California Bar Exam Checklist

Register with the Committee of Bar Examiners as a law student:

You only register once. Registration must be completed before filing any other forms with the State Bar.  You must have an approved registration within 10 days of filing your application to take the California Bar Examination.  You may complete the registration application at the following link on the California State Bar website:

http://calbar.xap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Registration/default.asp

$108

When will you take the MPRE exam?

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two hour multiple choice exam administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.  It is required for admission to the California State Bar as well as almost every other jurisdiction.  The next 2 MPRE dates are August 17, 2013 (regular registration deadline is June 25, 2013 and the late registration deadline is July 11, 2013) and November 2, 2013 (regular registration deadline is September 10, 2013 and late registration ends on September 26, 2013). Exam information and registration may be found at the following website:

http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/MPRE/

$73 if timely registration

$146 if late registration

How will you study for the Bar? Will you Register for a Bar Review Course?

Several options for test prep programs are available to students.  If you are concerned about increasing prices, sign up during Bar Sweeps week which happens once per semester at UC Hastings to lock in the current year’s rate.  (You may have already done this as a 1L.) Students may select where to take the course from a number of options in January of 2013. 

$4,000 (average)

Register to take the California Bar Exam:

The California Bar Examination is a three day exam administered in February and July each year. Applications for the July 2013 bar exam will be available March 1, 2013 and should be submitted no later than April 1, 2013. The final filing deadline is June 17, 2013. For registration and other information, please see the following website.

http://calbar.xap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Exam/default.asp

$614

Complete the Moral Character Application (This takes a while!):

All applicants to the State Bar must submit the moral character application.  The application takes a minimum of six 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.  So if you plan to graduate in Spring 2013 and take the July 2013 CA bar exam, you want to be considered in good standing BEFORE the July bar exam results come out in November 2013. Therefore, you should really submit your application as early in Fall semester as possible but no later than the beginning of Spring semester of your final year in law school.

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.  You may complete the moral character application at the following link on the California State Bar website:

http://www.calbarxap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Moral_Character/default.asp

Once you have completed the application, you must print it and sign the Authorization and Release form.  Make sure that the first page contains a bar code - if the first page does not have a bar code, it is not valid.  You must attach all required documents listed in the application within 10 days of submitting the application in an envelope to the following address:

Office of Admissions
The State Bar of California
1149 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015-2299

$500

Get Live Scan finger printing done:

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. Please bring $25 in cash or as a check made out to Pettey Ventures. You will also need a valid driver’s license or ID. Sign up for fingerprinting at the Student Services office.

More information regarding the requirement can be found on the State Bar website:

http://calbar.xap.com/applications/CalBar/info/moral_character.html#fingerprints

$25

Will you write or type the exam? Register to Use Your Laptop:

If you wish to use a laptop during the examination, you must apply online and select a laptop-compatible testing center. You may initiate the application process upon receiving your bar admittance ticket (approximately ten weeks prior to the exam).

Additionally, the State Bar requires that laptops meet certain compatibility standards.  Information detailing these standards and registration for use of laptops may be found on the State Bar website (please note that information for 2013 has not yet been updated):

http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/4/documents/Examinations/BXLaptopBul.0712-R.pdf

$139

Do you need an accommodation? Petition for Testing Accommodations:

This is a petition process, not an application process.  Students must prove that they fall within the protections of the American Disabilities Act.  The burden of proof is on the student, and students must meet the level of proof required in order to be accommodated. Please plan ahead. The petition process can take a very long time. Should you have questions, the Director of the Disability Resource Program, Lisa Noshay Petro (noshaype@uchastings.edu
), can help counsel you on the petition process as well as on appeals.  

http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Examinations/TestingAccommodations.aspx