National Bar Examination

The National Bar Examination is the final professional assessment before enrolment on the Roll of Lawyers. It is administered by the National Bar Examination Committee.

About the Examination

The National Bar Examination (NBE) is the final professional assessment that a person must pass before qualifying for enrolment on the Roll of Lawyers. It is administered by the National Bar Examination Committeeestablished under Section 65 of Act 1170.

The examination is designed to give effect to the objectives and intended learning outcomes of Law Practice Training, using a variety of assessment methods appropriate to the nature, level and objectives of the examination.

The National Bar Examination Committee determines the manner and period within which the examination shall be conducted, and sets the standard and format under Section 72.

Administered by
National Bar Examination Committee
Prerequisite
LLB degree + Law Practice Training Certificate
Certificate issued
Qualifying Certificate (upon passing)
Re-sit
Permitted on payment of prescribed fee (s.73)
Committee tenure
4 years; eligible for one renewal
Legal basis
Act 1170 · s.69–73

Who May Sit the Examination

Standard Pathway

  • Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an institution accredited by CLET
  • Holds a Law Practice Training Certificate from an accredited institution

Alternative Pathway

A person who has successfully completed the Post-Call Law Course administered by the Ghana School of Law, where that person:

  • Qualifies to practise law in a country with a system analogous to Ghana's with a reciprocal arrangement
  • Is a citizen and has satisfied educational assessments for admission to practise in such a country

Examination Subjects

Unless otherwise determined by unanimous decision of the Council, the National Bar Examination covers the following areas of law.

Civil Procedure

Including the law of evidence in respect of proof in civil litigation

Criminal Procedure

Including the law of evidence in respect of criminal trials

Advocacy, Ethics & Practice of Law

Including law practice management, basic accountancy and professional responsibility

Conveyancing and Drafting

Legal drafting, conveyancing instruments and related documents

Law of Evidence

Principles and rules of evidence applicable in Ghanaian courts

Examination Standards

Standard & Format

The National Bar Examination Committee shall set the standard and format for the conduct of the National Bar Examination. The examination shall be designed to give effect to the objectives and intended learning outcomes of the National Bar Examination.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods shall provide an adequate and fair basis for determining whether a student has achieved the objectives and intended learning outcomes, and test the ability of students to employ knowledge of fundamental principles of law to solve practical legal issues.

Re-sitting the Examination

A person who fails the National Bar Examination may, subject to the payment of the prescribed fee, re-sit the National Bar Examination. The Council shall prescribe rules to govern the re-sit of the National Bar Examination.

Act 1170 · Section 73