Advocates' Board Exam Preparation
Updated: 4 days ago
If you are preparing for the Advocates' Admission Examination, it is important to understand the examination structure, know where to find the current requirements and work from the latest information published by the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
The advocates' admission examination is separate from the competency-based examinations for admission as an attorney. The LPC's current examination schedule provides for five papers for the Advocates' Admission Examination.
This article provides an overview of the examination and points you towards the resources you should use when preparing. For general examination preparation advice, see our separate How to Prepare for the Board Exams article.
1. Understanding the Advocates' Admission Examination
The Advocates' Admission Examination forms part of the professional requirements applicable to candidates seeking admission as advocates.
Candidates should also be familiar with the broader requirements relating to practical vocational training, admission and enrolment. The LPC provides separate information and forms for pupils, including information relating to Practical Vocational Training.
The examination currently consists of five papers, written over several examination days. The LPC's 2026 examination schedule provides for Papers 1 and 2 on the first examination day, Papers 3 and 4 on the second, and Paper 5 on the final examination day.
2. Know Your Papers
The five papers of the Advocates' Admission Examination cover the following broad areas:
Paper 1: Motion Court Proceedings and ICT
This paper covers motion court proceedings together with information and communication technology-related content.
Candidates should consult the current LPC syllabus and reading material for the precise scope of the examinable content.
Paper 2: Trial Court Proceedings and ADR
This paper covers trial court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
The current examination material should be used to determine the specific topics, authorities and requirements applicable to the paper.
Paper 3: Criminal Procedure
This paper focuses on criminal procedure.
Candidates should use the current LPC syllabus and prescribed reading material to identify the applicable legislation, rules, case law and procedural requirements.
Paper 4: Ethics, Constitutional Law and Customary Law
This paper covers professional ethics, constitutional law and customary law.
These areas should be studied with reference to the current LPC requirements and the relevant primary sources of law.
Paper 5: Legal Writing and Drafting
This paper focuses on legal writing and drafting.
The LPC publishes examination material for this paper, and candidates should pay careful attention to the current requirements and instructions applicable to the assessment.
Important: The descriptions above are intended as a general overview. They are not a substitute for the current LPC syllabus or prescribed reading lists. Always check the latest LPC material before deciding what is examinable.
3. Use the Current LPC Syllabus
Your first point of reference should always be the current LPC examination information and applicable syllabus. Do not rely solely on:
old notes;
information from previous candidates;
older examination papers;
preparation material from previous years; or
advice that may have applied to an earlier examination structure.
The LPC's examination information and notices should be checked regularly because examination dates, requirements and other arrangements may change.
4. What Kind of Knowledge Is Relevant?
The examination covers the areas set out in the applicable LPC syllabus. Depending on the paper, this includes legal principles, legislation, case law, procedure, professional requirements and practical legal skills.
Do not treat this list as an indication that other material is unimportant. The current LPC syllabus and prescribed reading material should be your guide to what you need to know.
5. Use Reliable Legal Resources
Once you know what you need to cover, make sure you are using reliable sources. These may include:
legislation;
case law;
court rules;
practice directives;
constitutional and statutory materials;
LPC materials; and
reputable legal research databases.
For a broader list of legal research resources, see Useful Legal Resources for Exam Preparation.
6. Use Past Examination Papers Carefully
Past examination papers can help you familiarise yourself with previous questions and the way examinations have been structured.
However, an old examination paper should never be treated as a substitute for the current syllabus.
Law changes. Examination requirements can change. The fact that a topic appeared in a previous paper does not mean that it will necessarily appear again. Use past papers alongside the current LPC material and current law.
See Past Exam Papers for more information.
7. Additional Examination Preparation
Some candidates may choose to supplement their preparation with additional classes, revision programmes or other examination preparation resources.
If you are considering this option, see Choosing an Examination Preparation Provider for guidance on what to consider when selecting a provider.
8. After the Examination
Once you have completed the examination, your next steps will depend on your results and your broader admission requirements.
For information about what happens after receiving your results, see:
or
Keep Your Information Current
The requirements for admission as an advocate, the examination arrangements and the applicable materials may change.
Before relying on information found online, check the latest information published by the Legal Practice Council. This is particularly important if you are using notes, examination papers or preparation material from previous years.
A Final Reminder
The Advocates' Admission Examination is only one part of the broader professional journey towards admission and practice.
Use the current LPC requirements as your starting point, understand what each paper covers and make sure that the material you rely on is current.
Know the requirements. Use the current sources. Prepare from the current syllabus.
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