Cameroon Bar Advocate-in-Training Concour Exam For Lawyers 2026

The Ministry of Justice of Cameroon has officially announced the 2026 examination (or Concour) to Qualify as Advocate-in-Training for lawyers, a crucial step for law graduates seeking admission into the legal profession. The order signed on 12 February 2026 establishes the organization, eligibility conditions, examination structure, and evaluation criteria.

This guide breaks down everything candidates need to know — from application deadlines to exam subjects — in a clear, SEO-optimized format.

Exam Date and Location

When is the Cameroon Advocate-in-Training Exam?

• Dates: 18–19 April 2026
• City: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Candidates should prepare early, as file submission deadlines occur one month before the exam.

Eligibility Requirements for the Cameroon Bar Qualifying Exam

To register for the examination, candidates must:

• Be of Cameroonian nationality
• Enjoy full civic rights
• Be at least 21 years old
• Hold a Law degree or equivalent qualification

These conditions ensure that applicants meet professional legal standards before beginning advocacy training.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit a complete file containing:

• Stamped application letter
• Payment receipt of CFA 10,000 exam fee
• Certificate of nationality
• Birth certificate copy
• Criminal record bulletin (less than three months old)
• Sponsorship letter from an advocate with at least five years of practice
• Certified diploma copy or proof of success

Application deadline: 16 March 2026.

Examination Commission and Jury Structure

The examination is supervised by a professional jury composed of:

• President of the Bar Council (Chair)
• Two Law Professors
• Two experienced Lawyers
• Two Magistrates

The secretariat organizes exam logistics, candidate identification, and result recording.

Structure of the Cameroon Advocate-in-Training Examination

Written Exams

Candidates must complete two written papers graded from 0–20.

Subjects may include:

• Patrimonial family law
• Civil procedure
• Criminal law and criminal procedure
• Execution of judgments
• Labour law
• Administrative law

Duration: 4 hours
Coefficient: 4

Minimum 10/20 required to access the oral exam.

General Knowledge Paper

• Duration: 4 hours
• Coefficient: 4

This paper evaluates analytical reasoning and broader legal awareness.

Oral Examination

The oral stage consists of a 15-minute interview before the jury.

• Coefficient: 2

Only candidates who pass written exams may proceed.

Passing Score and Final Results

The final score is calculated using weighted coefficients. Candidates who obtain at least 12/20 overall will be declared successful.

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Preparation Tips

If you want to succeed in the Cameroon Advocate-in-Training Exam:

• Focus on procedural law topics — they often carry high scoring weight.
• Practice case commentaries and judgment analysis.
• Improve legal writing speed for 4-hour exams.
• Prepare structured answers for the oral interview.

Final Thoughts

The Advocate-in-Training examination represents an important gateway into Cameroon’s legal profession. With clear eligibility criteria, structured testing, and strict application timelines, candidates should begin preparing early to maximize their chances of success.

Staying informed about official guidelines and deadlines will help you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

FAQs

What is the Cameroon Advocate-in-Training Examination?

It is the official professional exam organized by the Ministry of Justice that allows law graduates to qualify for advocacy training and entry into the legal profession.

What score is required to pass the Cameroon Bar qualifying exam?

Candidates must achieve at least 12 out of 20 overall after written and oral exams.

Can foreign nationals apply?

No. Applicants must hold Cameroonian nationality according to the official eligibility conditions.

How long is the oral examination?

The oral exam lasts approximately 15 minutes and is conducted before a jury.

Download the Bar Exam Communique.

Read more: Duty of Lawyers and Law Chambers (Professional Ethics)