The two-stage process
Every internationally trained lawyer who wants to practise in Ontario must complete two separate processes: first the NCA process (mandatory for all foreign graduates), then the LSO licensing process.
The NCA process (Stage 1)
The NCA process is the same regardless of which province you ultimately wish to practise in. The NCA conducts an individual assessment of your prior legal education and assigns subjects for you to challenge by written exam. Most internationally trained lawyers are assigned 5 mandatory subjects plus potential electives.
After passing all assigned exams and completing the LRW course, the NCA issues a Certificate of Qualification — this is your entry ticket to provincial bar admission.
LSO licensing (Stage 2)
After obtaining your NCA Certificate of Qualification, you apply to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) for licensing. Ontario offers two routes:
- Articling — minimum 10 months of supervised practice (most placements are 10–12 months) with a principal who is an LSO member in good standing. Competitive market, particularly in Toronto.
- Law Practice Program (LPP) — 4-month skills training + 4-month work placement. Offered by Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Ottawa. Created to address the shortage of articling positions.
During or after licensing, you must also pass the LSO Barrister exam and the LSO Solicitor exam. These are open-book multiple choice exams — distinct from NCA written exams — and test Ontario-specific law and procedure.
Realistic timeline
For most internationally trained lawyers, the full process takes 3–5 years. The NCA process typically takes 1–2 years depending on how many subjects you have and your exam schedule. The LSO process adds another 12–20 months.
Estimated costs (2026)
| Item | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| NCA academic assessment | ~$452 (incl. HST; base fee $400 + taxes) |
| NCA challenge exams (5 subjects × ~$565 incl. HST) | ~$2,825 |
| CPLED LRW course | ~$1,200 |
| LSO licensing fees | ~$4,500 |
| Total minimum fees | ~$9,000–10,000 |
Does not include study materials, living expenses, or lost income during articling/LPP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a lawyer in Ontario as a foreign graduate?
Realistically 3–5 years. The NCA process alone takes 1–2 years (assessment + exams + LRW). After completing the NCA and receiving your Certificate of Qualification, you must complete the LSO licensing process — either articling (minimum 10 months, typically 10–12 months) or LPP (8 months) — plus pass the Barrister and Solicitor exams.
What is the LPP in Ontario?
The Law Practice Program (LPP) is an alternative to articling for Ontario lawyers. It consists of a 4-month skills training component followed by a 4-month work placement. It is offered by Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Ottawa. It was introduced to address the shortage of articling positions in Ontario.
Are the LSO Barrister and Solicitor exams the same as NCA exams?
No. The LSO licensing exams (Barrister and Solicitor) are separate from NCA challenge exams. They are open-book multiple choice exams (not essays) and test Ontario-specific law and procedure. The NCA challenge exams are written-answer exams testing general Canadian law.
How much does it cost to become a lawyer in Ontario as a foreign graduate?
Minimum costs are approximately $9,000–10,000 CAD in fees alone: NCA assessment (~$452 incl. HST), NCA exams for 5 subjects (~$2,825 incl. HST), CPLED LRW course (~$375), and LSO licensing fees (~$4,500). This does not include study materials, living expenses, or lost income during articling.