Before diving into the details, it's important to understand that the bar exam process in Ontario consists of two exams: the Barrister Exam and the Solicitor Exam.
Each is designed to assess your readiness to practice law in Ontario, testing both legal knowledge and your ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.
Each of the two licensing exams is:
4 hours and 30 minutes long - Composed of 160 multiple-choice questions
The Barrister Exam covers:
Criminal law
Family law
Public law
Civil litigation
The Solicitor Exam focuses on:
Business law
Real estate
Estate planning
Both exams also include topics in professional responsibility, by-laws, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Independent multiple-choice questions: Each stands alone with four options.
Case-based multiple-choice questions: Begin with a short scenario and include related, but independently scored, questions.
⚠️ Important: There are no “all of the above” or “none of the above” answers. Only one best answer per question.
The exam is open-book, and you are allowed to bring in printed study aids—as long as they comply with the Rules and Protocol for Licensing Examinations set by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
Though the exam itself is 4.5 hours, preparation takes much longer—often 2 to 4 months, depending on your schedule and prior knowledge.
Factors that Affect Prep Time:
Your background: If you recently completed law school, some areas may be fresh. Others may need more review.
Your schedule: Balancing articling, work, or family obligations? Start early and study consistently.
Your resources: Use summaries, indexes, and Ontario bar exam practice questions to focus on what matters.
Many students find it helpful to follow a structured study schedule, breaking the content down into manageable chunks and practicing under timed conditions.
With 270 minutes to answer 160 questions, time management is
crucial. Here’s a breakdown to help you stay on track:
Time per question: ~1 minute and 40 seconds
Strategy:
-Answer easy questions first
-Flag tough questions and return later
-Double-check your Scantron sheet to avoid misaligning answers
⏳ Note: No extra time is granted—even if you make a mistake completing the Scantron sheet.
The Importance of Binding and Tabbing Bar Exam MaterialThe Ontario bar exam is open-book, but flipping through hundreds of pages wastes time. Binding your materials in an organized and tabbed format allows you to find information quickly and stay focused. This small step can make a big difference in your pace and confidence.
Stress and Focus
High stress can slow your thinking and increase careless mistakes. Practicing with realistic exam questions well in advance helps build confidence and familiarity with the format.
Studying for the Ontario bar exam isn't just about reading materials—it's about strategy, organization, and discipline.
At Bar Masters, we believe success comes from preparation—not panic. That’s why we provide tools, schedules, and real exam-style practice questions to help you master the Ontario bar exam, one step at a time.
