How to Apply for an Assessment

Who Can Apply

Anyone may apply. The NCA assesses the qualifications of all internationally-trained legal graduates, whether they are Canadian citizens who have obtained their legal education abroad, or newcomers to Canada with an overseas legal education, or people considering immigrating to Canada. You can apply from anywhere in the world – citizenship, nationality and residency are not factors in the assessment process.

When to Apply

You may apply for an NCA assessment at any time. Your application will not be processed, however, until the NCA has received all of the formalities set out below. If you apply before you graduate from law school, we will not process your application until your final official transcripts have been received by the NCA.

Formalities to Complete

To apply for an NCA assessment, you need to complete the following steps:

Complete the online assessment application form. Please note the form will not be processed until payment is received (currently $450 CDN, plus applicable taxes).  There is a payment module included with the online form.

Send an official set of your final academic transcripts issued by the institution where you pursued your undergraduate (non-legal) post – secondary or university studies. Copies will not be accepted.

 Make arrangements for the following documents to be sent directly to the NCA by the institutions referred to below:

  • an official copy of your academic transcripts issued by the institution where you obtained your legal education;
  • if applicable, a certificate or letter of membership in good standing issued by the local regulatory authority which governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction; and
  • if applicable, an official copy of your transcripts issued by the local regulatory authority which governs your admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction, for any courses or examinations required by such authority.


Language Competency: If the language of instruction of your law degree was in a language other than French or English, or was in English and French, but in a jurisdiction where the official language is different, you will be required to undergo language testing.  To prove competence in English, you will need to score a minimum of 7.0 for writing, speaking, reading and listening on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.  For competence in French, you will need to score a minimum of 7.0 for, writing, speaking reading and listening on the TESTCan test.  If satisfactory evidence can be produced that you have taken either of the prescribed tests and met the standard described above within two years of receipt of your application by the NCA, the NCA’s Executive Director may grant an exemption from the language competency requirement.

What Happens Next

When the completed application form and fee payment have been received, the NCA will send you a confirmation email indicating an NCA file number. The email will specify which documents have been received, and whether any are outstanding. During the assessment process, the NCA may request that you provide additional information or documentation.

Applications are normally processed, and an assessment mailed to the applicant, within 6-8 weeks of receiving all required documentation.

IMPORTANT: The NCA is not an educational institution as defined by Canada Revenue Agency and therefore cannot provide official income tax receipts for assessment fees.  Based on a CRA directive issued in 2014, income tax receipts are issued for fees paid for completed NCA exams.