California Bar Exam

Day 1

Morning

3 one-hour Essays

Afternoon

2 one-hour Essays and 1 90-minute Performance Test

Day 2

Morning

100 Multiple Choice Questions

3 Hours

Afternoon

100 Multiple Choice Questions

3 Hours

As a 1L. Registration is recommended within 90 days of matriculation.  Even if you do not plan to practice law in California upon graduation, you must register with the California State Bar if you want to participate in Practical Training as a law student after your first year. Register at https://www.calbarxap.com/applications/calbar/California_Bar_Registration/.

Cost: $119

By the Spring of the 3L year.  Before signing up for a course, research the options and select a course that fits with your learning style.  Students who serve as bar company student representative can receive courses for free or at reduced rates.  

Cost: Approximately $2,000-$4,000

Students should take the MPRE well in advance of the bar exam, preferably in the 2L year if the student has already taken an ethics or professional responsibility course, and has time to study.  The MPRE is offered three times a year in March, August, and November.  For exam and registration information visit http://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre/.

Cost: $95 if timely and $190 if late

During the 2L year or at the beginning of the 3L year.  The application takes a minimum of 6 months to process, but the State Bar recommends applicants file 8 to 10 months prior to the date at which they wish to be admitted to the bar.  The application requires education, residence, and career information dating back to high school.  Students should allow ample time to prepare.  Failure to file in a timely manner may delay your admission to practice law.  Once approved, the application is valid for 36 months. 

After completing and printing the application, you must sign the hard copy Authorization and Release form and attach all documents listed on the Application Checklist. To avoid delay in the processing of your application, the application, checklist, and all listed documents should be mailed within 30 days of submitting the application in an envelope to the following address:

Office of Admissions
The State Bar of California
845 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515

Access the moral character application at https://www.calbarxap.com/applications/calbar/California_Bar_Moral_Character/.

All California Bar applicants must submit their fingerprints through Live Scan in order to determine whether applicants have a criminal conviction.  The moral character application will not be considered without properly submitted fingerprints.  Your fingerprints are valid for 90 days, so you should submit your moral character application within 90 days of getting your fingerprints done.  Live Scan fingerprinting services will be offered on the Hastings campus during each semester.   

Cost: $551 Moral Character Application fee and $25 Live Scan fee

As a 3L. March 1st, of your 3L year, if you are taking the July bar exam or October 1st, of your 3L year, if you are taking the February bar exam. Apply here: https://www.calbarxap.com/applications/calbar/California_Bar_Exam/.

Cost: $677 - General Applicants

Laptop Fee: $153

Approximately 10 weeks before the exam.