California Bar
Exam Details
Bar Exam Details
A typical California Bar Exam is a 2-day exam
Day 1
- Three 60-minute essay questions (in the AM)
- Two 60-minute essay questions (in the PM)
- One 90-minute Performance Test (in the PM)
Day 2
- 200-question, multiple-choice exam (100 questions in the AM, 100 questions in the PM)
Subjects tested
California is developing their own multiple-choice questions as of February 2025. The new multiple-choice exam will not substantially modify the training or preparation required for passage of the exam.
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts/Sales
- Criminal Law/Procedure
- Evidence
- Federal Civil Procedure
- Real Property
- Torts
- Business Associations (Agency and Partnership; Corporations; and Limited Liability Companies)
- CA Civil Procedure
- CA Community Property
- CA Evidence
- CA Professional Responsibility
- Remedies
- Trusts
- CA Wills and Succession
- Plus all MBE subjects
- “Closed universe” practical questions using instructions, factual data, cases, statutes and other reference material supplied by examiners.
- A scaled score of 86 on the MPRE is required for admission.
Click here to learn more about the MPRE.
Scoring
The multiple-choice question portion is 50% of the total score, while the written portion accounts for the other 50%. A passing score of 1,390 or greater on a 2,000 point scale is required based on the combined scores for the California Performance Test, essay questions, and the multiple-choice questions.
Reciprocity
- California does not accept an MBE score from an exam taken in another jurisdiction.
- California does not provide for admission on motion. Examination is required of all applicants. Attorneys who have been licensed in another jurisdiction for four years may be eligible to sit for the attorney exam (written exam only).
Additional information
Disclaimer: Beginning with the February 2025 exam and continuing thereafter, the California bar exam will transition to remote and test center-based administration.
Plan Ahead
- Be proactive about potential distractions (e.g., adjust lawn maintenance, pet care, child care, etc.)
- Minimize others’ internet usage, streaming, on network during exam
- If too challenging, consider booking a different, private space in advance — hotel, meeting room at a library, office space
Get Familiar
- With the CA test administration rules and procedures once they are released
- With the exam software once announced. Take mock exam when provided with the computer you plan to use
Check Your Equipment
- Check minimum system requirements & ensure your computer meets minimums
- Reliable internet! If going to different location, check your internet connection in advance, get WiFi codes, check hardwire connection
Light Your Space and Face
- Take exam in well-lit space with lighting or a window in front of you to highlight your face
- Consider a table lamp or ring light
- Turn off bright lights / cover windows that are behind your head
Get Comfortable
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing
- Have a good chair
- Use the restroom
- Adjust monitor brightness to reduce eye strain
Arrive Early
- Ensure you arrive at the test center at least half an hour early
Know the Location
- Visit the test center beforehand to familiarize yourself with location and parking situation
Understand the Rules
- Know what you need to bring (e.g., valid photo ID, admission ticket, any approved exam materials, etc.
- Snacks and water if allowed
- How to handle bathroom breaks
Get Comfortable
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing
- Bring earplugs if allowed
International Law Graduates + Lawyers
If you are a foreign law graduate or lawyer, you may already be eligible to sit for a U.S. state bar exam with your current credentials.
California operates a relatively open policy in permitting foreign law graduates or lawyers to sit the bar examination, and does not impose restrictions to admission on grounds of nationality or residence.
BARBRI Bar Exam Digest
We compile all of the information that you need to know about the dates, format, subjects tested, deadlines, fees and more - for each U.S. state - in the free BARBRI Bar Exam Digest.
Sample Schedule: Course Information
BARBRI Bar Review uses best-in-class learning design to help you master complex material quickly and improve retention for test day. Your course is tailored to your unique needs, and broken into three phases: Foundations, Deep Dive, and Final Review.
This overview does not list all assignments that will be available in your Personal Study Plan (PSP). Your PSP adjusts to your strengths, weaknesses, and schedule, offering a customizable calendar with recommended assignments to boost your chances of passing.
PSP access for Premium and Elite courses begins in mid-March for July exams and mid-October for February exams. Though your calendar is customizable, BARBRI’s default schedule begins at the same time Essentials courses open: Mid-May and Mid-December, respectively.
Covers multistate subjects
- “About” videos
- These short videos explain efficient and effective ways to navigate the exam and the course
- Short story-driven episodes on core concepts across each mbe subject.
- Skills workshops
- Knowledge checks and warm-up essays
Covers multistate and essay subjects
- Short-format lecture modules
- Taught by expert professors.
- Reading, practice, assessment and reinforcement through review
- Knowledge checks and practice essays additional essay and performance
- Test writing skills instruction
- Simulated Multistate Bar Exam
- Simulated Written Exam
- Crunch time with Mini Review lectures, the Conviser Mini Review book and multiple choice and essay practice
- Civil Procedure
- CA Civil Procedure
- Torts
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Evidence
- CA Evidence
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Real Property
- Professional Responsibility
- Remedies
- Wills
- Trusts
- Corporations
- Agency
- Partnership
- Community Property