Should I Work While I Write the NCA Exams

Are you thinking about getting a job while you study for the accreditation exams? A number of factors determine the answer to this question, which many aspiring lawyers come across.

Working while you study for the examinations can, on the one hand, help you obtain experience in the real world and stabilise your finances. It helps you acquire transferable skills that may be useful your future legal career and enables you to balance employment obligations with your academic obligations.

 

However, preparing for the NCA examinations calls for commitment, concentration, and complete focus. The exams are difficult, and passing them calls for a major time and energy commitment. Working concurrently may cause you to pay different attention, which will cut into your study time and maybe affect your exam results.

 

The choice to work while preparing for the NCA examinations ultimately comes down to your individual situation, including your capacity to manage numerous tasks, time constraints, and financial requirements. Prioritizing your objectives and evaluating your own talents are essential steps in arriving at the best choice for your circumstances.

 

Understanding the NCA Exams: Format and Requirements

It's important to comprehend the format and requirements of the exams before determining whether to work while preparing for them. The purpose of the exams is to see if you meet the minimum competencies required for qualification in Canada.  The National Committee on Accreditation is there to assess your foreign law degree against the national standard and to assign you additional subjects that will ensure you meet the national standard set out by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC).

Depending on the subject, the NCA examinations include essay, short answer, and multiple-choice questions. However, a vast majority of the exams will test you on problem-based questions that require you to use the IRAC method in answering your exam questions. The mandatory subjects everyone will be assigned is administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, foundations of Canadian law, professional responsibility and legal research and writing. You need to obtain at least 50% to pass each exam.

Pros and Cons of Working While Studying for the NCA Exams

Working while preparing for the NCA examinations has benefits and drawbacks. To assist you in making an educated choice, let's examine each viewpoint in more detail.

Pros:

Financial Stability: If you are supporting yourself or have financial responsibilities, working while studying for the examinations might help you stay financially stable. It can lessen some of the financial strain that comes with going to school full-time.

Practical Experience: You can obtain practical experience in the legal profession by working in alongside your education. It enables you to put the knowledge you're learning in class to use and obtain understanding of the real-world applications of law. Having these skills can be very beneficial while pursuing a legal profession.

Time Management Skills: Having strong time management skills is necessary to juggle job obligations and NCA exam preparation. These are the kinds of talents that are necessary in the legal field, and you may acquire them by working while you study. Developing your ability to set priorities, control deadlines, and manage your time well can help you in your professional life.

Cons:

Divided Attention: Working concurrently might cause you to become distracted and limit the amount of time you can spend studying. This may affect your capacity to learn and remember the material required for the tests.

Decreased Study Time: Balancing exam preparation with employment obligations might lead to a decrease in study time. The NCA examinations are challenging, therefore preparing thoroughly is essential to success. Inadequate study sessions might result in a poor exam preparation and decreased exam passing rates.

Time Management Tips for Juggling Work and NCA Exam Study

Time management skills are essential to juggling employment and NCA test preparation. The following advice will help you effectively manage your time:

Prioritize your tasks: Identify the most important tasks for your work and exam preparation and prioritize them accordingly. To maximise the little time you have, concentrate on the important things.

Use notes from a reputable source: You can find summaries notes that can significantly cut down your preparation time such as those offered by NCA Tutor™.  These notes would contain the relevant cases and tests that you will need to apply during your exam. 

Make a timetable: Create a study schedule that works with your job hours. Set aside certain times for studying, and try your best to keep to the timetable. This will assist you in maintaining organisation and guarantee that you set aside enough time for job and examination preparation.  It is often best to study in the morning when your mind is fresh.  If you can find a way to wake up in the early hours and spend 1-2 hours before you head to work that would be ideal.   Students that study after work report serious fatigue that effects the efficiency of their studying and performance.

Make good use of breaks: During the workweek, take brief breaks and use them for quick study sessions. Take use of this opportunity to go over essential ideas or edit crucial data. You may maximise the little time you have available to study with the aid of these very beneficial breaks.

Seek assistance: Get in touch with study groups and resources devoted to NCA exam preparation. Working together with other students might inspire and support you more. Talking with others about ideas, exchanging study materials, and getting advice from knowledgeable people can improve your comprehension and readiness.

 

Examples of NCA Support Forums:

Preparing for the NCA exams can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Seek support from resources and study groups dedicated to NCA exam preparation. Here are some options to consider:

Online communities and forums: Participate in online communities and forums where prospective attorneys talk about getting ready for the NCA examination. These sites offer a forum for discussion, experience sharing, and access to helpful study tools. Forums such as Facebook groups, here are a few links: National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) – Current and Former Students | Facebook and NCA Tutor™ | Facebook. 

Study groups: Get together with other NCA exam candidates to form or join study groups. Working together may provide a helpful environment for information exchange, idea discussion, and exam preparation.

Professional tutoring and coaching: Take into consideration working with a tutor or coach with experience in helping students prepare for the NCA exam such NCA Tutor™, please find the here: NCA Tutor™ - NCA Exam Preparation and Study Notes (nca-tutor.com). They may provide you tailored advice, study guides, and exam-winning techniques.

Library resources: Check out the NCA exams and study materials at your neighbourhood library. You may find study aids, textbooks, and reference books at libraries that can help you with your studies.

Recall that asking for help is an effective way to improve your exam preparation rather than a sign of weakness.

Examining Other Choices: Taking Leave of Absence or Cutting Back on Work Hours
It can be worthwhile to think about other choices if you feel that working while preparing for the NCA exams is too difficult or negatively affects your exam preparation. You can free up time for studying and reduce the strain of juggling several obligations by taking a leave of absence or temporarily cutting back on your job hours.

 

Conclusion: Making the Best Decision for Your NCA Exam Journey

Working while studying for the NCA exams is a decision that each individual must choose for themselves based on a number of considerations. Working might help you stay financially stable and gain experience, but it can also divert your attention from your studies and cut down on study time.

If juggling employment and school becomes too difficult, think about other possibilities like taking a leave of absence or temporarily cutting back on work hours. Set priorities for your objectives and choose wisely for your NCA exam journey.

Recall that passing the NCA exams calls for commitment, concentration, and efficient time management. It is possible to reach your objectives and start a prosperous legal career in Canada with the appropriate strategy and assistance.