Free NCA Exam Study Tools

Interactive NCA Exam resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• NCA Property Law 1 — 7 questions with answer explanations
• NCA Exam flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• NCA Exam study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• NCA Exam cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

NCA Exam at a Glance

What changed for NCA in 2026

• Oct 27, 2026: Registration deadline changed to December 10, 2026, 11 p.m. ET (previously October 22, 2026, 11 p.m. ET (Nov 16–20 session)).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Other (update 2026-09-18) changed to The NCA published the official 2027 examination schedule, specifying that registration and exam dates are subject to change. (previously The NCA issued a 2027 exam schedule. It says registration and exam dates are subject to change.).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Registration opens changed to November 16, 2026 (previously November 16, 2026 (January 2027 session; closes December 10, 2026)).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Score release changed to 10 to 12 weeks after the session's last exam (previously About 10–12 weeks after the session's last exam).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake policy changed to 3 attempts; 4th must be requested (previously 3 attempts; a 4th must be requested).^[3]
• Oct 27, 2026: Validity changed to Does not expire (previously Certificate of Qualification does not expire).^[5]
• Oct 27, 2026: Delivery changed to Online proctored (previously Online, from any location with internet).^[6]
• Oct 27, 2026: Eligibility changed to NCA assessment required; exams must be among assigned requirements (previously NCA assessment required; exams must be among your assigned requirements).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Exam fee changed to CAD $500 plus taxes per exam (previously CAD $500 per exam plus taxes).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake fee changed to CAD $500 plus taxes per re-write (previously CAD $500 per re-write, plus taxes).^[4]
• Oct 27, 2026: Passing score changed to 50% (pass/fail) (previously 50%).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Next exam date (Canadian Criminal Law) changed to November 9–13, 2026 (no exams Nov 11) (previously November 9, 2026 (sittings Nov 9–13)).^[7]

NCA Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your NCA exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the NCA Exams for Foreign-Trained Lawyers.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official NCA exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

According to National Committee on Accreditation, “NCA exams are long response form, and open- book. Only hard copy study materials will be permitted; you will NOT have access to electronic copies of your notes or textbooks.”^[3]

Worked examples: how to reason through NCA questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: In Quebec, the sale of residential real property is often completed using which instrument, and what is its legal significance?

1. A deed of sale (acte de vente) notarized before a notary, which constitutes an authentic act and can be executed directly without court intervention
2. A simple written agreement signed by the parties and registered at the courthouse
3. A transfer of title form filed electronically with the land registry
4. An order issued by the Superior Court of Quebec

Answer: A. A deed of sale (acte de vente) notarized before a notary, which constitutes an authentic act and can be executed directly without court intervention

Explanation:

The correct answer is the notarized deed of sale (acte de vente). In Quebec, a notary drafts and receives the deed, and that makes it an authentic act. An authentic act has special evidentiary weight, and it can be enforced directly without first going to court.

A simple signed agreement registered at the courthouse is wrong because a private writing lacks that authentic status, and the courthouse is not where property sales are registered. An electronic transfer form filed with the land registry is wrong because registration records a transaction but does not replace the notarial form the sale takes. A Superior Court order is wrong because an ordinary sale is a private transaction, not a judicial one.

Rule to remember: in Quebec civil law, the notary and the authentic act are central to real property transactions, which differs from the common law provinces.

Example 2

Question: The 'peace, order, and good government' clause in s. 91 of the Constitution Act, 1867 gives Parliament residual power. In which scenario has the Supreme Court of Canada upheld POGG as a basis for federal legislation?

1. Regulating provincial labour relations
2. Enacting anti-inflation measures as a national emergency
3. Licensing provincial taverns
4. Establishing municipal zoning rules

Answer: B. Enacting anti-inflation measures as a national emergency

Explanation:

The correct answer is enacting anti-inflation measures as a national emergency. The Supreme Court of Canada accepted that Parliament could rely on the emergency branch of peace, order, and good government when it had a rational basis for treating a problem as a national emergency.

Regulating provincial labour relations is wrong because labour relations generally fall under provincial authority over property and civil rights. Licensing provincial taverns is wrong because it is a local matter within provincial jurisdiction. Establishing municipal zoning rules is wrong because municipalities are created by provinces, and land use planning is a provincial concern.

Rule to remember: the residual power is not a general licence to legislate on local matters. It supports federal law only in limited situations such as a genuine national emergency, and the other branches have their own tests.

Example 3

Question: The tort of defamation in Canadian law requires a plaintiff to establish which elements?

1. That the defendant made a false statement intentionally and with malice
2. That the statement was defamatory (tended to lower reputation), referred to the plaintiff, and was published to a third party
3. That the plaintiff suffered measurable financial loss as a direct result
4. That the defendant was in a position of trust or authority over the plaintiff

Answer: B. That the statement was defamatory (tended to lower reputation), referred to the plaintiff, and was published to a third party

Explanation:

The correct answer lists the elements of defamation: the statement tended to lower the plaintiff's reputation, it referred to the plaintiff, and it was published to a third party.

The option requiring a false statement made intentionally and with malice is wrong because the plaintiff does not have to prove intent or malice, and falsity is presumed once the elements are shown. The option requiring measurable financial loss is wrong because damage is presumed in defamation, so the plaintiff does not first have to prove a specific loss. The option about a position of trust or authority is wrong because it describes a different kind of claim, and no such relationship is needed here.

Rule to remember: the plaintiff proves meaning, reference and publication, then the burden shifts to the defendant to raise a defence such as truth.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official NCA information for your own assigned requirements. Make a list of the exams you must write, then check the exam schedule so you know which session each one falls in. Work backwards from the date of your earliest exam.

Begin with the main practice test at FREE NCA PRACTICE TEST to see which subjects feel weakest. Then move to the subject sets that match your list, such as NCA Contract Law, NCA Criminal Law, NCA Canadian Constitutional Law or NCA Administrative Law. Read the explanation for every question you miss, and write the rule it teaches in your own words.

Our questions are multiple choice and written by us, not real exam questions. The real exam is long-response, so use the practice sets to check your knowledge of the rules, then practise writing full answers by hand or on a timer under your own conditions.

Because the exam is open-book with hard-copy materials only, build a printed set of notes with a clear index. Practise finding a rule in it quickly. In the final days, retake the sets you found hardest and confirm the format, registration dates and fee on nca.legal.

Ready to Pass the NCA?

Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the NCA Exams for Foreign-Trained Lawyers. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed. Practice with the free NCA practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

For more in-depth preparation strategies, read our How to Pass the NCAE Exam in 2026 — Complete Study Guide — covering exam format, scoring, and proven study techniques.

Sample NCA Exam Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free NCA Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. Under Canadian contract law, the test for remoteness of damages in breach of contract cases derives from which English case adopted across Canadian common law provinces?

   • A. Donoghue v. Stevenson [1932]
   • B. Hadley v. Baxendale (1854)
   • C. Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. [1893]
   • D. Pinnel's Case (1602)

   Answer: B. Hadley v. Baxendale (1854)

   Hadley v. Baxendale established the two limbs of contractual remoteness: damages recoverable are those arising naturally from the breach (first limb), or those in the reasonable contemplation of both parties at the time of contracting (second limb). Canadian courts consistently apply this test.

2. In preparing a legal memorandum on a constitutional issue for an NCA exam, which analytical step should come first?

   • A. Identify the applicable Charter right
   • B. Characterize the law using the pith and substance doctrine to identify the relevant head of power and whether the enacting body has jurisdiction
   • C. Determine whether the law is justified under s. 1 of the Charter
   • D. Identify the remedy under s. 24 of the Charter

   Answer: B. Characterize the law using the pith and substance doctrine to identify the relevant head of power and whether the enacting body has jurisdiction

   In constitutional analysis, the first step is always to determine whether the enacting body had jurisdiction under the division of powers (ss. 91/92). If the law is validly enacted (within jurisdiction), then the analysis moves to Charter compliance. Remedies are only reached after a finding of invalidity.

3. A refugee determination panel member has previously made public statements about the lack of credibility of claimants from a specific country. An applicant from that country raises a bias argument. Under the reasonable apprehension of bias test, what is the most likely outcome?

   • A. No bias because the member has not met the applicant personally
   • B. The statements raise a reasonable apprehension of bias and the member should be disqualified
   • C. The applicant must prove actual bias, not just apprehension
   • D. Bias arguments cannot be raised before the hearing concludes

   Answer: B. The statements raise a reasonable apprehension of bias and the member should be disqualified

   Prior public statements suggesting prejudgment of an issue before the panel constitutes a reasonable apprehension of bias. An informed, reasonable observer would think it more likely than not that the decision-maker could not approach the claim with an open mind.

4. Section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equality rights. Which of the following correctly states the test for a s. 15(1) violation?

   • A. The law must treat all individuals identically regardless of any characteristic
   • B. The law creates a distinction based on an enumerated or analogous ground that is discriminatory in substance
   • C. The law must impose a financial burden on a protected group
   • D. The government must have intended to discriminate against the claimant

   Answer: B. The law creates a distinction based on an enumerated or analogous ground that is discriminatory in substance

   Under Quebec (AG) v. A and Fraser v. Canada, a s. 15(1) breach requires (1) a distinction in law or in effect, (2) based on an enumerated or analogous ground, (3) that is substantively discriminatory (perpetuates disadvantage or stereotyping). Intent is irrelevant.

Take the full NCA Exam practice test

Sources & last verified

1. National Committee on Accreditation — time limit, registration opens, other, next exam date (official source). “All NCA exams have a time limitation of three (3) hours.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
2. National Committee on Accreditation — exam fee, passing score, eligibility, score release (official source). “As of February 7th, 2025 the fee for registration for each NCA exam (starting with exams being held in April 2025) will be $500 CDN…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
3. National Committee on Accreditation — number of questions, retake policy (official source). “NCA exams are long response form, and open- book. Only hard copy study materials will be permitted; you will NOT have access to electronic copies…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
4. National Committee on Accreditation — retake fee (official source). “Each exam costs $500.00 CDN, plus taxes, and you must pay by credit card. The same price applies each time you re-write an NCA exam.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
5. National Committee on Accreditation — validity (official source). “The Certificate of Qualification does not expire. However, each law society has rules outlining the acceptable delay between when the NCA issues your Certificate of…” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
6. National Committee on Accreditation — delivery (official source). “You can write exams from any location with internet service, including the comfort of your home, twelve times a year.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
7. National Committee on Accreditation — next exam date (official source). “November 2 Family Law Morning and Afternoon” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 28, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.