The beta test is part of the state bar's fast-tracked development of a new, independent bar exam
The State Bar of California has announced its plans to offer a unique incentive to encourage participation in the beta testing of its new bar exam, Reuters reported.
Those who perform well on the experimental test could see their actual bar exam score boosted by up to 40 points out of a total possible 2,000 points. The state bar submitted its proposal to the California Supreme Court for approval. Participants who score poorly on the trial run will not be penalized.
The beta test is part of the state bar’s fast-tracked development of a new, independent bar exam, set to launch in February. The decision to move away from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) exam is expected to save the state bar up to US$3.8 million annually, partly by allowing the test to be administered remotely, eliminating the need for costly large testing centers. The state bar faces a projected US$24 million deficit in 2025. Recently, the state bar raised lawyer licensing fees to help address the financial shortfall. However, these fees cannot be allocated to the bar’s admissions division, which is currently operating in red.
Some legal educators have expressed concerns about the rapid rollout of the new exam. Mitch Winick, dean of Monterey College of Law, said in statement that while he supports California having its own exam, the rushed timeline creates an "unnecessary risk of failure." Winick and 12 other California law school deans urged the state bar in April to slow down the development process.
Bar exam tutor Sean Silverman criticized the score boost offer, calling it “odd” and potentially unfair to those not selected to participate in the beta test. “I think the California Bar is in an economic hole, and they are trying to shovel their way out of it,” Silverman said. “But the way they are trying to do it is chaotic.”
Despite the criticism, Bridget Gramme, who oversees lawyer admissions for the state bar, defended the process as "deliberate and methodical." Gramme stated that the bar has spent 15 months planning the exam and gathering feedback, prioritizing delivering a high-quality and affordable bar exam.
The beta test is open to those planning to take the California bar in February or July, including current law students and repeat takers. Applications close on October 13.
