FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PCLL AND HONG KONG CONVERSION EXAMS WHAT IS IT? The Hong Kong Conversion Examinations are preparatory exams for non-Hong Kong students to meet requirements for admission to Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) in Hong Kong. Entry requirements for PCLL require demonstration of competence in 11 core subjects: Australian students with non- Hong Kong law qualifications must also demonstrate competence in three top-up subjects for the purpose of PCLL admission, namely: 1. Hong Kong Constitutional Law; 2. Hong Kong Legal System; and 3. Hong Kong Land Law. HOW DO I GET EXEMPTIONS FOR THE 11 CORE SUBJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN ALREADY COMPLETE OR WILL BE COMPLETED AT A UNIVERSITY OVERSEAS?
WHAT IF MY LAW DEGREE DOES NOT INVOLVE A COURSE LISTED ABOVE OR IF I DO NOT GET AN EXEMPTION? You must satisfy all 14 subjects before you begin the PCLL programme, which is a necessary step to qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong. If your law degree does not require you to complete certain subjects listed above or PCEA does not grant you an exemption, you must sit the Conversion examinations. These are administered by PCEA and obtaining a pass in these examinations demonstrates ‘competence’ in the relevant subject. Another way of demonstrating competence is to complete the relevant subjects as a visiting ‘internal’ student at either the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong. WHEN ARE CONVERSION EXAMINATIONS OFFERED?
To apply for exemption from any Conversion Examination(s), students must submit an application for Evaluation to the Conversion Examinations Board.
Conversion exams are usually offered in January and in June/July. Students should check the PCLL Conversion Examination website www.pcea.com.hk for specific dates.
DO ANY OF MY UNSW COURSES EXEMPT ME FROM ANY OF THE PCLL EXAMS?
HOW LONG DOES THE PCLL COURSE TAKE?
The UNSW LLB/JD programme, when completed, will exempt you from at least 10 of the 11 core subjects required for the PCLL conversion exams. You will need to complete the 3 top up subjects and commercial law (you may be exempt from a part of the exam if you take commercial law as an elective). For more information please visit www.pcea.com.hk
The Postgraduate Certification in Laws (PCLL) can be completed in 1 year full time or 2 years part time study. DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS? Having Chinese language skills is definitely an advantage. Whether it is a requirement will depend on the firm itself. If you do not have the prerequisite Chinese language skills, it is important that you are able to demonstrate that you are willing to learn as it is becoming a stronger focus.
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