Exciting News! Completing my NCA Exams Abroad: A FAQ
I am delighted to share that I have successfully completed all seven of my NCA exams! The past nine months have been both challenging and enlightening as I balanced these qualification requirements alongside my full-time work in the United Kingdom. Many have expressed curiosity about my experience with writing the NCAs abroad, so I have put together this FAQ to share what I've learned:
- Why did you choose to complete the NCAs abroad?
After finishing my two-year LL.B in London, England, I wanted to explore the city and surrounding Europe a bit more before returning to Canada. Additionally, I found that there weren't many legal work opportunities for international law students in Canada until I completed the NCA exams. Given that I had a fulfilling full-time job in The City, I decided to make the most of the opportunity to spend another year abroad while taking the NCAs.
- Why did you opt for self-study?
Though I considered completing the NCAs via a Common Law LL.M program in Canada, I preferred self-study for a few reasons: I wanted to keep my full-time job in the UK to assist with expenses, and I desired to pursue an LL.M in a legal focus area of my choosing, such as IP or corporate law, rather than a general Canadian Law LL.M. Moreover, having been homeschooled as a child, I was accustomed to self-studying and felt confident in my ability to teach myself and stay on track.
- Where can I write the exams abroad?
In London, the University of London allows you to sit NCA exams on their campus, and there are other locations throughout England as well. To find examination locations available in your region or country, you should email exam@flsc.ca well before the exam registration deadline. International exam sites hold NCAs on the same dates as those in Canada, as long as the exams do not coincide with national or bank holidays in the host country.
- How do I register for an NCA exam abroad?
The registration process is the same as if you were writing the exams in Canada. You will need to select a Canadian exam location on the online registration portal and pay. Then, you can choose to sit at an international site. Email exam@flsc.ca before the exam registration deadline, informing them of your desire to write at an international location. They will coordinate with the international host location and update the online portal to reflect your new exam location. Start this process early to meet the NCA registration deadline.
- Are there practical challenges to completing the NCAs abroad?
There are some challenges, but with proper planning and networking, they can be overcome:
Additional Costs: The international host institution may charge a small fee for each exam on top of the NCA exam fee. Be sure to inquire about these costs and budget accordingly.
Sourcing Study Materials: Obtaining physical copies of NCA recommended textbooks outside Canada can be difficult or costly. However, many publishers offer e-book versions that can be purchased and downloaded online. Utilize various online learning resources and study materials like NCA Tutor™ notes, University of Alberta professor Peter Sankoff's videos, and resources provided by The Federation of Law Societies.
Loneliness: Studying for the NCA exams can be isolating, especially when abroad. Consider joining NCA Student Facebook groups or finding a virtual study partner to stay motivated. Online study sessions with fellow law classmates can be helpful despite different time zones.
- Are there any benefits of completing the NCAs abroad?
Despite the challenges, there are several benefits to taking the exams abroad, depending on your personal situation and goals. Some advantages include:
- Smaller Exam Sites: International exam sites are often smaller and less overwhelming than those in Canada's largest cities. This can create a more relaxed exam environment, beneficial for those with exam anxiety.
- Would you recommend writing the NCAs abroad?
The decision to complete the NCAs outside of Canada depends on your individual circumstances and aspirations, so there isn't a universal answer. For me, writing the exams abroad aligned with my goals of qualifying in Canada while enjoying unique experiences, traveling, and managing financial considerations.
Wishing you the best of luck on your NCA journey!
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