The Ongoing Education of BC Notaries

For the BC Notary profession to expand its noncontentious legal offerings to the public, it was clear that education was the path to success. For individuals wanting to apply to join the profession, The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia, the body regulating Notaries in the public interest, set the education standard of an undergraduate degree and other qualifications.
The next step in the education process to become a BC Notary Public is successful completion of the 2-year postgraduate Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies (MA ALS) Program from Simon Fraser University.
And it doesn’t end there . . .
Following the MA ALS degree, you will have intense Practical Training. Ongoing mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) hours must be completed every year to maintain the competence to practise. The continuing education is delivered through the British Columbia Notaries Association (BCNA). CLE is an essential component of the Notary Public’s professional development to ensure that our legal practitioners adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the law.
CLE is designed to provide Notaries with opportunities to expand their knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay informed about recent legal developments, thereby reinforcing the value of continuing legal education throughout their Notary careers.
One of the primary benefits of CLE is its role in keeping our legal professionals up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations. The legal landscape is dynamic—with new statutes, case law, and regulatory guidelines emerging regularly. By participating in CLE, our Notaries ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge crucial for providing excellent representation to their clients.
Moreover, CLE fosters a culture of lifelong learning in our profession. The practice of law requires an understanding of the current legal framework and the ability to think critically and adapt to new challenges. Through CLE, Notaries can engage with other legal professionals, participate in discussions, and explore innovative approaches to the issues Notaries face on a day-to-day basis.
Most recently, the legislation that currently governs the scope of practice of BC Notaries was amended to expand the Will options that the profession can offer to the people of BC. Already the BCNA has begun to offer continuing education on this new scope of work and will build-out that program as we move forward with further scope-of-practice enhancements coming in the near future.
Continuing Legal Education is a vital extension of a BC Notary's legal education that emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, ethical practice, and skill enhancement. By engaging in CLE, Notaries Public can adapt to changes in the law, refine their abilities, and uphold the integrity of the profession.
Posted in General