Comparison Tool
Ontario vs BC vs Alberta
After Your NCA
You passed the NCA. Now which province do you license in? Compare articling requirements, bar exams, costs, and timelines side by side — then take the quiz to find your best fit.
| Requirement |
Ontario
Law Society of Ontario
|
British Columbia
Law Society of BC
|
Alberta
Law Society of Alberta
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Law Society of Ontario (LSO) | Law Society of BC (LSBC) | Law Society of Alberta (LSA) |
| Articling Required? | Yes — 10 months | Yes — 9 months | Yes — 12 months |
| Alternative to Articling | Law Practice Program (LPP) at Toronto Metropolitan University — 4 months coursework + 4 months work placement | PLTC (Professional Legal Training Course) — 10-week course, required alongside articling | Articling only No LPP equivalent |
| Licensing Exam | Barrister Licensing Exam + Solicitor Licensing Exam (LSO) | PLTC final assessments + Call to the Bar requirements | Bar Admission Course — written exams in multiple areas |
| Good Character Requirement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Language Requirement | English | English or French | English |
| Approx. Total Cost After NCA | $8,000 – $14,000+ Licensing fees ~$4,000 + LPP ~$7,000 (if used) or articling (unpaid/low pay common) | $6,000 – $10,000 PLTC course ~$4,500 + application & call fees ~$2,000+ | $5,000 – $9,000 Bar Admission Course + articling application fees; lower cost of living than ON/BC |
| Processing Time After NCA | ~6–18 months | ~8–12 months | ~12–18 months |
| Size of Bar | Largest bar in Canada ~60,000+ licensees |
Second largest bar ~14,000+ licensees |
Third largest bar ~11,000+ licensees |
| Popular for ITLs? | Very Popular Most NCA candidates target ON |
Popular Growing demand in Vancouver |
Growing Less competition, strong economy |
Province Highlights
Largest market & most opportunities
Toronto is Canada's legal capital. If you want Big Law, Bay Street, or the widest range of practice areas, Ontario gives you the most options — but also the most competition for articling positions.
Speed to call & quality of life
BC's PLTC pathway is structured and predictable. Vancouver's legal market is growing rapidly. If you want a faster, clearer path to call and prefer the West Coast lifestyle, BC is compelling.
Lower competition & growing economy
Calgary and Edmonton offer strong opportunities in energy, corporate, and real estate law. The bar is smaller, competition for articling is lower, and the cost of living is more manageable than Toronto or Vancouver.
Which Province is Right for You?
Answer three quick questions and we'll highlight the province that best fits your situation.
Before You License
Pass the NCA first — with the notes this community uses
Before choosing a province, you need to pass your NCA subjects. Our structured notes are used by hundreds of candidates in all three provinces.
Browse NCA Notes →