California Bar Examiners Approve New Plan for February 2025: Developing
September 30, 2024 — The California Committee of Bar Examiners met again today in an attempt to address the California Supreme Court’s decision to block a proposed change to the California Bar Examination. Starting with the February 2025 exam, The State Bar of California was looking to utilize a new vendor for multiple choice questions to replace the current MBE questions delivered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. In addition, the State Bar was and is trying to cut costs by offering a remote testing option.
At today’s meeting, The Committee of Bar Examiners unanimously approved a plan for the upcoming February 2025 California Bar Examination. While the resolution was adopted unanimously, it still requires final approval from the California Supreme Court. Interestingly, the committee did not offer anything different from its last proposal, (see September 17th post below) so it would seem presumptuous to assume that the California Supreme Court would rule any differently.
If the Supreme Court does however rule in favor of the state bar, Kaplan Exam Services, LLC (Kaplan) would now deliver a 200-question multiple choice exam covering the same subjects formerly tested on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). As the prevailing vendor, the questions would be subject to psychometric validation. Along with its proposal for a new vendor, the committee agreed that the exam could be administered remotely, in person, or both. It was agreed that in person testing would take place at either vendor run or State bar run testing centers.
Here at Executive Bar Review we question the integrity of the exam and the proposal’s non-compliance with the Business and Professions code. Most notably, California Business and Professions Code § 6046.6, requires a two-year notice period after a change that results in a substantial modification of the training or preparation required to pass the exam.
Specifically. “The examining committee shall not alter the bar examination in a manner that requires the substantial modification of the training or preparation required for passage of the examination, except after giving two years’ notice of that change”.
It would seem that the language of the above section is in direct contradiction to the Committee’s plans. If Kaplan does deliver new multiple-choice questions, they cannot be substantially different in either form or content than past exam questions. We would think that California should simply hold off for a few years before administering these new questions.
The Committee made no mention to changes for the essays and performance exam for February 2025, so it is safe to assume this section of the exam will remain status quo. For attorneys taking the one-day Attorney exam, nothing will change for February 2025. Attorneys may have the option to that exam from the comfort of their home or office, or at a select testing location.
Again, nothing changes without approval from the California Supreme Court. Applications for the February 2025 California are Examination are available on October 1st, and we will keep you updated with any new changes.
Current Details can be found here:
For more information, or to schedule a confidential consultation please contact execbar.com.
888.393.2392
The California Supreme Court Blocks New California Bar Exam Proposal, Maintaining Current Format
September 19, 2024 — In a significant ruling, the California Supreme Court has blocked the State Bar of California’s attempt to implement a new version of the California bar exam scheduled for February 2025. The court denied, without prejudice, a petition that proposed substantial modifications to the exam, including the replacement of the traditional MBE questions with those developed by a new vendor, Kaplan, and the introduction of remote testing options.
The court’s decision comes after the State Bar had expressed intentions to pursue alternative, cost-effective administration methods that would allow applicants to choose between in-person and remote testing at smaller centers. However, this plan is in direct opposition to the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ (NCBE) mandate that the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) must be administered only in person.
As the legal community digests this decision, ethical concerns about the integrity and legacy of the bar exam loom large. We at Executive Bar Review suspected the exam would proceed as usual. Any modifications made with such little notice could jeopardize the integrity of this essential assessment. The rapid shifts in testing modalities and question formats could lead to confusion and uncertainty among bar exam candidates, potentially undermining preparation efforts.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes, we advise candidates to continue studying for the current version of the California Bar Exam and California Attorneys Exam. The core components of the exam remain the same and The State Bar has assured us that the same content will be tested. As with past exams, general bar applicants should anticipate five one-hour essay questions, one 90-minute performance exam, and 200 MBE questions. Out of state attorneys with four or more years of active practice can expect the one-day exam.
The State Bar plans to seek formal approval from the Committee of Bar Examiners before any new proposals can be reconsidered by the Supreme Court. A meeting is scheduled for September 30, where updates on the situation will be provided. The bar exam application for February 2025 is still set to launch on October 1, 2024.
Executive Bar Review will continue to provide updates to any proposed changes as they develop.
Current Details can be found here:
https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Examination/Notice-to-2025-Bar-Exam-TakersFor more information, or to schedule a confidential consultation please contact execbar.com.
888.393.2392
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The California Bar Exam Experiment – Potential 40-point score adjustment for participants.
Why taking the California Bar Exam in 2025 may give you a competitive edge:
September 17, 2024 — The State Bar of California announced that it will be launching a bar examination experiment aimed at recent law grads and those seeking admission to California via the California Bar exam in 2025. This experiment may offer applicants a significant score boost making it possibly the best time to take the California Bar Examination.
Recently the State Bar made the decision to partner with Kaplan Exam Services, LLC to develop new Multistate Bar Examination questions as well as new essay questions and performance exams. The new set of Multistate questions is set to debut with the February 2025 California Bar Examination.
Taking the February 2025 or July 2025 California Bar Examination could offer 2025 examinees a competitive edge. On November 8, 2024 a select number of prospective applicants will have the opportunity to try out these new questions, along with new delivery platforms. Dubbed “Phase One of the California Bar Exam Experiment”, test takers will get an early look at the new multiple-choice questions and the updated exam platform. If selected to take part in the experiment, there is a chance you could receive up to a 40-point score adjustment on your February or July 2025 bar exam score. While this adjustment is pending California Supreme Court approval, it is a clear bonus. In theory the experiment will help applicants understand the new format while potentially gaining insight on how to tailor study strategy. The experiment also allows for a choice in exam setting. Participants can participate either remotely or in person at a designated testing center.
The California Bar Exam is widely recognized as the hardest bar examination to pass. On average applicants take this exam roughly three times before they receive a passing score. And while the cut score was lowered recently, the number of passing applicants remained relatively unchanged. This proposed score boost could make a significant difference. It is unclear at this point how many applicants can participate, but if one was ever to consider this exam, 2025 is a good choice. Candidates for the exam still need to be diligent in their preparation. The bar examiners have made it clear that the content of the exam is not changing. Applicants will still be responsible for the 17 subjects tested on the California Bar Examination.
Details on this experiment can be found here:
https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Exam-Experiment
For more information, or to schedule a confidential consultation please contact execbar.com.
888.393.2392