NCA Exam Development Committee Members Overview & Application

The Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) is a non-profit organization that delivers Bar admission programs in Alberta, British Columbia (beginning September 2026), Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. CPLED also works with the National Committee on Accreditation (“NCA”) to support the development of learning resources and assessments for internationally trained lawyers seeking their Certificate of Qualification from the NCA.

CPLED is seeking several Exam Development Committee members (lawyers) as part of the CPLED Project Team working with the NCA on the development of new assessment tools. In this independent contractor role, Exam Development Committee members will review content outlines and assessment items for core subjects of Canadian law.

Committee members may be educators and/or practitioners with at least 2 years of experience and may sit on one or more exam panels. Preference will be given to applicants who can attend all three parts of the review process, as described in the table below.

    ExamPart 1: Content Outline Review & Topic WeightingPart 2: Question Review and ValidationPart 3: Key Validation & Standard Setting
Canadian Public Law 1 Foundations of LawConstitutional Law5 hours in June/26; includes 60-min sessions on June 8 and 15 at 1:00 pm MT / 3:00 pm ET 15 hours Oct–Nov 202615 hours Feb–Mar 2027
Canadian Public Law 2 Criminal LawAdministrative Law5 hours in June/26; includes 60-min sessions on June 9 and 16 at 1:00 pm MT / 3:00 pm ET15 hours Nov–Dec 202615 hours Mar–Apr 2027
Canadian Private Law Contract LawTort LawProperty Law5 hours in June/26; includes 60-min sessions on June 10 and 17 at 11:30 am MT / 1:30 pm ET15 hours Jan–Feb 202715 hours Apr–May 2027
Ethics & Professional Responsibility  5 hours in June/26; includes 60-min sessions on June 11 and 18 at 11:30 am MT / 1:30 pm ET15 hours Feb–Mar 202715 hours May–Jun 2027

Please note that the number of hours indicated in the above table are estimates only and may vary depending on the exam subjects, the number or type of exam questions, and other variables. Exact dates/times for Part 2 and 3 activities will be set once committees are established, and members will be canvassed for availability.

Accountabilities

As members of the Project Team, Exam Development Committee members will work under the guidance of the project team’s Psychometrician, and with the support of the Content Development Lead and Instructional Designer.

Accountabilities for this role include the following:

  • Review and evaluate content outlines and multiple-choice questions developed, following training and guidance provided by the Psychometrician and Instructional Designer.
  • Participate in assessment pilot testing and standard-setting processes, including reviewing data and determining appropriate passing scores.
  • Collaborate effectively with the Project Team and fellow committee members to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
  • Maintain confidentiality and protect the integrity of the materials developed.
  • Act in the best interest of the NCA as it seeks to modernize the assessment of ITLs.

Undertake other related duties as assigned in support of the project objectives.

Education/Qualifications/Experience

  • Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from a recognized institution.
  • One of the following, but not necessarily both:
    • Appointment as Faculty at a Canadian law school (including Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor).
    • Called to the Bar of a Canadian province or territory (active practicing status is an asset but not required).
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching or practicing in one or more areas involving foundational Canadian law subjects (e.g., torts, contracts, property, criminal, constitutional, admin, etc.).

Ability to work independently as a contractor while contributing effectively to a collaborative, interdisciplinary project team.

Compensation

Compensation for Exam Development Committee Members:

  • Part 1: $500 per exam
  • Part 2: $1,500 per exam
  • Part 3: $1,500 per exam

To apply for this opportunity, complete the form below and submit.

Questions? Email Karmen Masson at karmen.masson@cpled.ca.