Timing Strategies for the Ontario Bar Exam: Beat the Clock in November 2025

The Ontario Bar Exam is a race against time, but don’t let the clock intimidate you. With the Barrister Exam on November 11, 2025, and the Solicitor Exam on November 25, 2025, mastering time management is key to success - and you have plenty of time to get it down. 

The four-hour, open-book, multiple-choice format demands quick thinking and efficient material navigation. Here’s how to beat the clock with confidence, we know you can do it!

Strategy 1: Skip and Return

If a question stumps you, don’t linger. Mark it and move on. Spend no more than 2 minutes per question initially. Return to skipped questions after completing the easier ones. This ensures you maximize points early and avoid getting stuck. Try this technique with our timed practice exams to build muscle memory.

Strategy 2: Master Material Navigation

The open-book format is both a blessing and a challenge. Familiarize yourself with the LSO materials’ index and table of contents. Tab your materials well! Use our printing service to create a color-coded, tabbed binder for quick access. Practice finding sections under time pressure—it’s a game-changer.

Strategy 3: Simulate Exam Conditions

Set up a mock exam environment at home. Use a timer, sit at a desk, and work through a full 4-hour practice exam. This builds stamina and helps you gauge how long you spend per question. Our practice exams include realistic question sets and answer keys to refine your timing skills. Start with one mock exam this month and aim for two in September.

Strategy 4: Stay Calm Under Pressure

Time pressure can spark anxiety, but you’re tougher than the toughest exam moments. If you feel rushed, pause for 10 seconds, take a deep breath, and refocus. Visualize crossing the finish line as a licensed lawyer—it’s closer than you think. Incorporate quick stress-relief techniques, like stretching during breaks, to stay grounded.

You're stronger than the clock!

Timing is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. You’ve already come so far in your legal journey—trust that you can handle this too. Our practice exams are designed to help you master the pace of the Ontario Bar Exam. Ready to take control? Try a free sample practice exam today and start beating the clock!