NSW Bar Exam

It is a closed-book written examination made up of short-answer and longer problem-style questions. You are given a factual scenario and must identify the issues, state the applicable principle and its source, apply it, and reach a conclusion. Answers are handwritten or typed under supervised conditions.

The official body publishes the current structure, timing and question allocation for each examination round. Those details change from time to time, so check the admitting authority's website for the definitive figures rather than relying on second-hand accounts from earlier years.

It is demanding because it tests application rather than recall, and the closed-book setting rewards candidates who have practised writing under pressure. The passing standard is set by the official body, which publishes the current requirements. Treat any pass mark quoted by a fellow candidate as unverified.

Retake and re-sit arrangements are governed by the admitting authority's rules and can change. The official body publishes the current policy on repeat attempts, timing and any conditions attached. Confirm your position directly with that body before you plan a second attempt.

Start with the two heavily weighted areas, civil and criminal procedure and evidence, because they reward repeated drilling. Then rotate through contracts and torts, equity and trusts, and property, keeping ethics and constitutional law in short weekly cycles so they stay fresh. Finish with full timed papers.

Write full answers under timed conditions rather than outlining them. Then mark your own work against the issues you missed and rewrite the answer. The gain comes from the rewrite: it exposes whether you actually know the rule or merely recognise it when you see it.

The usual causes are running out of time because they over-write early questions, reciting law without applying it to the facts, missing a second issue hidden in the scenario, and neglecting the lower-weighted subjects entirely. Ethics and constitutional law are common sources of avoidable lost marks.

Most candidates treat preparation as a full-time commitment over several months, but the right amount depends on your background and how recently you studied each area. Build a schedule around timed practice and feedback rather than reading, and protect time for the subjects you find least familiar.

No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the admitting authority or any professional body. Always rely on the official website for eligibility, fees, dates, format and results.