Bar exams
The NSW Bar Examination will move to an open book format where candidates are permitted to bring into the exam any hard copy materials they choose. This will commence from February 2025. Please see our Preparing for the Bar Exams page for more information.
For returning candidates, please ensure to re-read all information and links provided on this page to ensure you are up to date with our policies and new procedures.
Examination Dates 2025
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February 2025 |
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Registration Open Registration Close |
Monday, 4 November 2024 (Midday) Monday, 2 December 2024 (Midday) |
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Sydney Candidates Distance Candidates |
Thursday, 13 February 2025 Wednesday, 12 February 2025 |
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Results |
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June 2025 |
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Registration Open Registration Close |
Monday, 31 March 2025 (Midday) Monday, 28 April 2025 (Midday) |
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| Exam Registration | June 25 Rego Site. | |
| Lecture Series | Click here to register for Lectures and Tutorials | |
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Sydney Candidates Distance Candidates |
Thursday, 12 June 2025 Wednesday, 11 June 2025 |
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Results |
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General Information
The distinctive feature of practice at the bar is advocacy before the courts and tribunals. Accordingly, the Bar Council sets an exam in subjects related specifically to advocacy: legal ethics for barristers; aspects of evidence; and practice and procedure for barristers. Admission to the Supreme Court is not a pre-requisite for sitting the Bar Exam, but it is necessary to pass this exam before commencing the Bar Practice Course. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bar Association Examination Policy and other professional development-related policies before registering.
Bar Association Examination Policy
Bar Examination Information Guide
Registration
The NSW Bar Exam is offered twice a year. Candidates are required to register. The registration fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Please ensure you have read the Bar Association Examination Policy, Bar Examination Information Guide and all relevant material before registering.
Overseas or interstate sittings may be arranged through the Professional Standards & Support Department: exams@nswbar.asn.au.
The NSW Bar Exam will move to an open book format from the February 2025 exam. Candidates are permitted to bring into the exam any hard copy materials they choose. From November 2024, the NSW Bar Association will offer open lectures and tutorials to both registered and prospective candidates the month of registration. We do not endorse courses provided by other organisations.
The current Lectures and Tutorial for the upcoming Bar Exam as are follows
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Title |
Date |
Time |
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Introductory Lecture & Exam Techniques |
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
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Civil P&P |
Thursday, 3 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
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Evidence |
Monday, 7 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
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Ethics |
Monday, 14 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
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Public Tutorial – Exam techniques |
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
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Criminal P&P |
Wednesday, 23 April 2025 |
5.00 – 6.00 PM |
If interested, please register here
Please note that these sessions will not be recorded but will be offered both in person and online*.
* Links to join the online sessions will be sent to the nominated email the morning of the lecture.
Upon registration, exam candidates are provided with a reading list and access to the Bar Exam Noticeboard. The examination is delivered electronically using ExamSoft software. For more information refer to our Information Guide.
Please note, we do not distribute preparatory materials to un-registered candidates.
Passing the Bar Exam
The pass mark is 75 per cent overall.
Passing the NSW Bar Exam does not entitle you to an NSW barrister's practising certificate. The Bar Practice Course must be undertaken within 15 months of passing the examination. For more information on the Bar Practice Course, please refer to our information page and Bar Practice Course Policy.
The February 2025 Bar Exam passrate was 38%. The average passrate for all exams since 2018 is 40.8%.
Exemptions
Applications for exemption from the Bar Exam should be directed to the Executive Director, in writing, detailing grounds for exemption supported by a curriculum vitae. Applications for exemptions are only considered in the context of a full Practicing Certificate application. For specific guidelines and further information regarding exemptions, please see our Exemption Policy.
Note: dates provided are in AEST and are subject to change.
Updated 16/04/2025
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