California Attorneys’ Exam

California allows eligible attorneys admitted in other U.S. jurisdictions to sit for the California Attorneys’ Examination instead of the full General Bar Exam. Eligible attorneys must have been admitted to the active practice of law in a U.S. jurisdiction for at least four years immediately before the exam and must have been in good standing throughout that period. Attorneys may instead choose the General Bar Exam (which includes the MBE).

The Attorneys’ Exam is a one-day, written-only exam: the California essays and California Performance Test used on the General Bar Exam. It does not include the MBE. The same overall passing framework applies (1390 / 2000 on the scaled written score).

As California transitions to the NextGen UBE in July 2028, the State Bar encourages attorney applicants who can sit under the current rules to do so by the February 2028 administration. There may be no Attorneys’ Exam in July 2028 or February 2029; from about July 2029 the planned California component is intended to serve as the attorney path. Confirm the latest transition guidance on the State Bar Admissions site before filing.

Additional Requirements

Practice. Active practice in good standing for at least four years immediately before the exam.

Character and Fitness. Meet State Bar moral character requirements.

MPRE. Scaled score of 86 or greater (no time limit under current NCBE/State Bar summaries; confirm before admission).

Application

Register and apply through State Bar of California Admissions. Confirm current fees and deadlines for the sitting you plan to take.