Failing the Ontario bar exam is one of the biggest fears for licensing candidates. You spend months preparing, sit through a grueling exam day… and then the results don’t go your way.

Many students immediately ask: “How many times can I actually fail before the Law Society shuts the door on me?”

Here’s the clear answer, straight from the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) policy — explained in plain English.

The Official LSO Rule: Deemed Abandonment

Under the LSO’s Licensing Process Policies:

• You can attempt the Barrister exam up to 3 times.
• You can attempt the Solicitor exam up to 3 times.
• In some cases, you may qualify for a 4th attempt if you meet certain criteria.
• If you fail after those attempts, your licensing application is “deemed abandoned.”

When this happens, the LSO formally withdraws you from the licensing process.

Can You Re-Apply After Failing?

Yes — but it’s not automatic.

If your application is deemed abandoned, you can only re-apply with authorization from the Director of Licensing and Accreditation. To qualify, you must show that there has been a “material change in circumstances” that affects your ability to succeed. Examples include:

• New medical or psychological accommodations.
• A significant improvement in your study plan.
• Different personal circumstances than before.

On top of this, at least one year must pass after your application was deemed abandoned before you can apply again.

Do You Have to Redo Articling If Your Application Is Abandoned?

Here’s some good news: failing the bar exam does not mean you automatically lose credit for articling (or the Law Practice Program).

According to section 13.3 of the LSO Licensing Policies:

“A Candidate who is removed from the Licensing Process … will not retain credit for standings of pass achieved by the Candidate for the Licensing Examinations, but will retain credit for completion of the Experiential Training Program.”

What that means in practice:

• ✅ If you’ve already completed articling or LPP before abandonment, you keep credit for it.
• ❌ You do not keep credit for exams you passed — those expire once your application ends.

So, the real issue after abandonment is rewriting both exams, not redoing articling.

What If You Pass One Exam but Fail the Other?

This is a common source of confusion. The Barrister and Solicitor exams are independent, but the LSO monitors your application as a whole.

For example:

• If you pass Barrister but fail Solicitor three times, your entire application is still abandoned.
• You cannot “carry over” the Barrister pass once your application is closed.
• If you re-apply later, you must rewrite both exams, since prior results expired with your abandoned application.

In short: passing one exam does not save it if the other fails out.

How Long Do You Have to Finish the Licensing Process?

The LSO requires candidates to finish the entire licensing process (both exams and articling/LPP) within three licensing years from when they begin.

• If you don’t finish in time, your application can be deemed abandoned.
• Extensions are rare and require exceptional circumstances with documentation.

This makes time management as important as exam performance.

Can You Get Extensions or Accommodations?

Yes — but they are not guaranteed.

• If you have documented medical, psychological, or personal circumstances, you can apply for accommodations (like extra time, breaks, or alternate formats).
• You can also apply for an extension of your licensing timeline, but you must show strong justification.

Both requests go through the LSO and require detailed supporting documents.

What This Means for You

• Most candidates pass within 1–2 attempts.
• Failing once is not the end.
• The real risk comes after 3 failed attempts (or 4 if you qualify for an extra).

If you’re struggling, the key is to adjust your prep strategy early. Don’t wait until your final chance to change course.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Passing, Not Failing

At BarBuddy, we believe you shouldn’t waste energy worrying about rewrites before you’ve even written the exam. Instead, focus on building the right strategy and support system to pass confidently the first time.

We understand the stress of:

• Long study days.
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• The fear of not passing.

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FAQs About Failing the Ontario Bar Exam

❓ How many times can I fail the Ontario bar exam?
You can attempt each exam up to three times. Some candidates may qualify for a fourth attempt. Beyond that, your application is abandoned.

❓ What happens if my licensing application is abandoned?
You’re withdrawn from the licensing process. You lose credit for any passed exams, but you usually keep credit for articling or LPP.

❓ Do I have to redo articling if I fail the bar exam?
No. You retain credit for experiential training (articling or LPP) even if your application is abandoned. What you must redo are both exams.

❓ If I pass Barrister but fail Solicitor three times, do I keep my Barrister pass?
No. Once your application is abandoned, all exam results expire. If you re-apply, you must rewrite both exams.

❓ How long do I have to complete the licensing process?
You have three licensing years from your start date. Missing this timeline can also lead to abandonment.

❓ Can I re-apply after failing multiple times?
Yes, but only with authorization. You must show a “material change in circumstances,” and at least one year must pass before re-applying.

❓ Can I get extra time or accommodations?
Yes. With documented needs, you can apply for extra time, breaks, or alternate formats. Extensions also exist but require strong justification.

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