The NCA certifies that an applicant has:
- an understanding and knowledge of Canadian law, and
- knowledge equivalent to that of a graduate of a Canadian common law program.
Equivalence to an approved Canadian common law, law degree serves as the benchmark when the NCA evaluates applicants with legal education or training in another country or in a Canadian civil law program. The NCA Certificate of Qualification does not, however, duplicate a Canadian law degree, which varies between law schools. NCA applicants may be asked to challenge examinations in subjects that all law schools may not require for a law degree.
Effective January 2015, the NCA introduced a new Assessment Policy. The new policy clarifies different aspects of the NCA Assessment process and brings the policy into compliance with the Federation’s National Requirement for Canadian Common Law Programs. Other NCA policies, including Assessment Appeal and deadlines for completing assigned requirements, are unchanged.
The current Policies and Guidelines of the NCA are available here.
Please note if your file was assessed on or after January 2009, you have five years to complete your assigned requirements and you do not need to contact the NCA for an extension. If your qualifications were assessed prior to January 2009 and you have not completed your assigned requirements, you must contact the NCA to request an extension. Your request must state the reasons for needing an extension.
If you wish to request a refund for NCA services, please refer to our Refund Policy.