Sitting for the conveyancing examination in April 2024 was a challenge, yet a hurdle that I had no choice but to overcome. Looking back, it was most certainly a tough yet extremely rewarding exercise.
The conveyancing field is even wider than I could ever have imagined. This obviously translates to an extensive amount of study work in preparation for the exam.
In preparation for exam papers, I completed Gawie le Roux’s Course in conveyancing. I opted for recordings, given that I prepared for this examination while working full-time; the recordings proved to be the best option. This format allowed me to listen to recorded lectures in my own time and at my own pace. While this may not be the most popular or common advice, I only used the GLR recordings, notes, and past papers in preparation for the exam. They proved to be all I needed to pass the exam.
While I did not pass the exam immediately after writing, I was one of the very few candidates in South Africa who ultimately qualified for oral examinations for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, and passed.
The purpose of this blog is to share the insights I wish someone had shared with me before I started studying, and to help future candidates approach the exam with clarity, structure, and confidence.
The difference in approach to studying for Paper 1 and Paper 2
Paper 1: The “theory paper”
This paper, which consists mainly of short questions, is designed to test the knowledge of candidates on various statutes, ordinances, and judicial precedents applicable to conveyancing.
This is a 100-mark, two-hour paper, with 15 minutes of reading time before the exam starts.
Your approach to studying for this paper should emphasise:
- Understanding legislation rather than memorising it.
- Working through past papers and examples to test your knowledge of the short theory questions.
- Listening to the small, intricate questions asked during the recorded lectures to ensure that you understand what other candidates are battling with.
- Ensuring not to leave out the Registrars’ Conference Resolutions.
- Studying the exceptions to the general rules – the examiners love exceptions.
Paper 2: The “drafting paper”
The second paper is designed to test the competence of a candidate mainly in the practice and procedure of conveyancing. It consists of questions that require candidates to draft such deeds, certificates, applications, consents, agreements, and other documents to indicate whether candidates possess enough practical knowledge.
This is a 200-mark, four-hour paper, with 15 minutes of reading time before the examination.
Important: Each candidate is handed a template book containing the prescribed forms in relation to both the Deeds Registries Act and the Sectional Title Act. Familiarise yourself with the exact version of this book so that you do not waste crucial time paging around during the exam.
Your approach to studying for this paper should emphasise:
- Practice drafting the deeds, applications, certificates, and documents by hand.
- Practice the examples that are explained during the lectures so that you can understand where you may have gone wrong.
- Spend time understanding the codes of the different prescribed forms to ensure that you know which forms to use in specific (often unique) drafting scenarios.
- You cannot work out too many past papers and practice too many questions.
- Be sure to know the formal Deeds Office requirements for the drafting of registration documents, applications, and consents. Any “rejection errors” made will result in losing 50% of the marks allocated to that question.
- Know your party descriptions.
- Practice exam papers and questions under time pressure. It is imperative that you get used to writing under pressure and getting “writing fit” to avoid curb fatigue as far as possible in the exam.
- Discuss example questions and drafting exceptions with practising conveyancers.
How to ensure you finish your exam papers on time
- Practice exam questions and examples under real exam conditions, while using your prescribed forms.
- It is normal to be better at some of the topics than others. Identify your strongest topics in the reading time and aim to tackle the questions related to those topics first.
- Allocate time to each question – stick to the allocations (i.e. Papers 1 & 2 – 1.2 minutes (approximately 72 seconds) for 1 mark.)
- Move on from a specific question if you get stuck. Allow yourself to figure it out.
- Know your prescribed forms book (for the second paper).
How to prepare without practical conveyancing experience
While having practical conveyancing experience would certainly assist in preparing for the exam, passing the exam without it is definitely achievable.
Here are some tips that helped me pass the exam with limited practical conveyancing experience:
- Treat the GLR notes as your primary guide.
- Make your own notes on the GLR notes to supplement them in some areas.
- Make your own simplified summaries.
- Re-draft practice examples from scratch.
How to gain practical experience fast
While studying for the LPC’s conveyancing exam:
- Shadow a local conveyancer (if possible).
- Participate in conveyancing office debates.
- Have a look at the deeds prepared in your office before they are drafted and lodged at the Deeds Office.
- Visit the Deeds Office when you can.
- Volunteer to assist with the drafting and checking of basic documents at the office.
Should you spot?
While spotting is never encouraged, it is (at least to some extent) inevitable. It is genuinely a substantial amount of work, and it is unlikely that you will find time to study absolutely everything in detail.
Be guided by the study tips given during the recordings.
To my understanding, the “most important” (most commonly and thoroughly tested) chapters are the following:
- Deed of Transfer (Chapter 4)
- Servitudes (Chapter 6)
- Estate Transfers (Chapter 7)
- Certificates of Registered Title (Chapter 9)
- Township Establishment (Chapter 10)
- Endorsements (Chapter 11)
- Lost Deeds (Chapter 12)
- Mortgage Bonds (Chapter 14)
- Sectional Titles (Part 2)
Study schedule
A study schedule is something that will be unique to every person. I would recommend giving yourself 4-5 months to complete the lectures and work through the notes and examples thoroughly.
Leave at least one month prior to the exam solely for practicing exam questions and examples.
What to pack for exam day
Don’t forget:
- Sufficient black pens
- Highlighters
- Calculator
- ID document
- Water
Career benefits after passing the conveyancing exam
Passing the conveyancing exam not only allows you to practice as a conveyancer, but it will generally give you an edge over your colleagues in matters relating to drafting and property law in general.
Further to the above, passing the exam and your subsequent admission as a conveyancer may offer increased income potential, competitive career advantages, a stronger understanding of general property law, and potential increased autonomy (from a professional point of view).
What I wish I knew beforehand
I wish someone had shared this with me before I started studying:
- Start earlier.
- Learn from your drafting mistakes.
- When it comes to studying, momentum matters more than motivation.
- GLR notes are structured for success.
- It is normal to feel overwhelmed – take a break and start again.
The importance of support from family or a partner
Emotional support is essential during preparation. This exam, and the preparation that goes along with it, will test you in ways you have not been tested before. Rely on your support system and keep moving.
Helpful forums and resources
The GLR notes are very comprehensive. I didn’t need anything else. Adding many additional pieces of information and resources may potentially waste valuable time and is unnecessary if you use the GLR notes properly.
Other resources:
Join the GLR Conveyancing Telegram group
Passing your conveyancing oral exam
Your conveyancing exam questions answered
Documents for the conveyancing exam
Conclusion
The conveyancing exam is challenging, but passing is achievable with the right structure, discipline, and preparation. It will change the trajectory of your career!
About the author
Francois Malherbe is an attorney, conveyancer, and notary at MHI Attorneys in Cape Town.
Last updated on 9 January 2026.