Choosing an Exam Preparation Provider
Updated: 4 days ago
Preparing for a professional examination can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are trying to work out what to study, which materials to use and how to prepare for the practical aspects of the examination.
You do not necessarily need to use an examination preparation provider. Some candidates prefer to study independently, while others benefit from structured classes, additional notes, revision sessions or guidance from someone with experience in the examinations.
If you decide to use additional preparation, the goal should not simply be to find the most popular course. You should find a resource that is current, relevant to your examination and suited to your needs.
1. Do You Need an Examination Preparation Provider?
There is no single approach that works for every candidate. You may choose to:
study independently using the LPC syllabus and legal resources;
attend a structured examination preparation course;
attend additional classes for particular papers;
work with a tutor or practitioner;
use revision or finishing workshops; or
combine independent study with additional preparation.
Consider your own circumstances before deciding. Ask yourself:
Do I understand the syllabus?
Do I know what is expected in the examination?
Do I need help understanding particular subjects?
Would structured classes help me stay accountable?
Do I need additional help with practical work or drafting?
Do I have enough time to prepare independently?
What can I realistically afford?
A preparation provider can support your preparation, but no course can replace your own study and practice.
2. What Should You Look For?
Is the Material Based on the Current Syllabus?
Examination structures and syllabi can change. Make sure the preparation material is designed for the examination you are actually writing.
This is particularly important during the current transition to the LPC's new examination structure for attorneys. Candidates should confirm which syllabus and examination structure applies to them before registering for a course. (LPC)
Does It Cover the Relevant Examination?
Check exactly what the course covers. For example, preparation for the Attorneys' Admission Examinations is different from preparation for the Conveyancing Examination or Notarial Practice Examination.
Do not assume that a provider offering one type of examination preparation also prepares candidates for every other professional examination.
Are the Legal Materials Current?
Your preparation should take account of current legislation, case law, rules, regulations and other relevant legal developments.
Ask when the study materials were last updated.
Does It Include Practical Preparation Where Appropriate?
Some examinations require more than theoretical knowledge. Depending on the examination, you may need to prepare for:
drafting;
practical legal problems;
calculations;
procedural questions; or
applying legal principles to factual scenarios.
A useful preparation course should reflect the nature of the examination rather than simply provide large quantities of notes.
Does the Format Work for You?
Different providers may offer:
live classes;
online classes;
recorded lectures;
self-study materials;
revision sessions; or
a combination of these.
Choose a format that you are realistically able to use.
3. Questions to Ask Before You Register
Before paying for an examination preparation course, find out:
Which examination and paper does the course cover?
Is the material based on the current LPC syllabus?
When was the material last updated?
Are the classes live, recorded or self-study?
Are study materials included?
Is practical or drafting preparation included where relevant?
How long will I have access to the material?
Can I ask questions?
Are revision or finishing workshops available?
What are the fees?
Are there additional costs?
What happens if the examination requirements change?
Do not be afraid to ask questions before registering. You are paying for a preparation service, so you should understand what you are receiving.
4. Examination Preparation Providers and Resources
The resources below are provided as a starting point. Courses, dates, fees, availability and content may change, so always confirm the current information directly with the provider or organisation before registering.
Attorneys' Admission / Board Examinations:
Individual Preparation Providers
The following individuals have given Umthetho waseMzansi permission to share their contact details for candidates seeking additional preparation for the Attorneys' Admission Examinations.
Di Gibson
Focus: Attorneys' Admission / Board Examinations, Papers 1 & 3
Contact: digibson6@gmail.com
Kyle Kietzmann
Focus: Attorneys' Admission / Board Examinations, Paper 2
Contact: vzylprok@gmail.com
Stephen Manhenga
Focus: Attorneys' Admission / Board Examinations, Paper 4
Contact: [INSERT CONTACT DETAILS]
Amorette Gangal
Focus: Attorneys' Admission / Board Examinations, Papers 1 & 3
Contact: amorette@amordoctrina.co.za
L.E.A.D
L.E.A.D is the education and development division of the Law Society of South Africa and provides professional education and training for the legal profession. It offers examination-related training and resources, including preparation relevant to the professional examinations.
Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
Gawie le Roux Institute of Law offers preparation for the LPC's Attorneys' Admission Examinations, as well as separate courses and workshops for Conveyancing and Notarial examinations. Its examination courses are offered through different study options, including online lectures, recordings and self-study for certain courses.
NADEL Preparatory Classes
The National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) has offered preparatory and revision classes for candidate legal practitioners preparing for the Attorneys' Admission Examinations.
Check NADEL's current announcements for information about upcoming classes, dates and registration.
Shela - Your Lawyer Bestie
Shela - Your Lawyer Bestie provides legal education and examination-related content through YouTube. This may be useful as an additional learning resource, particularly for candidates looking for explanations and revision content.
Legal Practice Council
The Legal Practice Council is the official regulatory body responsible for the professional examination requirements. The LPC publishes examination information, syllabi, notices and other resources that candidates should consult when preparing for their examinations. The LPC may also communicate examination-related information or host discussions and information sessions closer to examination dates.
These should be treated as official information and guidance, rather than as a substitute for your own examination preparation.
A Note from the Founder
As the founder of Umthetho waseMzansi, I personally used some of the resources listed on this page while preparing for my Attorneys' Admission Examinations. They formed part of my own examination preparation and were resources that I found useful during my journey. I have included them because I believe they may be useful to other aspiring legal practitioners. However, everyone's preparation journey is different, and inclusion on this page should not be understood as a guarantee that a particular resource will be suitable for you or that it will guarantee a passing result. Do your research, consider your own needs and always make sure that your preparation material is aligned with the current LPC requirements.
Conveyancing Examination:
Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
Gawie le Roux offers a dedicated Conveyancing Examination course as well as a finishing workshop for candidates approaching the examination.
L.E.A.D
L.E.A.D may also offer relevant conveyancing examination preparation and training. Candidates should check its current programme for the examination cycle they intend to write.
Legal Practice Council
Always check the LPC's current Conveyancing Examination syllabus and examination notices before beginning your preparation.
Notarial Practice Examination:
Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
Gawie le Roux offers a dedicated Notarial Practice Examination course and a Notarial Examination finishing workshop.
L.E.A.D
L.E.A.D may offer relevant notarial examination preparation and training. Candidates should check its current programme for the examination cycle they intend to write.
Legal Practice Council
Candidates should always consult the current LPC Notarial Practice Examination syllabus and examination notices.
Advocates' Admission Examination:
Umthetho waseMzansi does not currently maintain a detailed list of preparation providers for the Advocates' Admission Examination.
If you are preparing for the Advocates' Admission Examination, start with the current LPC syllabus, examination notices and official requirements, and look specifically for preparation resources designed for the advocates' examination.
Are you an exam preparation provider for the Advocates' Admission Examinations, or do you know of someone who offers preparation classes or study resources?
We would love to hear from you! Help us expand our resources and connect aspiring advocates with exam preparation opportunities. Click here
5. Do Your Own Research
Before choosing a preparation provider or resource, compare your options. Consider:
the content of the course;
alignment with the current syllabus;
course format;
study materials;
practical components;
availability and schedule;
fees;
support provided; and
the experiences of previous candidates.
Remember that someone else's preferred provider may not necessarily be the right choice for you.
The most expensive course is not automatically the best course, and a cheaper course is not automatically inadequate.
Choose based on what you need from your preparation.
6. A Provider Is Not a Guarantee of a Pass
An examination preparation course can provide structure, guidance and additional resources, but it cannot guarantee that you will pass.
You still need to:
study the material;
understand the law;
keep your knowledge current;
practise applying legal principles;
practise drafting where required;
work through questions; and
prepare for the examination itself.
Your preparation provider should be part of your preparation strategy, not your entire strategy.
7. Be Careful With Outdated Material
This is particularly important when preparing for professional examinations.
An old set of notes, recorded lecture or past examination paper may still contain useful information, but it may also reflect:
legislation that has since changed;
amended rules;
different examination requirements;
outdated procedures; or
an older examination syllabus.
Always compare your preparation material against the current LPC requirements and syllabus.
Founder’s Personal Study Notes
As the founder of Umthetho waseMzansi, I have also included some of my own personal study notes as an archived resource. These notes were originally compiled from material taught by my law school (PLT) lecturers. I used them to prepare for my law school examinations and later returned to some of the same lecturers and their material when preparing for my board exams. For example, Kyle Kietzmann taught me Wills and Estates, and I returned to him when preparing for the board exams. Stephen Manhenga taught me Accounting, and I likewise returned to him when preparing for the board exams. I have included these notes because of how I simplified the material for myself. My aim was to take legal concepts and condense them into a format that I could understand, revise and remember more easily. Important: These are my personal study notes, not official Legal Practice Council study materials. They reflect how I understood and simplified the material at the time and have not been reviewed or endorsed by the LPC. The notes are provided as archived educational resources and are not regularly updated. The law, legislation, case law, rules, procedures and examination requirements may have changed since they were prepared. Do not use these notes as your sole or current source of legal information. Always compare them with the current LPC syllabus and verify the applicable law using current legislation, case law, rules and other authoritative sources.
Available notes:
Wills, Estates and Trusts | 2025 Archive:
High Court Practice | 2025 Archive:
Accounting / Attorneys’ Bookkeeping | 2025 Archive:
Drafting mnemonics | 2025 Archive:
Choosing What Works for You
There is no universal formula for examination preparation. Some candidates thrive in structured classes. Others prefer independent study. Some benefit from recorded lectures that they can revisit, while others learn better through live discussions and practical exercises.
The important thing is to make an informed decision.
Choose a preparation provider because it meets your needs, not simply because everyone else uses it.
And remember:
A preparation course can guide you. Your preparation is still your responsibility.
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