The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has published a detailed set of instructions for candidates sitting the November 2025 Advocates Training Programme (ATP) examinations that will take place from November 13 to November 25, 2025.

Prof. Busalile Jack Mwimali, the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council, has urged the candidates to carefully read and adhere to the guidelines outlined to ensure a smooth and transparent examination process.

Authorization Cards to be Printed

The Council noted that the candidates will be required to print their Examination Authorization Cards from November 3, which will identify their examination centres and registered units.

The notice states that,” a candidate MUST carry the examination authorization card into the examination room on every day of the examination.”

CLE has also stressed the necessity of proper identification, where each candidate is supposed to present a National ID, KSL ID, or a Passport before being admitted into the examination room.

Arrival and Time Regulations

Candidates are required to be at the venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of every paper, with no one allowed to enter after 30 minutes or leave within the first hour of the session.

The Council emphasized that” no candidate shall be allowed to leave the examination room in the last 30 minutes, “underscoring the need for punctuality and order during the exams.

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Strict Ban on Prohibited Materials

The Council cautioned against holding unwarranted materials, such as phones, electronic devices, snacks, written and personal articles, in the examination room.

“Any candidate who is found to be in possession of unauthorised material commits an examination irregularity, and shall be subjected to CLE’s disciplinary procedures,” the document states.

Limited Reference Materials Allowed

For some papers, there is permission to limited reference materials.

“For purposes of ATP 101 Criminal, a candidate will be permitted to carry or carry a clean copy of the Penal Code, Cap 63, Laws of Kenya,” while those sitting for ATP 106 Legal Practice Management are permitted to bring a “noiseless scientific calculator.”

Conduct During the Examination.

Candidates have also been reminded to write legibly, not to use fountain pens, and to ensure they do not write their names on the examination booklet, only the registration number and booklet serial number.

Failure to attempt compulsory questions will draw a zero (0) mark. Candidates are also advised to read the questions carefully and apply the correct case laws and statutory provisions in explaining their answers.

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Disciplinary Action and Examination Irregularities

The Council has re-enacted its zero tolerance towards malpractice. Passing of notes, utilization of devices, impersonation, copying, or request of confidential examination information are categorized as irregularities.

“A candidate who commits an examination irregularity shall be subject to disciplinary measures.

The council will nullify the mark achieved in that unit or paper,” the notice warns

It further adds that any candidate who illegally requests confidential examination information “won’t be permitted to sit the ATP Examination for such a duration as may be determined by the Council.”

Candidates’ Responsibilities

CLE reminded the candidates that it was their responsibility to sign the attendance register, as it would be used to account for their scripts.

During the exam, one is not allowed to borrow materials, and candidates must remain seated until they are permitted to leave by an invigilator.

After the Examination

By the end of the examination, the candidates are asked to keep silent as booklets are gathered, leave unused papers on their desks, and hand in their scripts before departure

They also have to remain in the examination room until ordered by the invigilator to depart.

Prof. Mwimali ended the notice by encouraging the candidates to exercise discipline and carry out whatever they are instructed by invigilators, emphasizing that the Council will not be liable for loss or damage to personal items carried to the examination venue.

“Maintain discipline and order within the examination precincts and follow any instructions given by the invigilators,” the council advised.

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