Ontario Licensing Exams

Overview

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) sets the licensing examinations that candidates must pass to be licensed in Ontario. There are three exams: the barrister exam and the solicitor exam for lawyer candidates, and one paralegal exam for paralegal candidates. All three are self-study, multiple-choice, open-book exams. The LSO gives registered candidates online study materials, and you can print and mark them up and bring them into the exam room. Digital access to materials is not allowed there. You can write in English or French.

The exams are one part of the licensing process. This page covers only the exams, not the other parts of licensing.

Who can apply

Lawyer candidates must have:

• completed a common law program at a Canadian university approved by the LSO, or hold a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation

• applied to and be registered in the LSO lawyer licensing process as a licensing candidate

• registered for the exam by its deadline and paid the fees, or arranged a monthly payment plan

Paralegal candidates follow the same steps, except that they must have completed a paralegal education program accredited by the LSO.

You do not need to have secured articles before writing the lawyer exams. You may write one or both lawyer exams in the summer, fall or winter sittings.

Exam pattern

Each exam has four answer options per item with one best answer, and uses both stand-alone and case-based items. Items test three levels: recall of facts and rules, application to a situation, and critical thinking in complex situations. The exam is split into sections by area of law. A small number of unmarked trial items are included, and they are not identified.

On exam day, sittings start at 10 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m., you must arrive by 8:30 a.m. and be seated by 9:30 a.m., and you should allow at least 60 minutes after the end for security and exit procedures.

Syllabus

The LSO tests entry-level competencies, based on its published competency lists.

Barrister exam

• ethical and professional responsibilities

• knowledge of the law (Ontario and federal legislation and case law)

• establishing and maintaining the barrister-client relationship

• problem or issue identification, analysis and assessment

• alternative dispute resolution

• the litigation process

• practice management issues

Solicitor exam

• ethical and professional responsibilities

• knowledge of the law (Ontario and federal legislation, case law, policy, procedures and forms)

• establishing and maintaining the solicitor-client relationship

• fulfilling the retainer

• practice management issues

Paralegal exam

• ethical and professional responsibilities

• knowledge of Canadian law

• knowledge of civil litigation, administrative law and criminal and quasi-criminal law and procedure

• alternative dispute resolution

• the litigation process

• practice management issues

Marking and results

The exams are marked pass or fail. Your score is the number of correct answers, and there is no penalty for wrong or blank answers, so answer every item. An advisory group sets the pass mark for each exam, and it is the same for all versions of that exam. It is a single overall score, so you do not have to pass each section separately. Results come about eight weeks after the sitting.

You can write each exam up to three times during your licensing term. A fourth attempt is possible only if you apply within 60 days of the result and show extraordinary circumstances outside your control. Candidates who fail four times, or whose request for a fourth attempt is denied, are removed from the licensing process. A pass is kept for your whole licensing term.

If you fail, you get an exam profile about five business days after the result, showing performance by competency category. You can appeal within 10 business days of the result or of the profile being posted, whichever is later. The appeal decision is final. You can also request up to five hours of free tutoring before your next attempt in the same licensing term.

Important dates

Dates are for the 2026-27 licensing year and are subject to change.

The 2027-28 year starts with summer sittings, including the barrister exam on 8 June 2027 and the solicitor exam on 22 June 2027. Exams are held in person in Toronto and Ottawa, and locations outside Toronto have limited capacity.

Fees

Fees are in Canadian dollars, subject to taxes and to change.

• Barrister exam: $865

• Solicitor exam: $865

• Paralegal exam: $1,460

• Study materials for each exam: $100

If you defer or rewrite in a later licensing year, you must buy that year's updated study materials. Once materials are paid for and accessed, that fee is not refundable. Unexcused absences are not refunded.

How to apply

1. Apply to the LSO lawyer or paralegal licensing process and be accepted as a licensing candidate.

2. Log in to LSO Connects and register for the sitting you want, before its deadline.

3. Pay the exam fee and buy the study materials.

4. If you need accommodation, apply through the LSO. Request deadlines are listed for each sitting.

After the exam

Lawyer candidates who meet all licensing requirements receive licensing instructions about 10 business days after the result. They then choose administrative licensure or a ceremonial Call to the Bar, pay the licensing fee and complete the oath if applicable. Paralegal candidates get instructions to pay the licensing fee and take the oath in the same time frame. If you miss a sitting for serious illness or injury, you can ask for an excused absence and be moved to a later sitting.

Preparation tips

The LSO says its study materials cover everything examined, and that no outside material is needed. It does not endorse third-party prep courses. Open-book does not mean light preparation: organise your printed notes with tabs, summaries and an index so you can find answers quickly. Mark difficult items and return to them. The Guide to Licensing Examinations includes sample questions.

FAQs