Bar exams
Since February 2025, the NSW Bar Examination has moved to an open book format where candidates are permitted to bring into the exam any hard copy materials they choose. 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 2026
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February 2026 |
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Registration Open Registration Close |
Monday, 3 November 2025 (Midday) Monday, 1 December 2025 (Midday) |
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Sydney Candidates Distance Candidates |
Thursday, 12 February 2026 Wednesday, 11 February 2026 |
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Results |
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June 2025 |
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Registration Open Registration Close |
Monday, 30 March 2026 (Midday) Monday, 27 April 2026 (Midday) |
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Sydney Candidates Distance Candidates |
Thursday, 11 June 2026 Wednesday, 10 June 2026 |
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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 online via our website.
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.
Registration Fee
A fee of $795.00 is payable upon completion of registration. This includes a $100.00 licence fee paid to ExamSoft for the online component of the examination.
The registration fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. Please note that even in the event where an exception is made and exam fees ($695.00) are refunded the Examsoft Licence fee ($100.00) will not be refunded.
The exam fees maybe waived or reduced where it is considered that payment could cause financial hardship. An application for a fee reduction or waiver should be addressed to the executive director and should set out the reasons for the application - for example, if you are a holder of a current Commonwealth concession card; or details of your current financial situation. The Association has the discretion to grant (or refuse) all fee waiver/ reduction applications.
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.
| Title | Date | Time |
| Introductory Lecture & Exam Techniques | Wednesday, 5 November 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
| Evidence | Monday, 10 November 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
| Ethics | Monday, 17 November 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
| Criminal P&P | Wednesday, 19 November 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
| Public Tutorial - Exam Techniques | Wednesday, 26 November 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
| Civil P&P | Monday, 1 December 2025 | 5.00 - 6.00 PM |
Registrations are open. Please register for your preffered event/s HERE.
Upon registration for the 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 June 2025 Bar Exam passrate was 49%. The average passrate for all exams since 2018 is 41%.
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 16/10/2025
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