Advisories NCA Announces Modernized Assessment Framework
Beginning in 2028, the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) will implement the updated assessment framework. In 2027, current applicants may be eligible to opt-in to certain modernized examinations.
NCA applicants who have already received their Assessment Decision may continue to follow the requirements set out in their assessment report. As implementation of the modernized tools continues, these applicants will also receive information about eligibility criteria and transition details.
The modernized framework will assess applicants over five exams and three courses using a variety of tools, including oral, written, and multiple-choice assessments.
The NCA continually reviews its certification processes to ensure fairness, transparency, and relevance with the latest amendments to the National Requirement, standards set out by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (the “Federation”).
The NCA Competency Profile, which serves as the foundation for the modernized assessment framework, translates the requisite skills set out in the National Requirement, into assessable competencies. It has been validated through a large-scale survey of experienced legal professionals and recent NCA certificate holders. Altogether, it is a considered evolution of existing process, built on a decade of research in competency-based education and expert review.
We will provide further information and guidance regarding implementation as it progresses. NCA applicants will have the opportunity to register for and learn more in upcoming webinars, the first to be held on Thursday, December 10 2026 at 12 – 1 p.m. EST.
Please direct any questions to NCA@flsc.ca.