Free Practice Questions for UK Notary PIL

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Exam Review

Key Facts: UK Notary PIL Exam

50%

Passing Score

UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27 (archived November 2024; checked 2026-10-19)

2 Hours

Official Written Exam Duration

UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27 (archived November 2024; checked 2026-10-19)

£10,750

Full two-year course fee, 2026-27 entry (incl. exam fees)

UCL Laws Notarial Practice Course page, 2026-27 fees updated 6 July 2026 (checked 2026-10-19)

Jan–Mar

Year 1 teaching period for the Private International Law module

UCL Laws Notarial Practice Course page (checked 2026-10-19)

Prescribed Private International Law subject headings

Notaries (Qualification) Rules 2017, Schedule 2, para 10 (checked 2026-10-19)

The Private International Law module is one of the Notarial Practice Course subjects prescribed by the Notaries (Qualification) Rules 2017 and delivered by UCL Laws for the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. UCL's 2025-27 brochure lists a 2-hour written examination with a 50% pass mark; the full two-year course costs £10,750 for 2026-27 entry, including examination fees. Candidates must master cross-border jurisdiction rules (the post-Brexit CJJA 1982 and common law framework), contractual conflict of laws (Rome I Regulation as assimilated UK law), non-contractual obligations (Rome II Regulation / PILA 1995), recognition and enforcement of judgments, and proof of foreign law. Our practice question bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Sample UK Notary PIL Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the UK Notary PIL exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Article 4(1) of the retained Brussels I Recast Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012), what is the general jurisdictional rule for suing a defendant in a civil or commercial matter?

A.The defendant must be sued in the courts of the country where the claimant is habitually resident.

B.The defendant must be sued in the courts of the country where the contract was executed.

C.Subject to specified exceptions, persons domiciled in a UK nation shall be sued in the courts of that nation.

D.The defendant may be sued in any jurisdiction where they hold commercial assets.

Explanation: Article 4(1) establishes the foundational rule actor sequitur forum rei: subject to statutory exceptions, persons domiciled in a relevant state or UK nation must be sued in the courts of that domicile. Claimant domicile, place of contract execution, and mere asset location do not confer general jurisdiction under the Regulation.

2An English seller contracts to sell goods to a French buyer, with delivery specified at the buyer's warehouse in Paris. Under retained Brussels I Recast Article 7(1)(b), where is the place of performance for jurisdiction in a breach of contract claim?

A.England, because the seller is domiciled in England.

B.France, because for the sale of goods the place of performance is where the goods were delivered or should have been delivered.

C.England, because payment was to be received in an English bank account.

D.Either England or France at the absolute election of the seller.

Explanation: Under retained Brussels I Recast Article 7(1)(b) first indent, for the sale of goods, the place of performance of the obligation in question is the place in a Member State where, under the contract, the goods were delivered or should have been delivered. Here, delivery occurred in Paris, France.

3A chemical discharge occurs from a factory in Germany, polluting a river and causing agricultural damage to crops across the border in the Netherlands. Under the rule in Handelskwekerij GJ Bier v Mines de Potasse d'Alsace (retained Art 7(2)), where can the Dutch farmer bring a tort action?

A.Only in Germany, where the wrongful act originated.

B.Only in the Netherlands, where the direct physical damage occurred.

C.In either Germany (place of the event giving rise to damage) or the Netherlands (place where damage occurred), at the claimant's option.

D.Only in the UK courts under universal jurisdiction for environmental torts.

Explanation: The CJEU landmark ruling in Bier established that 'place where the harmful event occurred' under Article 7(2) encompasses both the place where the damage occurred (Handlungsort) and the place of the event giving rise to the damage (Erfolgsort), giving the claimant the option to sue in either forum.

4Which court has exclusive jurisdiction under retained Brussels I Recast Article 24(1) over proceedings which have as their object rights in rem in immovable property?

A.The courts of the state where the defendant is domiciled.

B.The courts of the state where the claimant is domiciled.

C.The courts of the state in which the property is situated (lex situs).

D.The courts of the state agreed upon in the tenancy agreement regardless of property location.

Explanation: Article 24(1) provides mandatory exclusive jurisdiction to the courts of the state where the immovable property is situated (lex situs). Domicile of parties or general choice of court clauses cannot override this exclusive head of jurisdiction.

5A Spanish defendant enters an appearance in an English High Court breach of contract action and defends the claim on its merits without challenging jurisdiction. What is the jurisdictional consequence under retained Brussels I Recast Article 26?

A.The English court must dismiss the action for lack of initial jurisdiction.

B.The English court acquires jurisdiction by virtue of the defendant's voluntary appearance.

C.The court must stay proceedings and refer the parties to Spanish courts.

D.The appearance is void unless sanctioned by a Spanish judge.

Explanation: Under retained Article 26, entering an appearance and pleading to the merits without contesting jurisdiction confers jurisdiction on the court entered, unless another court has exclusive jurisdiction under Article 24.

6Two commercial entities conclude an exclusive choice of court agreement designating the High Court of Justice in London. Which international instrument provides for the recognition and enforcement of such exclusive jurisdiction clauses post-Brexit?

A.The 1968 Brussels Convention on Jurisdiction.

B.The Hague Convention of 30 June 2005 on Choice of Court Agreements.

C.The 1980 Rome Convention on Contractual Obligations.

D.The UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration.

Explanation: The Hague Choice of Court Agreements Convention 2005 (to which the UK is a Contracting State in its own right post-Brexit) governs exclusive choice of court agreements in international commercial matters between contracting states.

7How is the statutory domicile of a corporation determined for jurisdiction purposes under Section 42 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982?

A.Solely by the country where the majority of shareholders reside.

B.By where it has its registered office (or official address), central administration, or principal place of business.

C.By the country whose law governs the corporation's primary commercial contracts.

D.Solely by the nationality of its board of directors.

Explanation: Under CJJA 1982 s 42 (and retained Brussels Art 63), a corporation or legal person is domiciled in the UK or a specified part if it has its registered office, central administration, or principal place of business there.

8A consumer domiciled in England buys specialized goods online from a German trader who specifically targets UK consumers. Under retained Brussels I Recast Article 18(1), where may the English consumer bring proceedings against the German trader?

A.Only in the courts of Germany where the trader is domiciled.

B.Either in the courts of Germany or in the courts of England (consumer's domicile).

C.Only in the European Court of Justice.

D.In any jurisdiction in the European Union selected by the consumer.

Explanation: Retained Brussels I Recast Article 18(1) protects consumers by giving them the option to bring proceedings against a trader either in the courts of the Member State / UK nation where the trader is domiciled, or in the courts of the place where the consumer is domiciled.

9An English employer wishes to sue an employee domiciled in Scotland for breach of an employment restrictive covenant. Under retained Brussels I Recast Article 22(1), where must the employer bring the claim?

A.In the courts of England, because the employer is headquartered in London.

B.Only in the courts of Scotland, where the employee is domiciled.

C.In any court chosen by the employer under the employment contract.

D.In the High Court of Justice regardless of employee domicile.

Explanation: Under Article 22(1) of retained Brussels I Recast (and Schedule 4 CJJA 1982), an employer may bring proceedings against an employee only in the courts of the part of the UK or Member State in which the employee is domiciled.

10Proceedings are brought in London concerning the validity of the constitution and dissolution of a company incorporated in Ireland. Which court has exclusive jurisdiction under retained Brussels I Recast Article 24(2)?

A.The English courts, if the company carries on major trading activities in London.

B.The courts of Ireland, where the company has its seat/incorporation.

C.The court of the domicile of the majority shareholder.

D.The High Court of Justice by virtue of English choice of law clauses.

Explanation: Article 24(2) assigns exclusive jurisdiction in proceedings concerned with the validity of the constitution, nullity or dissolution of legal persons to the courts of the Member State in which the legal person has its seat (Ireland).

About the UK Notary PIL Exam

The Private International Law module of the UK Notarial Practice Course (run by UCL Laws on behalf of the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury) equips aspiring public notaries with knowledge of conflict of laws in England and Wales. The official syllabus covers jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of judgments, authentic instruments, arbitration, choice of law (including contract, non-contractual obligations, property, insolvency, marriage and succession), connecting factors, characterisation, public policy and proof of foreign law. Please note that the official assessment is a written examination (2 hours in UCL's 2025-27 brochure), and our practice bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation for candidate revision.

Exam sponsor: Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury / UCL Laws. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

2-hour written examination (UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27)

Passing Score

50% (UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27)

Exam / Certification Fees

£10,750 for the full two-year Notarial Practice Course, including examination fees (UCL, 2026-27 entry)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Official pass rates are not published as a percentage by the Faculty Office or UCL Laws. The UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27 sets a 50% pass mark. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Jurisdiction & Brussels I Recast / Civil Jurisdiction Act

Rules governing English court jurisdiction in civil and commercial matters, Brussels I Recast (Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012; no longer applies in the UK after 31 December 2020 except for transitional cases), Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, prorogation of jurisdiction, and forum non conveniens.

20%

Choice of Law in Contract (Rome I Regulation)

Applicable law for contractual obligations under the Rome I Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 593/2008 as retained, now assimilated, UK law), freedom of choice (Article 3), applicable law in absence of choice (Article 4), consumer/employment contracts, mandatory provisions, and public policy.

20%

Choice of Law in Tort (Rome II Regulation)

Applicable law for non-contractual obligations under the Rome II Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 as retained, now assimilated, UK law), general rule of lex loci damni (Article 4(1)), common habitual residence (Article 4(2)), manifestly closer connection (Article 4(3)), specific torts, and PILA 1995 rules.

20%

Hague Conventions: Matrimonial & Children Protection

Cross-border family law frameworks, including the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention, 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention, 2007 Hague Child Support Convention, recognition of foreign marriages and divorces, and matrimonial property regimes.

20%

Proof, Recognition & Enforcement of Foreign Judgments & Laws

Proof of foreign law in English courts (section 4 Civil Evidence Act 1972), expert evidence, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments under common law (Dicey rule) and statutory registration schemes (Administration of Justice Act 1920, Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933, Hague Choice of Court 2005), and notarial authentications/legalisation/Apostille under 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.

Preparing for the UK Notary PIL Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50% (UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27)
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: 2-hour written examination (UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27)
Exam / certification fees: £10,750 for the full two-year Notarial Practice Course, including examination fees (UCL, 2026-27 entry) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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UK Notary PIL: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the distinction between jurisdiction under the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 and the post-Brexit rules (Brussels I Recast no longer applies) and common law forum non conveniens principles.

2Memorise the default choice-of-law rules under Rome I Article 4 (sale of goods = habitual residence of seller; services = habitual residence of service provider; immovable property = lex situs).

3Understand the three-tier rule in Rome II Article 4 (Article 4(1) lex loci damni, Article 4(2) common habitual residence exception, Article 4(3) escape clause for manifestly closer connection).

4Study the key Hague Conventions: 1961 Apostille Convention, 1980 Abduction Convention, 1996 Child Protection Convention, and 2005 Choice of Court Agreements Convention.

5Be clear on the common law rules for enforcing foreign judgments (final and conclusive, fixed sum of money, jurisdiction of foreign court under English PIL rules, no fraud/public policy defense).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official format of the UK Notary Private International Law assessment?

The official assessment is a written examination set by UCL Laws as part of the Notarial Practice Course (one 2-hour paper in the UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27; in person and closed book since 2025-26). Our practice question bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for self-assessment and rapid topic review.

What is the passing score for the UK Notary Private International Law exam?

The UCL Notarial Practice Course brochure 2025-27 sets a pass mark of 50% for each Notarial Practice Course examination.

What are the course and assessment fees?

UCL lists £10,750 for the full two-year Notarial Practice Course for 2026-27 entry, including examination fees.

Who regulates public notaries in England and Wales?

Public Notaries in England and Wales are regulated by the Master of the Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury through the Faculty Office, pursuant to the Public Notaries Acts 1801–1843.

Which legal frameworks are covered under choice of law in contract and tort?

The course covers the Rome I Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 593/2008) for contractual obligations and the Rome II Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 864/2007) for non-contractual obligations (both retained in UK law after Brexit and now called assimilated law), as well as Part III of the Private International Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.

How are foreign laws proved in English court proceedings?

Foreign law is treated as a question of fact in English courts and must generally be pleaded and proved by expert evidence under Section 4 of the Civil Evidence Act 1972, unless judicially noticed or established under specific statutory provisions.