A competency-based approach focuses on demonstrating skills required as an entry-level lawyer, rather than on achieving specific grades or putting in a particular number of hours. The public trusts that lawyers will not only know the law, but will have the skills, practical knowledge, and experience to help them resolve their issues and problems. A competent entry-level lawyer should be able to meet this expectation. To ensure consistent standards across the participating provinces, PREP is based on a competency profile for an entry-level practitioner.

PREP is a part-time program consisting of four distinct phases. The entire program is estimated to take between 280 to 300 hours to complete.

The total program cost for the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) is $6,100. What you may not know is this cost is partially subsidized by CPLED’s participating law societies. To view the detailed cost structure of PREP for this year, visit program cost.

The employer or the candidate may pay for the tuition, but the employer is under no obligation to cover the costs.

Payments can be made by, online bill payment, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or wire transfer. Visit the payment information page for all of the details on how to make a payment.

Proof of a Canadian common law degree or certificate of qualification (CQ) from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. CPLED will accept written confirmation from your law school that you have met all requirements of the degree (e.g. Dean’s letter) for Canadian common law degree holders. For holders of a foreign law degree, a National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) certificate must be provided by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. If you have not yet received your official NCA certificate, we will accept written confirmation from the Federation.

You must first complete the Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation.

Candidates with a Canadian common law degree or Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada may register and complete PREP without secured articles.  

PREP is intended to be completed while students are articling. However, students can enroll and complete PREP without secured articling.

Yes. PREP is a part-time program offered virtually with four phases where you will develop the competencies required to be admitted to the Bar as an entry-level lawyer. 

The PREP schedule is posted to the program schedule page of our website. Please note the schedule is subject to availability and change.

You can complete PREP in any of the CPLED participating jurisdictions.  

Candidates do not need to begin PREP right away; however, if they delay, they will have to adhere to a more stringent schedule. For a detailed schedule, visit program schedule.

The supported browsers are Chrome and Firefox. You must use one of these two browsers for FULL functionality in the learning environment. The Internet browser must be up to date (installed or updated within the last month). ​ A reliable high-speed internet connection is required. You must bring a laptop with a camera and microphone to all face-to-face sessions. You will be recording yourself and uploading assignments during these sessions. While you can access course materials through tablets and smartphones, laptops are recommended for uploading recordings and assignments.

PREP is delivered using the D2L platform and D2L conforms with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). However, if you experience any accessibility issues while completing PREP, please inform us at admin@cpled.ca so that we may investigate.

For more information on D2L’s accessibility features, review their Accessibility and Navigation in Brightspace Learning Environment – Learner Guide. 

PREP is not eligible for any type of student aid. 

Student loan funding is provided for full-time post-secondary level programs of study at designated educational institutions that are at least 12 weeks or more in length, leading to a certificate, diploma or degree and leads directly to employment.

Under federal student financial assistance regulations, additional practical or professional training offered by professional bodies, organizations or associations required for the practice of any trade or profession are not eligible for designation or for the provision of student aid.  

Refer to the PREP progression policy for more information.

Assessment results will be released to candidates approximately six weeks after the final Capstone session for that intake has concluded. For more information, refer to the PREP Capstone Evaluation policy.

If you are unsuccessful in achieving entry-level competence at your Capstone Evaluation, you will have an opportunity to attempt the Capstone Evaluation again. For more information, refer to the PREP Capstone Evaluation policy

Refer to the Program Schedule to view upcoming Capstone Evaluation offerings.