Candidates will complete the examination by typing their answers on a laptop computer and will need to download proprietary security software to sit the examinations.

A link and unique ID will be provided to all candidates no later than 1 week after registration close, to download the proprietary security software. All candidates are required to download the software to ensure their laptops meet the minimum system requirements. Check Minimum System Requirements

NOTE THE LAPTOP REGISTRATION PROCESS HAS CHANGED FROM FEBRUARY 2021

Laptop Registration Process

(candidates who select to hire a NSWBA Laptop will need to complete steps 1-3 only on a separate device)

(1) Payment of fees at time of exam registration;

(2) Installation and Registration of the Examplify software;

(3) Candidates must download the ExamSoft Instruction file, complete the tutorial and upload their answer file by the published date; and

(4) Download the (2) exam files (AM & PM) (date provided on candidate noticeboard), there will be no late applications accepted thereafter.

A Mock Exam is provided to candidates using Examplify after step 3 of the Laptop Registration Process has been completed. Once the candidate enters the Mock Exam they cannot attempt this again, they must complete the Mock Exam in one sitting once the password has been entered. The Mock exam is not marked and no feedback is given.

If your approved laptop computer has technical issues after registration close and you cannot find a replacement immediately, candidates will be required to pay the $150 laptop hire fee.

On the day of the examination, 2 question papers (1 for each sitting) will be provided to each candidate and they will be required to type all answers into the software.

At the end of each examination session, candidates will be required to submit their answers electronically before exiting the exam room.

Interstate and overseas candidates will sit under the same examination conditions and will be required to follow the same process as Sydney based candidates.

PREPARING FOR BAR EXAMS

Upon registering for the Bar exam, candidates are provided with a login to the exam candidate noticeboard (password protected) to access reading lists and regular communication. From February 2025, the exams are open book whereby candidates are permitted to bring into the exam any hard copy materials they choose.

Examination lectures and tutorials are also offered by the Bar Association in the month of registration, please refer to the schedule here.

The Bar Association does not endorse courses provided by bodies other than the Bar Association.

DISTANCE CANDIDATES

Candidates may apply as 'distance candidates' if qualified by one of the following:

1) Candidates who live more than 100km's from Sydney city;

2) Candidates who reside Interstate;

3) Candidates who reside Overseas.

Please refer to the Distance Candidates - Examination Requirements for further information.

Distance candidates are required to return a signed undertaking and separate undertaking on behalf of their supervisor. Please download and return to exams@nswbar.asn.au before the registration deadline.

Please download Supervisor Undertaking

Please download Candidate Undertaking

PLEASE NOTE NEW PROCESS - As part of your distance application, candidates will be required to supply a signed Statutory Declaration from their exam supervisor confirming their identity as well as their status as a distance candidate (ie. Confirming your address and application to sit as a distance candidate is true).

This must be submitted to exams@nswbar.asn.au where it will be verified, following this, distance candidates will be notified by exams@nswbar.asn.au of their Approval Status to sit as a distance candidate.

In addition to the above documents, candidates must successfully register for the examination including full payment.

DISABILITY, INJURY OR CONDITION PROVISIONS

Candidates should refer to the Bar Examination Policy before submitting their application.

Documentation is required at time of registration. Failure to provide documentation at the time of registration may result in the NSWBA being unable to accommodate your specific requirements. If you have further questions, please contact exams@nswbar.asn.au

Candidates must provide:

· A detailed written application that clearly indicates the provisions for which the candidate is applying, indicating how the disability affects the candidate in examination situations.

· Evidence of the disability in the form of a medical report with the appropriate diagnosis.

· A current medical or other relevant specialist's report which clearly states why the candidate needs the provision/s and what those provisions should be.

· The following form must also be completed & emailed to exams@nswbar.asn.au

Provision Application Form

Requests for Transfer

Certain candidates may be eligible to request a transfer to the next sitting (June 2025). Applications can be made via email to exams@nswbar.asn.au and are reviewed by the Director for Professional Standards and Support. Each application is made on a case by case basis and granted at the Director's discretion.

Applications for transfer will only be considered on the basis of extenuating circumstances or medical grounds (supporting documentation is required). Successful candidates will be contacted via email and invited to re-register when the following exam registrations open.

Transfers are offered once and can only be used for the consecutive sitting. They are non-transferrable to later sittings. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure their personal details (including their email address) are updated with the NSW Bar Association, and to register as a transfer candidate when their invitation to register is received.