What is the CLP and why do I need it?

The Certificate in Legal Practice is the qualifying exam for admission to the Malaysian Bar. After a recognised law degree, you pass the CLP to practise as an advocate and solicitor.

How many papers are there in the CLP examination?

There are five compulsory papers: General Paper, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure and Professional Practice.

When is the CLP examination held?

The main CLP examination is held in July, with a supplementary examination in October for re-sits.

Certificate in
Legal Practice (CLP)

(R3/0421/7/0009)(03/27)(A7550), KL Campus
(R2/380/6/0037)(03/26)(MQA/FA0339), Penang Campus

Intake

September

Duration

9 months

Campus

KL Campus
Penang Campus

Quick Answer

The Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) at ATC prepares eligible law graduates for the five-paper CLP examination and the professional qualification pathway in Malaysia. The registration fee is RM1,000 and the tuition fee is RM14,000.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Certificate in Legal Practice:Bridging Academic Excellence to Legal Practice

After graduating with the Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London (LL.B), you will be required to complete a professional law exam, known as the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP), to become a qualified advocate and solicitor. The Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) is a prerequisite qualifying examination for admission to the Malaysian Bar. If you have obtained the minimum requirements in your LL.B results, you may proceed to read for the CLP course. The exams are conducted by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, and it is regulated by the Legal Profession Act 1976.

Reading law at ATC College gives you the added advantage of being prepared for the real world. You will learn practical applications for different subjects so that you can answer the exam questions well. You will develop a well-balanced perspective of academic law and practical applications. It is essential training to develop the necessary skills required as a lawyer. You will be taught by excellent tutors, who are a combination of academics and practitioners. The tutors at ATC College are highly experienced with outstanding credentials, and they include CLP textbook authors in the areas of Evidence, Professional Practice, and General Paper. You will definitely have the edge over your peers at ATC College.

The CLP exams are conducted twice a year. The main exam will be held in July, and the supplementary exam (for re-sits) will be held in October. You must pass all the papers in one sitting. The CLP consists of 5 compulsory papers, which are as follows:

CLP Course Malaysia: What You Need to Know

The Certificate in Legal Practice is a professional examination route for eligible law graduates seeking to progress towards legal practice in Malaysia. It connects academic legal study with the examination and professional qualification requirements applicable to this pathway.

Eligibility and progression remain subject to the applicable Legal Profession Qualifying Board requirements.

How Does ATC Prepare Students for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)?

ATC’s CLP preparation focuses on applying legal principles accurately, organising answers clearly and preparing for the demands of the five-paper examination.

Exam-Focused Preparation

Develop the ability to apply legal knowledge under examination conditions.

Legal Application & Analysis

Build structured legal analysis and practical application across the CLP papers.

Structured Revision Support

Follow a focused preparation approach supported by teaching and revision guidance.

How Is the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) Examination Structured?

The CLP examination comprises five compulsory papers.

General Paper

In General Paper, you will be reading the Malaysian Tort and Contract Law. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the legal principles, rules, practices, procedures, case law, and its direct application. You will learn to draft, prepare Statements of Claim.

Evidence

In the subject of Evidence, you will be learning about a lot of interesting cases, and develop an in-depth understanding of the law governing the admissibility of evidence in Malaysia. You will be able to analyse cases, apply the legal principles, and present your argument practically in civil and criminal proceedings.

Civil Procedure

Civil Procedure is a very practical and applicable subject for work in a law firm. You must be familiar with the Rules of Court 2012. You will gain detailed knowledge of the procedures governing the stages of a trial, commencing in the High Courts and Subordinate Courts to judgement.

Criminal Procedure

In the Criminal Procedure subject, you will acquire a thorough understanding of the Malaysian criminal procedures, rules, and practices, which include topics such as Arrest, Bail, and Sentencing, Revisionary Powers, and Appeals. You will develop a deep understanding of the legal principles of Criminal Law and related legislation, and the different procedural rules in criminal matters to ensure proper and efficient administration of justice.

Professional Practice

This subject is divided into 2 parts, Part A and Part B. Part A is about Ethics and Advocacy, focusing on the rules governing the professional conduct of advocates and solicitors. You will understand and appreciate the roles and responsibilities, liabilities, immunity, privileges, and ethics of the legal profession in Malaysia. In Part B, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Malaysian Land Law, Probate Law, Bankruptcy, and Winding-Up Law. You will be able to identify issues and advise on evidence, liability, procedure and remedies.

When the CLP Exam Happens

MAIN EXAMINATION

July / August

REFERRAL / SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION

October / November

Students must pass all papers in one sitting.
CLP consists of 5 compulsory papers.

How Does ATC Prepare Students to Succeed in the CLP?

ATC combines subject teaching with focused examination preparation. Supported methods include guidance from academics and practising lawyers, past-year revision, model-answer and marking-standard guidance, and flexible learning support where available.

CLP Textbook-Author Expertise

Teaching informed by CLP textbook authors where explicitly applicable.

Structured Past-Year Revision

Focused past-year revision supports familiarity with examination questions.

Model-Answer Preparation

Model-answer and marking-standard guidance supports examination preparation.

Hybrid Learning Support

Flexible learning support is available where supplied within the programme.

Entry Requirements

Must be a Malaysian citizen / PR holders
5 credits in SPM/O-Levels or equivalent and
2 principle passes in A-Levels
STPM (including Pengajian Am) 2C or
Foundation programme or it’s equivalent or
Recognized Law degree with an award of minimum Second Class Lower

Eligibility and entry requirements are subject to current Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) requirements.

Course Fees

Registration Fee
RM1,000

Tuition Fee
RM14,000

Repeater and revision options are also available. Contact ATC for current fees and arrangements.

CLP Faculty

Why Learn CLP at ATC?

What Happens After Completing the CLP in Malaysia?

After completing a recognised law degree, eligible graduates may sit the CLP examination and, after passing, may proceed to pupillage subject to applicable requirements. Admission to the Malaysian Bar remains subject to the relevant professional admission requirements and is not automatic.

LAW DEGREE

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CLP EXAMINATION

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PUPILLAGE

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ADMISSION TO THE MALAYSIAN BAR

What Our Alumni Say

“I am very grateful to have passed on my first sitting with a second lower class! To be frank, I chose to study with ATC because the fees are cheaper and I the community is much smaller and close-knit. I am thankful for, and warmed by the constant “nagging sessions” because they come from hearts of concern and care which also served as a motivating factor to keep going. The smaller class size also made it easier to raise questions when I needed clarification on certain points.”

RACHEL LO WUN SHUANGCLP Class of 2024/2025
Winner of Best Graduate Prize for Criminal Procedure & General Paper

“Studying for the CLP at ATC was an experience, what truly surprised me and grateful for was the heart shown by the lecturers. They were so much more than just voices at the front of a hall; they felt like partners in our struggle. It was amazing to watch them break down massive, complex topics into something we could wrap our heads around in such a short amount of time. The most human part of the experience was their patience. After a long lecture, you’d often see a long line of students waiting to ask questions. Despite the ticking clock, the lecturers stayed back to ensure every single doubt was cleared. They took the time to listen, to explain, and most importantly to encourage us when our spirits were low. That personal touch in such a high-pressure environment made all the difference.”

ESSHWER RSN MURALICLP Class of 2024/2025

“My studies at ATC were built and fuelled by the passion of both peers and lecturers. Everyone shares a common goal – to be the best. The saying that “no two students have the exact same lecturer” is very evident in the culture here. Despite the large classes, each lecturer does their utmost to ensure that hidden potential is unlocked and knowledge finely honed.”

JUSTINA CHEAM CHUI MUNCLP Class of 2024/2025

“In general, what I like about ATC is the fact that there are no scripted answers. It allows the students to be more cautious in answering questions be it essay or problem-solving questions. To me this is a big thanks as it forces you to think in a broader context and not confined to memorization which doesn’t help much, at least for me. Also, the strategic location of ATC with access to Public Transport means that you will not arrive to lectures/tutorial late and it cuts down the anxiety of it.”

ALLAN CHAM WEI LUNCLP Class of 2024/2025

“One takeaway from my experience with CLP at ATC is that there is not a single/lecturer who isn’t willing to ensure that we are understanding the material. There were lecturers who went out of their way and schedule to do extra sessions on the side. Another thing that made the experience bearable was the community that we built within the class, every single person I’ve met were all so lovely and supportive throughout the journey. If you’re ever attending physical classes, please speak to everyone! It will do your mental state good!”

SHANTHIGNI A/P RAVINDRANCLP Class of 2023/2024

“I have had the privilege of attending classes at ATC when it was still operating in Jalan Petaling and its currently location in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng. I think the new environment is cozier. With the advancement of online lectures and tutorial, attending CLP classes is no longer a difficult task. The current ATC library is a real asset for those who wish stay longer after lectures for self-studies. There are plenty of F&B outlets around which are within walking distance. I would like to thank the lecturers and tutors as they are very dedicated, knowing that most of them have a full time job outside ATC and yet they will always make an effort to conduct classes during weekends and at nights, not to mention the many additional online sessions with students just to help us pass CLP.”

YB LAU WENG SANCLP Class of 2023/2024

I am no stranger to ATC. I began my journey here in A-levels followed by my LLB & then CLP.I was most satisfied with the CLP lecturers as they were all very knowledgeable & had a lot of experience in the field as most of them are practicing lawyers. They were always ready to answer questions. I’d like to especially thank Dato’ Kevin Joshua who shared his experiences & Mr. Ravi for the interactive classes every week.

REBECCA MARSHALLCLP 2021/2022

Studying with ATC has been a memorable experience. As the class rep of the 2021/2022 cohort, I experienced first-hand the high standard of ATC’s support system. The technical support whenever situations arose during hybrid classes were fast & management of the Facebook group ensured that class materials were not missed out. Classes were enriching & inspiring. The positive atmosphere in every class just made learning with ATC a much more enjoyable experience.

SEBASTIAN TAN YAN MINGCLP 2021/2022

I loved the fact that the classes were live & recorded at the same time. I’d like to thank ATC for constantly updating their lecture notes & class recording list. Without this, it would have been difficult for me to revise & study.

NURUL IDAYU BINTI HARUNCLP 2021/2022

I want to thank the coordinator Ms. Kashmir & all lecturers for their dedication in making sure we got most of the subjects they taught. The lecturers were genuinely caring & often motivated the students in the way they knew best. The revision classes covering past years’ questions were very helpful. The hybrid mode of delivery, physical and online, surely was a good approach as the students could choose the mode that suited them best. I attended both the physical and online classes and made the best of these options!

GURCHARAN SINGH BISHEN SINGHCLP 2022/2023

Your Pathway to a Legal Career

See how the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) fits into the journey from legal study to professional qualification and pupillage. Progression is subject to the applicable programme entry, examination and professional admission requirements.

ENTRY

SPM / O-Level

Starting point for pre-university legal study.

NEXT STAGE

PRE-UNIVERSITY

Foundation in Law

Build foundational legal knowledge, reasoning and communication skills.

NEXT STAGE

UNDERGRADUATE

Choose one of ATC’s undergraduate legal study routes.

University of London Bachelor of Laws Programme (LL.B)

UK Degree Transfer Programme (Law)

NEXT STAGE

PROFESSIONAL

YOU ARE HERE