California Bar Exam Information

Dates, Cost & Location

The California Bar was established in 1927. Nearly 270,000 lawyers are currently in the bar. 20.8% of California lawyers are solo practitioners, and 81.6% are licensed in another jurisdiction (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/reports/ORIA/Survey-2017.pdf).

Does California participate in the Uniform Bar Exam?
No.

What is the format of the California Bar Exam?
The California Bar Exam consists of five one-hour essay questions, one 90-minute performance test, and 200 multiple-choice questions.

What subjects are tested?
Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Community Property,
Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Torts, Trusts, Remedies, and Wills and Succession. The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a separate requirement. See below.

Does California have reciprocity?
No, all applicants must sit for the bar exam.

What are the fees and deadlines for taking the California Bar Exam?
Please see the California Bar Association’s website for information regarding fees and application deadlines to take the bar exam.

Do I need to pass the MPRE to be admitted to the bar in California?
Yes, you need a score of 86 or better on the MPRE to be admitted to practice law in California.

When do the bar results come out?
The February 2026 bar results will be released on May 1, 2026.

Can I use my laptop on the bar exam?
Yes. There is a $153 fee to use a personal laptop on the bar exam. California will use Examsoft to administer the February 2026 bar exam electronically.

How do I apply for accommodations on the California Bar Exam?
Testing accommodations are granted on a case-by-case basis and can include provisions such as dictating the exam, wheelchair access, or the use of medical devices. To apply for testing accommodations, fill out the Request for Testing Accommodations Form and the Qualified Professional Certification Form (Testing Accommodations).