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To become a JP you must complete the appointment process.
Register for a JP Online account to apply for Justice of the Peace (JP) appointment. As part of your registration, you will be asked a series of questions to check your eligibility to become a JP.
Check if you are eligible to become a Justice of the Peace.
The JP Code of Conduct (PDF, 105.2 KB) requires all JPs to be familiar with and follow the provisions in the JP Handbook. It’s essential to read the JP Handbook and familiarise yourself with the procedures and obligations required of a JP.
You must pass the JP Knowledge Test before you can apply or reapply to become a JP. The test will ask a series of 20 multiple choice questions that focus on the roles and responsibilities of a JP. The JP Handbook (PDF, 2.5 MB) contains all the information you need to know to complete the JP Knowledge Test. You can refer to the handbook while you complete the test.
To successfully pass the test, you will need to answer each question correctly. If you do not pass, you will be directed to the section of the JP Handbook that will help you identify where you went wrong and improve your knowledge. You will then have to take the test again. There is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the test.
The JP Code of Conduct (PDF, 105.2 KB) requires all JPs to be familiar with and follow the provisions in the JP Handbook. It’s essential to read the JP Handbook and familiarise yourself with the procedures and obligations required of a JP.
When you’re ready to take the test, log in to your JP Online account and select 'JP Knowledge Test'. Please allow up to 60 minutes to complete the test.
View the JP Knowledge Test Frequently asked questions for common questions and answers on the JP Knowledge Test.
After you pass the JP Knowledge Test, you have 12 months to submit an appointment application.
The appointment application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete using JP Online.
The time it takes to process an appointment application can vary depending on the complexity of the application. While the department aims to finalise all applications within three months, in some circumstances it may take up to six months.
You need to take the oaths before you can begin providing JP services.
You’ll need to take the oaths within four months of your appointment date. If you don't take the oaths within this time, your appointment will automatically lapse and you will have to start a new application.
When your application is approved, we’ll send you an email advising you to take the Oaths of Office at a NSW Local Court. Each Local Court has different arrangements for taking the oaths. Visit Taking your oaths for a list of Local Courts and their arrangements.
You can start serving as a JP when you receive your JP number and the dates of your term of appointment. Your term is valid for five years.
It’s important to be mindful of the end date of your term of appointment. If you don’t apply for reappointment before that date, your appointment will lapse and you will not be able to continue performing JP functions.
When your term is approaching expiry, we’ll send you a courtesy email reminder to apply for reappointment. It’s your responsibility to apply for reappointment before the end of your term.
You can also check your appointment expiry date in your JP Online account or place an order for a commemorative certificate that includes your term of appointment dates.
For more information to assist you in performing your role as a JP, visit Information and services for JPs.
16 Nov 2023