Conveyancing Exam Preparation
Updated: 4 days ago
If you are preparing for the Conveyancing Examination, it is important to understand the structure of the examination, know what each paper covers and work from the latest information published by the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
The Conveyancing Examination is separate from the competency-based examinations for candidate attorneys. It assesses the knowledge and practical competence required in conveyancing practice.
This article provides a brief overview of the examination and points you towards the resources you can use when preparing.
1. Understanding the Conveyancing Examination
The Conveyancing Examination is conducted in terms of the Legal Practice Act and forms part of the requirements applicable to attorneys seeking to practise as conveyancers.
The current LPC syllabus provides for two written papers, which are written on separate days. The first is a theory paper and the second is a practical drafting paper.
The examination is therefore not limited to knowing the law. Candidates must also demonstrate that they can apply conveyancing theory and procedure in practice.
2. Know Your Papers
Paper 1: Theory
The theory paper consists of short questions and is designed to test candidates' knowledge of the law, practice and procedure applicable to conveyancing. The current syllabus identifies, among other things:
Relevant statutes and ordinances
Practice directives
Circulars issued by the Chief Registrar of Deeds
Relevant circulars issued by the Master of the High Court
Decided cases applicable to conveyancing
Conference Resolutions
The theory paper carries 100 marks and is a two-hour paper, with 15 minutes of reading time before the examination.
Paper 2: Practical Drafting
The practical drafting paper tests a candidate's ability to apply conveyancing theory and procedure to practical situations.
The current syllabus indicates that candidates may be required to demonstrate competence in drafting documents such as:
Powers of attorney
Deeds
Certificates
Applications
Consents
Agreements
Other conveyancing documents
The practical paper carries 200 marks and is a four-hour paper, with 15 minutes of reading time.
The LPC's 2025 practical paper also required documents to comply with the requirements of the Deeds Registries Act and Regulations, as if they were intended for lodgement in a Deeds Registry.
Important: The examples above are intended to give you an overview. They are not an exhaustive list of examinable content. Always consult the current LPC syllabus.
3. Use the Current LPC Syllabus
The current LPC syllabus should be your starting point when preparing for the examination. Do not rely exclusively on:
Old notes
Previous candidates' advice
Older examination papers
Outdated preparation material
Information from previous examination cycles
The law and conveyancing practice can change. The current syllabus tells you what material and authorities are relevant to the applicable examination.
4. What Kind of Knowledge Is Relevant?
The examination covers the law, practice and procedure of conveyancing. This includes relevant legal principles, legislation, case law, procedural requirements, deeds registration requirements and practical conveyancing skills. This is not an exhaustive list of examinable material. Use the current LPC syllabus and prescribed material to determine the full scope of the examination.
5. The Practical Drafting Paper
The practical paper is an important part of the examination because it tests whether you can apply conveyancing law and procedure rather than simply explain it.
The current LPC syllabus specifically describes the practical paper as testing the application of conveyancing theory and procedure to practice, including the drafting of powers of attorney, deeds and certificates.
For the detailed examinable content and requirements, always refer to the current LPC syllabus.
6. Useful Resources
Useful resources may include:
The current LPC syllabus
Relevant legislation
Deeds Registries Act and Regulations
Chief Registrar of Deeds circulars
Relevant Master of the High Court circulars
Practice directives
Conference Resolutions
Relevant case law
Reliable legal research databases
For a broader list of legislation, case law, legal databases and other research tools, see Useful Legal Resources for Exam Preparation.
7. Past Examination Papers
Past examination papers can help you familiarise yourself with previous questions and the format and practical nature of the examination.
However, they should be used alongside the current LPC syllabus and current law.
An older paper may reflect legislation, case law, circulars or procedures that have since changed. Do not assume that a topic or drafting exercise that appeared in a previous examination will necessarily appear again.
The LPC has published previous Conveyancing Examination papers, including the April 2025 Paper 1 and Paper 2.
See Past Exam Papers for available examination papers and guidance on using them responsibly.
8. Additional Examination Preparation
Some candidates choose to supplement their preparation with additional classes, revision programmes or other examination preparation resources.
If you are considering additional assistance, see Choosing an Examination Preparation Provider for guidance on what to consider when selecting a provider.
9. After the Examination
Once you have completed the examination, your next steps will depend on your results and the requirements applicable to your admission and enrolment as a conveyancer.
For information about what happens after receiving your results, see:
or
Keep Your Information Current
The requirements for the Conveyancing Examination can change. Before relying on notes, examination papers or advice from previous candidates, check the latest information published by the Legal Practice Council.
Know the current requirements. Understand the theory. Be prepared to apply it in practice.
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