The National Bar Examination
The qualifying examination administered by the Committee for candidates seeking enrolment on the Roll of Lawyers of Ghana.
How and when the examination is held
The National Bar Examination Committee determines the manner and the period within which the National Bar Examination shall be conducted.
Who may sit the examination
A person qualifies to sit for the National Bar Examination if that person meets one of the following routes:
LLB & Law Practice Training
Holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Law Practice Training Certificate from an institution accredited by the Council for Legal Education.
Post-Call Law Course
Has successfully completed the Post-Call Law Course conducted by the Ghana School of Law.
What is examined
Unless otherwise determined by a unanimous decision of the Council, the areas of law to be examined include:
Civil Procedure
Including a component dealing with the law of evidence in respect of proof in civil litigation.
Criminal Procedure
Including a component covering the law of evidence in respect of criminal trials.
Advocacy, Ethics & Practice
Including law practice management, basic accountancy and professional responsibility.
Conveyancing & Drafting
The drafting of legal documents and instruments of conveyance.
Law of Evidence
The principles and rules governing the admissibility and proof of evidence.
Standards of the examination
The Committee sets the standard and format for the conduct of the examination, designed to give effect to its objectives and intended learning outcomes.
Variety of methods. The examination includes a variety of assessment methods appropriate to its nature, level and objectives.
Fair basis. Methods provide an adequate and fair basis for determining whether a student has achieved the objectives and intended learning outcomes.
Practical application. Methods test the ability of students to employ knowledge of fundamental principles of law to solve practical legal issues.
If a candidate does not pass
A person who fails the National Bar Examination may, subject to the payment of the prescribed fee, re-sit the examination. The Council prescribes the rules that govern the re-sit.