Here are the admissions examinations administered by the State Bar.
California Bar Examination
The California Bar Examination is given twice each year. The exam isgiven over two days and consistsof the following parts:
- Five one-hour essay questions
- One 90-minute Performance Test
- The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), typically 200 multiple-choice questions
Approximately 16,000 people take the bar exam each year. Find more information about the California Bar Exam, including dates and details for the next exam.
- Past exam questions and selected answers
- See dates and application deadlines for upcoming exams
- See passage rate statistics
- Admissions fees
First-Year Law Students’ Examination
The First-Year Law Students' Examination (also known as the “baby bar”) is a half-day test given twice a year. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and covers three subjects: Contracts, Criminal Law, and Torts. More than 500 applicants take the exam each year. Applicants can take the exam if they have completed one year of law study.
- Find out more about the exam, including who must take it,dates,and details for upcoming tests
- Past exam questions and selected answers
- See dates and application deadlines for upcoming exams
- See passage rate statistics
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
Every applicant must take and pass the MPRE in order to be admitted.Applicants can take the MPRE any time after completing oneyear of law study and before being licensed to practice law in California. This two-hour, multiple-choice test is administered three times a year by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
- See more information about this test
Testing Accommodations
Testing accommodations are available to individuals with mental or physical disabilities. Depending on the nature of the disability, accommodations may include such things as readers or personal healthcare assistants, wheelchair access, permission to dictate to a typist or digital recorder, customized timing, separate testing room, customized exammaterials (Braille, large print, etc.), extended testing days, and permission to bring and use specific items or medical aids.
- Find out more aboutwhat is required torequest special testing accommodations
Exam Administration
Under the supervision of the Supreme Court of California, the State Bar's Committee of Bar Examiners is responsible for developing, administering, and grading the California Bar Examand the First-Year Law Students' Exam.
