Malaysia to replace CLP exam with New Bar Course focusing on practical skills

Malaysia is set to introduce the New Bar Course (NBC), a revamped program designed to replace the existing Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) examination. This new approach will prioritize practical training and the development of essential professional skills for individuals aspiring to enter the legal profession.

The Legal Profession Qualification Board (LPQB) has completed its curriculum review for the Common Bar Course (CBC), which will now be rebranded as the NBC. This course is intended for individuals who do not qualify under the Legal Profession Act 1976, including those educated domestically and internationally.

Under the NBC framework, the LPQB will offer two distinct programs: a three-month online Conversion Course and a six-month block Legal Practice Postgraduate Certificate (LPPC). The Conversion Course aims to provide international graduates with a structured introduction to Malaysia's legal system and substantive laws. The LPPC, on the other hand, is a vocational program focused on practical legal practice, preparing graduates for their chambering (internship) period.

Kulasegaran stated that the LPPC is envisioned as a modern approach emphasizing practical skill development over the traditional CLP exam format, with more relevant assessment methods. To facilitate the implementation of the NBC, the LPQB established a dedicated NBC Task Force on April 27. This task force, comprising experts from public universities, private higher education institutions, and the Malaysian Bar, will work for 12 months to develop the operational framework and ensure a smooth rollout of the new course, which is expected to commence from May 1, 2027.