As an out-of-state attorney aiming to take the California one day attorney’s exam, the decision about when to sit for the exam can significantly impact your success. With the technical difficulties experienced by the February 2025 applicants due to the rushed rollout of the new exam delivery system, those planning to sit for the exam in July 2025 have a key advantage. A well-planned 2–3-month study schedule not only allows you to better prepare for the exam itself, but it also positions you to benefit from a smoother testing experience, avoiding the potential complications that the February exam faced.
The California Bar Exam in February 2025 was marked by significant technical glitches and logistical challenges stemming from the sudden switch to a new delivery system. These issues included software errors, connectivity problems, and other disruptions that created unnecessary stress and uncertainty for applicants.
Considering the February exam’s complications, attorneys planning to sit for the one-day Attorney’s Exam in July 2025 will benefit from an earlier, more methodical approach to bar preparation. A 2–3-month study timeline provides ample time to familiarize yourself with the traditional exam delivery system, and practice with the delivery system to ensure readiness for the exam.
Starting your preparation early gives you the time to practice and get comfortable with it. Technical glitches during the February exam were due in part to applicants being caught off guard by the new system. By giving yourself several months to study, you’ll be able to adapt to existing testing protocols and become proficient in using the delivery system the California Bar examiners will have in place.
A longer study plan allows you to approach bar prep in a measured, comprehensive way. You won’t be rushing through material or cramming at the last minute. Instead, you’ll be able to truly understand the content, retain it over time, and practice under timed conditions. Spaced repetition will help reinforce your memory and improve your recall during the exam, which is crucial for passing the California Bar Exam.
For the July 2025 exam, the State Bar is returning (as mandated by the California Supreme Court) to its traditional exam delivery. This means the bar exam will be administered in person only, and applications will have the use of a trusted software system. Unlike the remote exam, applicants will have the use of scratch paper and live proctors to monitor any unanticipated hiccups. While the February exam’s delivery method was a trial run fraught with issues, applicants who take the exam in July can expect a much smoother experience.
Executive Bar Review recommends a longer preparation window to maximize your chances of success on the California one day attorney Bar Exam. With a program that integrates your professional career with bar exam preparation, a well thought out study plan will allow for deeper engagement with the material helping to build a solid understanding of key legal principles, rather than just memorizing facts.
Out-of-state attorneys have unique challenges, especially when preparing for the California Bar. By incorporating a longer study period into your schedule, you ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam, with the ability to adapt to the new testing system while minimizing stress. Executive Bar Review understands the demands of being a busy professional, so we offer personalized, flexible study plans to help you balance your career and preparation effectively.
While the February 2025 Bar exam was undoubtedly a rough start with the technical difficulties and delivery system changes, attorneys who are postponing to the July 2025 exam made a smart decision. They will benefit from a more stable and well-tested system, as well as the time to study thoroughly and methodically.
