California Attorneys’ Exam

California allows eligible attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions to take a modified California bar exam. The modified exam is called the California Attorneys’ Examination. Attorneys must be admitted to the active practice of law in a United States jurisdiction for at least four years immediately prior to the first day of administration of the California bar exam and must be in good standing for that period of practice. Attorneys may also choose to take the California General Bar Exam instead of the California Attorneys’ Exam. Attorneys are ineligible if they have practiced less than four years, are not in good standing, or are not on active status.

The California Attorneys’ Exam is a two-day exam. The exam includes the California Essays and California Performance Tests of the California General Bar Exam. The California Attorneys’ Exam does not include the multiple-choice MBE questions.

Additional Requirements

The California Attorneys’ Exam additional requirements include:

Citizenship/Residency. There is no requirement for citizenship or residency.

Character and Fitness. Attorneys must meet the applicable character and fitness standards and must be in compliance with all family and child support obligations.

Good Standing. Attorneys must have practiced in good standing and currently be in good standing.

Practice of Law. Attorneys must be admitted to the active practice of law in a United States jurisdiction for at least four years immediately prior to the first day of administration of the California bar exam and must be in good standing for that period of practice.

MPRE. Attorneys must achieve a score of 86 or better on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (“MPRE”).

California Attorneys’ Exam Application Procedure

Attorneys eligible for the California Attorneys’ Exam are required to complete the online Registration. Basic application requirements include:

  • Registration with the Committee of Bar Examiners
  • MPRE Transfer
  • Certificates of Good Standing

The California Attorneys’ Exam is offered at the end of February and the end of July.  Applications are available October 1 for the February exam and must be timely filed by November 1 for the February exam. Late filing is allowed between the first and last business day of November for the February exam. Applications are available March 1 for the July exam and must be filed April 1 for the July exam. Late filing is allowed between the first and last business day of April for the July exam.

Please see California’s Schedule of Charges and Deadlines for more information regarding fees and deadlines.