NCA Exam Dates · 2026 Schedule
NCA Exam Dates 2026: Complete Official Schedule
The NCA offers four exam sessions in 2026: January, April, June, and November. Below you will find exact dates, registration deadlines, results timelines, and a calculator showing how many days until your next session.
Subject-by-Subject Exam Calendar
Every NCA subject and its available exam dates across the three remaining 2026 sessions. Dates are based on published NCA schedules — always confirm at nca.legal.
| Subject |
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
Session 3 |
| Professional Responsibility |
May 4–7 |
Aug 4–7 |
Nov 3–6 |
| Criminal Law |
May 12–15 |
Aug 10–13 |
Nov 9–13 |
| Contract Law |
May 11 |
Sep 8 |
— |
| Evidence Law |
May 26 |
Aug 25 |
— |
| Property Law |
Jun 1 |
Oct 20 |
— |
| Administrative Law |
Jun 2–5 |
Aug 31–Sep 3 |
Nov 17–20 |
| Family Law |
Jun 9 |
Sep 8 |
— |
| Constitutional Law |
Jul 7–10 |
Oct 5–8 |
— |
| Foundations of Canadian Law |
Jul 14–17 |
Oct 13–16 |
— |
A dash (—) indicates the subject is not offered in that session. Registration typically closes 6 weeks before the exam date. See individual session cards below for registration deadlines.
Important notes about NCA exam dates
These dates are based on historical NCA exam scheduling and information published at nca.legal. Always verify the exact dates with the NCA directly before registering. The NCA occasionally adjusts session dates.
- Registration closes approximately 6 weeks before the exam session. Late registration may not be available. Register early.
- Each subject is a separate exam. You can register for multiple subjects in the same session. Exams are typically scheduled on different days within the session week.
- Results take 10–12 weeks. Plan your subject sequencing with this delay in mind — if you need one result to inform whether to register for a follow-up subject, you may need to wait for the next session.
- You get 3 attempts per subject before a formal re-assessment is required.
- The Indigenous Law competency (mandatory since March 2026) is a separate requirement, not an NCA exam — it can be completed at any time alongside your NCA exams.
- LRW (Legal Research and Writing) is separate from the challenge exams and has its own registration and deadline schedule.
See also: NCA Cost Calculator — estimate your total cost to qualify based on number of subjects. · NCA Preparation Checklist — track every milestone from assessment to exam day.
Once you have your NCA Certificate of Qualification, the next step depends on your province. See our province guides: Ontario (LSO) · British Columbia (LSBC) · Alberta (LSA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NCA exam sessions are there in 2026?
The NCA offers four exam sessions in 2026: January, April, June, and November. Not every session may be available in every year — always check nca.legal for the current confirmed schedule.
When do NCA exam results come out?
NCA exam results typically take 10–12 weeks from the exam date. For a January exam, expect results in April. For April exams, expect results in July. Results are published to your NCA portal account and you receive an email notification.
Can I register for multiple NCA exams in one session?
Yes. There is no formal limit on how many subjects you register for in a single session. Most candidates write 2–3 subjects per session. Writing more than 3 significantly increases the risk of failing at least one. Each exam is registered and paid for separately.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
Late registration is not always available. If you miss the registration deadline, you will typically need to wait for the next session. Contact the NCA directly if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.
Can I withdraw from an NCA exam after registering?
The NCA has a withdrawal policy with deadlines and associated fees. Check the NCA's current policies at nca.legal — withdrawal close to the exam date may result in forfeiture of the exam fee.
Are NCA exams in-person or online?
NCA exams are online-proctored via MonitorEDU. You write from your own location with a webcam, microphone, and the secure Paradigm Testing browser. Hard copy materials are permitted — no digital notes or internet access during the exam.
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