California Supreme Court Greenlights New Bar Exam Format for February 2025
The California Supreme Court has approved a significant shift in the state’s bar exam, greenlighting the California State Bar's plan to implement a new lawyer licensing exam starting in February 2025. This exam will be delivered both remotely and in-person, marking a pivotal change in how aspiring attorneys will be tested.
Score Boost for Beta Testers
Along with approving the new exam format, the court also authorized a score boost for test-takers who participate in a beta test of the exam next month. Candidates who agree to take part in the experimental November test and perform well could receive a score increase of up to 40 points on the February bar exam. However, those who score poorly in the beta test will not face any penalties on their official bar exam results.
California Leads the Way in Bar Exam Reform
Financial Savings and a Modernized Testing Approach
The move to the new bar exam format is expected to save the California State Bar up to $3.8 million annually. This cost reduction stems from the shift to remote administration and smaller test centers, which are more economical compared to large, expensive meeting spaces. The state bar has been facing a financial crisis, particularly within its admissions arm, which makes these savings crucial to its operational sustainability.
Kaplan’s Involvement and Initial Setback
However, the path to approval wasn’t entirely smooth. In September 2024, the California Supreme Court initially rejected the state bar’s proposal, citing procedural missteps. This delayed the process, but the bar has since corrected its course, resulting in the Supreme Court’s final approval on Tuesday.
Concerns from Law School Deans
Despite the approvals, some law school deans across the state have voiced concerns about the timing and readiness of the new exam. In a letter dated September 17, 2024, 15 law deans urged the California Supreme Court to delay the exam, stating that the proposals presented “create additional problems, rather than solve current ones.” They expressed doubts about whether the exam would be adequately prepared and reviewed in time for its February rollout.
Future Testing and Score Adjustments
In addition to the November beta test, the state bar had proposed a similar score boost for candidates participating in a July 2025 experimental test. However, the Supreme Court denied that request, for now, pending the results of the November beta test. The bar may resubmit the proposal after assessing the outcomes from the upcoming trial run.
The changes mark a new era for legal licensure in California, positioning the state at the forefront of modernizing the bar exam process. Whether these reforms will lead to a smoother path to licensure remains to be seen, but the state is undoubtedly taking bold steps to adapt to the changing landscape of legal education and examination.
