If you are currently navigating the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, the roadmap is about to shift. A new NCA Policy Manual goes into effect on March 1, 2026, introducing mandatory requirements that could affect your timeline and budget.
The "Big Three" Updates
New Mandatory Competency: Indigenous Law and Peoples Starting March 1, 2026, all new applicants must demonstrate competence in Indigenous Law and Peoples. This requirement focuses on foundational knowledge, including the history of residential schools and Aboriginal-Crown relations. You can satisfy this through a new online course from CPLED or an approved law school equivalent.
Mandatory Language Screening Before Assessment In a major shift, the NCA will now require a language screening (English or French) before they issue your official Assessment Decision. This replaces the older model where language was often verified later in the process.
Strict "In-Person" Learning Transitions The NCA is moving closer to the 2024 National Requirement standards. By January 1, 2029, the "Interactive Online" study mode will no longer count toward the two-year interactive learning requirement—only In-person Instruction will qualify for that portion of your degree.
Are You Impacted?
These changes apply to applications assessed on or after March 1, 2026. If your file is ready before this date, you may be governed by the previous July 2025 Revised Policy.
Want the full deep dive? For a line-by-line comparison of exactly how the old and new policies differ—and how to plan your study schedule around these dates—check out NCA Tutor's Ultimate Comparison of NCA Policy Changes.
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