers
Federation of Law Societies of Canada — National Committee on Accreditation
The national assessment that tells foreign-trained lawyers which exams or courses they need before applying to a law society.
Good for: I have a law degree from abroad. How do I understand the next education step?
Checked How we check information
At a glance
- Delivery
- Online
- Cost
- Confirm cost with provider
- Who can access it
- Not stated.
- Intake
- Ongoing enquiries or individual applications
An NCA certificate is not a licence; Ontario licensing through the Law Society follows.
01 / Start here
Your first steps
- Complete the NCA language screening test.
- Submit your degree documents for an NCA assessment.
Individual assessments; exams run on a published schedule.
Visit provider ↗ (opens in a new tab)02 / Check the fit
Requirements and limits
- A qualifying law degree (typically an LLB, JD, BCL or LLL).
- Since March 1, 2026, a language screening test before assessment.
- Complete the exams or courses assigned in your assessment, then apply to the Law Society of Ontario.
Not stated.
Important limits and details to confirm
- An NCA certificate is not a licence; Ontario licensing through the Law Society follows.
- A modernized assessment framework starts in 2028, with some opt-in exams in 2027.
Location
- Canada-wide.
03 / Understand the commitment
Costs and possible funding
Assessment and exam fees on nca.legal.
No specific funding verified; NCA exam fees may be tax-deductible.
04 / Check with the provider
Sources and where to get help
Use the provider’s official starting page to ask about your situation. Published information was checked on October 23, 2026; the provider must confirm current availability and personal eligibility.