NCA Study Checklist: Complete Pre-Exam Guide with Tech Setup (2026)

The short answer: A complete NCA exam preparation requires two parallel tracks: a content track (frameworks, practice questions, timed writing) and a technical track (MonitorEDU setup, hardware checks, browser configuration, and a mandatory system test by 6:00 p.m. ET the day before your exam). Most candidates over-prepare on content and under-prepare on tech. This checklist covers both — in the order you need to complete them.

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How to Use This Checklist

This article is organised in chronological order from your first study day to the moment you submit your exam. It is divided into four phases:

1. Study Phase — daily and weekly habits during your preparation window
2. One Month Out — content consolidation and mock exam sequence
3. Technical Setup — MonitorEDU, hardware, and browser requirements (verified against nca.legal)
4. The Final 48 Hours — the day before and exam day sequences

The technical section is the most critical. Many NCA candidates — particularly those sitting their first exam — have never used online proctoring before. The rules are specific, the deadlines are firm, and the consequences of missing them are serious. Read it carefully even if you feel confident about the content.

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Phase 1: Study Phase Checklists

Daily Checklist (Every Study Day)

Before studying:

• Phone on airplane mode, in another room or face-down and silent
• Water at desk — no sugary drinks mid-session
• Yesterday's notes closed, today's topic clearly identified
• Timer set — 50 minutes of focus, 10-minute break (Pomodoro method)
• Study log open (date, planned topic, target hours)

During study:

• One framework reviewed and recited from memory before checking notes
• One practice question written out fully — not just outlined
• Written answer reviewed against model answer — gaps marked
• Weakest point noted for tomorrow's priority

After study:

• 10-minute walk or light movement (consolidates memory — not optional)
• Study log updated: hours logged, topics covered, gaps identified
• Tomorrow's study plan confirmed (topic + which question to attempt)

Weekly Checklist (Every Weekend)

Review:

• All frameworks for this subject recited from memory — no notes
• Weak points from the week re-studied until fluent
• Flashcards reviewed (spaced repetition — hardest cards first)

Practice:

• One full timed question written (45–60 minutes depending on exam format)
• Self-marked against model answer — scored honestly
• Pattern errors identified and logged (e.g., "always forget to apply the Baker factors")

Planning:

• Next week's schedule set — which days, which topics, how many hours
• Hours logged vs. target (aim for 18–20 hours/week if working; 30+ if full-time)
• Materials for next week organised and accessible

See our guide on how many hours to study for the NCA exam for subject-by-subject time targets.

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Phase 2: One Month Out

4 Weeks Before the Exam

• All core frameworks memorised and writable from memory — not just recognisable
• Minimum 5 practice questions completed per subject being examined
• Weak areas identified; targeted review plan in place
• Mock exam date scheduled for 2 weeks out
• Indigenous Law and Peoples CPLED module progress checked — must be complete before COQ application

2 Weeks Before the Exam

• Full mock exam completed under true exam conditions (3 hours, no phone, open notes only)
• Mock exam self-scored and weak areas addressed
• Notes fully tabbed with sticky-tab navigation (run the 10-second test: find any framework in under 10 seconds)
• MonitorEDU technical setup begun — see Phase 3 below
• Exam registration confirmed in NCA portal

1 Week Before the Exam

• No new content — consolidation only
• Daily light review of all frameworks (30 minutes maximum)
• Exam day logistics confirmed: start time found in NCA portal under "Exam History" tab
• MonitorEDU system test completed (see Phase 3 — deadline is 6:00 p.m. ET the day before)
• Two nights of good sleep targeted — not optional, not negotiable

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Phase 3: Technical Setup — MonitorEDU and Hardware (Critical)

NCA exams are proctored online through MonitorEDU, operated by Paradigm Testing. This is not MonitorEDU. If you search for MonitorEDU, you will find nothing relevant to the NCA — MonitorEDU is the correct system. The proctor connection URL on exam day is takemytest.live/can-all-organizations.

All technical requirements below are verified directly from nca.legal's technical requirements page.

Hardware Requirements

• Using a laptop or desktop computer — tablets (including Microsoft Surface Pro) cannot be used to write the exam. Tablets may only serve as the second camera device.
• Operating system is Windows 7 or higher, or macOS 10.15 or higher
• Computer has a built-in or external webcam
• Only one monitor connected and in use — disconnect or unplug extra monitors before the system test. Multiple screens are not permitted.
• Display resolution at least 1024 × 768 in 16-bit colour
• Second device (phone or tablet) available for the second monitoring camera
• Both computer and phone will remain plugged in for the full 3-hour exam period — not just charged, but plugged in. If the phone dies, the proctor feed is severed.
• Electrical extension cord (minimum 6 feet / 2 metres) available — the proctor may request workstation rearrangement

Network Requirements

• Internet connection speed: minimum 3 Mbps upload and download — test this at fast.com or speedtest.net
• Using a wired LAN connection where possible — WiFi is permitted but less reliable
• VPN fully disconnected — corporate VPNs and corporate-managed networks conflict with MonitorEDU. Use a personal computer on a personal internet connection.
• Writing from a home network: ask other household members not to stream or use bandwidth-heavy applications during the 3-hour exam window
• Do not use a tethered mobile network (your computer tied to your phone as a hotspot) — this is not recommended by the NCA

Browser and Software Requirements

• Browser: Google Chrome 50+ (recommended), Safari, or Firefox. Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge cannot be used — they have technical conflicts with MonitorEDU. Do not use Edge even if it is your default browser.
• Pop-up blocker disabled in your browser before connecting with MonitorEDU
• Cookies enabled in your browser
• Paradigm Testing secure browser downloaded fresh — download from clients.paradigmtesting.com. If you have a previous version installed, remove it first. This must be done before EACH exam you write — even if you have written NCA exams before.

Programs That Must Be Closed (Not Just Minimised)

Before contacting MonitorEDU, the following programs must be fully closed — not running in the background, not minimised to the taskbar:

• Microsoft Teams — fully quit, not just minimised
• Zoom Meeting
• Skype
• Slack
• GoToMeeting
• Cisco Webex
• Team Viewer
• Steam
• Any other screen-sharing or video conferencing application

Google Meet and Gmail Account

• You have a Gmail account — the proctor connects your mobile device via Google Meet, which requires a Gmail account. iPhone and other non-Android devices must install Google Meet before exam day.
• Google Meet is installed on your phone and you can access your Gmail from your mobile device

MonitorEDU System Test (Mandatory — by 6:00 p.m. ET, day before first exam)

• Secure browser already downloaded (see above) before beginning this step
• All programs above closed
• Pop-up blocker off and cookies enabled
• Visit monitoredu.com/faq and complete the system pre-check on the exact computer and browser you will use for the exam
• System test completed before 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time the day before your first exam
• System test result: passed on the same device and browser to be used for the exam

If you have questions about technical requirements, MonitorEDU operates a live chat line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use it — it is there specifically for NCA candidates.

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Phase 4: The Final 48 Hours

The Day Before

Study:

• Light review only — key frameworks refreshed, answer template structure confirmed
• No new content — your preparation window is closed
• 30 minutes maximum on study material

Materials:

• Notes fully tabbed — 10-second test passed for every major section
• Statutory extracts printed (Charter sections, relevant provisions)
• Answer templates in a clear folder or sheet protector
• No electronic notes, textbooks, or digital files in the exam space — the secure browser locks down your computer entirely. You cannot access digital files during the exam. Only hard-copy materials are permitted.
• Prohibited items cleared from the exam room (see Exam Day below for full list)

Technical (day before):

• MonitorEDU system test completed before 6:00 p.m. ET (if not already done)
• Secure browser freshly downloaded and confirmed working
• Computer fully restarted after closing all background programs
• Phone charged to 100% and charging cable at desk
• Extra monitors disconnected or unplugged
• Extension cord located and accessible
• Exam start time confirmed in NCA portal under "Exam History" tab
• Government-issued photo ID placed where you will find it on exam morning

Physical and mental:

• Early bedtime — 7+ hours of sleep is worth more than an additional hour of review
• Comfortable clothes laid out for tomorrow
• Water bottle ready (clear, no label)

Exam Day Sequence

Before sitting down:

• Wake up with a 30-minute buffer before you need to be at your desk
• Light breakfast — protein over sugar
• Exam room cleared of all prohibited items (list below)
• Government-issued photo ID at desk — you will need to show it to the proctor
• Hard-copy notes and materials at desk — organised and tabbed

Prohibited items during the exam (verified from nca.legal/exams/online-exam-rules/):

• Mobile phones — your phone is used only as the second camera via Google Meet. You may not use it for anything else during the exam.
• Headphones or headsets — wired or Bluetooth, both prohibited
• Handheld computers or other electronic devices
• Pagers
• Watches — not permitted on your wrist or desk. If you normally wear a watch, leave it off for exam day.
• Wallets, purses, bags, or coats
• Books, notes, or any other materials not specifically approved by the NCA (hard-copy study materials are permitted; textbooks are not)
• Hats or head coverings, unless worn as a religious observance

Connecting with your proctor (15–20 minutes before your scheduled start):

• Computer plugged in to power — stays plugged in for the full 3 hours
• Phone plugged in to power — stays plugged in for the full 3 hours
• VPN disconnected. Corporate networks disconnected.
• All programs from the closed-programs list above fully exited
• Go to takemytest.live/can-all-organizations and fill in the form for the Federation of Law Societies (NCA)
• Complete this 15–20 minutes before your exam start time
• Proctor connects via Google Meet on your mobile device — provide your Gmail address
• When connected, go to MonitorEDU.live and enter the room ID the proctor provides
• The proctor will verify your government-issued photo ID before starting

During the exam:

• 5-minute reading phase — read all questions before writing a single word
• Time allocation confirmed: 3 hours total, 45–60 minutes per question depending on number of questions in this subject
• If taking a break: notify the proctor first and wait for permission. The exam clock continues to run during breaks.
• Time checks every 45 minutes — keep pace
• Any scanned documents, photographs, or attachments will not be considered — only typed keyboard responses count

Sequestering Rule — Read This Before the Exam

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If Something Goes Wrong: Technical Problems

If you experience a technical problem during the exam:

1. Notify your proctor immediately through the monitoring session
2. Continue the exam if possible — do not wait for a resolution if the exam is still running
3. After the exam, email the NCA at exam@flsc.ca to report the problem. You must do this within 5 days of having written the exam. Failure to report within 5 days means the NCA cannot investigate the issue. Source: nca.legal.

For real-time technical support, MonitorEDU's live chat is available at monitoredu.com/live-chat around the clock.

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Cancellation Policy and Attempt Count

If you need to cancel your exam:

• Cancel through the NCA portal before midnight ET the day before your exam. You will receive a refund minus a $100 CAD administrative fee.
• If you fail to cancel and do not appear for the exam, you forfeit the entire $500 CAD exam fee.
• A cancellation does not count as one of your three attempts. You may write each NCA subject up to three times (one attempt plus two re-writes). A fourth attempt requires a written application under NCA Policies section 17.2. Cancelling and rescheduling does not use an attempt. Source: nca.legal.

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The "Am I Ready?" Final Checklist (Night Before)

Knowledge:

• Can write the Vavilov framework from memory in under 3 minutes
• Can write the Oakes test steps from memory
• Can write the Baker factors from memory
• 10-second test passed: can locate any framework in notes in under 10 seconds
• Answer template structure can be recalled without looking at notes

Materials:

• Notes tabbed with sticky-note tabs at every major section
• Statutory extracts printed (relevant Charter sections, case references)
• Answer templates in a clear sheet protector
• No electronic notes, no laptop files relied upon — hard copy only

Technical:

• MonitorEDU system test completed before 6:00 p.m. ET today
• Paradigm Testing secure browser freshly downloaded and working
• Phone charged, phone charger at desk
• Computer plugged in, computer charger at desk
• Extension cord accessible
• Extra monitors disconnected
• VPN off, personal computer confirmed
• Internet connection speed tested at 3 Mbps+ upload/download
• Chrome/Safari/Firefox updated — Edge and IE will not work
• Pop-up blocker off, cookies enabled
• Teams, Zoom, Slack, Skype, Webex closed — not minimised
• Gmail account accessible on your phone, Google Meet installed
• Exam start time confirmed in NCA portal
• Government-issued photo ID at desk

Physical:

• 7+ hours sleep scheduled — this is more valuable than any additional review
• Comfortable clothes laid out
• Water bottle ready (clear, no label)
• Breakfast planned (light, protein)

Mental:

• I have completed the preparation — the work is done
• I understand the exam format and sequestering rules
• I know my proctor connection URL: takemytest.live/can-all-organizations
• If I fail, I know my options: free exam review in 3–4 weeks, or appeal within 2 weeks of review access
• One exam does not define my legal career. I have prepared. I am ready.

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Related Guides

• How many hours to study for the NCA exam
• Why short notes beat 300-page notes in an open-book exam
• NCA pass criteria: what score you actually need
• The complete NCA process timeline

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Study Notes

Notes built to clear every NCA subject.

Precision study notes for all 5 NCA subjects — Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Foundations of Canadian Law, and Professional Responsibility. Built for internationally trained lawyers.

Browse My Notes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What proctoring system does the NCA use? +

The NCA uses MonitorEDU, operated through Paradigm Testing's secure browser platform. MonitorEDU is not the NCA system — do not search for it. On exam day, connect with your proctor at takemytest.live/can-all-organizations. For technical questions, contact MonitorEDU's live chat.

When must I complete the MonitorEDU system test? +

No later than 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time the day before your first exam. Visit monitoredu.com/faq and run the pre-check on the exact computer and browser you will use for the exam. You must have the secure browser already downloaded before beginning the system test.

Do I need to download the secure browser before every exam? +

Yes. The Paradigm Testing secure browser must be downloaded fresh before each NCA exam you write — even if you have written previous NCA exams. Remove any previous version first, then download the current version from clients.paradigmtesting.com. This is an official NCA requirement, not a suggestion.

Can I use a tablet to write my NCA exam? +

No. Tablets — including hybrids like the Microsoft Surface Pro — cannot be used to write NCA exams. You must use a laptop or desktop computer. Your tablet or phone can serve as the second camera device for monitoring purposes only.

Does the exam clock stop during breaks? +

No. The 3-hour exam clock continues to run during any break. If you need a break, notify your proctor first and wait for their permission before stepping away. Plan your time accordingly — breaks should be brief and infrequent.

What happens if I cancel my NCA exam? +

Cancel before midnight ET the day before and you receive a refund minus a $100 CAD administrative fee. Fail to cancel and fail to appear, and you forfeit the entire $500 CAD exam fee. Crucially, a cancellation does not count as one of your three attempts — you can reschedule and try again without penalty to your attempt count.

Can I use a VPN during my NCA exam? +

No. Do not write your NCA exam on a device connected to a corporate VPN or corporate-managed network. These create technical conflicts with MonitorEDU. Disconnect from any VPN before contacting your proctor. Use a personal computer on a home internet connection.

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