California State Bar Recommends Reverting to In-Person Exams After Bar Exam Fiasco

Following a series of technical issues and widespread dissatisfaction with the online format, the California State Bar is recommending a return to in-person bar exams. The decision comes after the February 2025 bar exam was marred by significant problems, including connectivity issues, software glitches, and accusations of unfairness due to varying test-taker experiences.

The fiasco led to an immediate review by the State Bar's staff, which concluded that the online format was not only prone to technical failures but also created significant disparities in the testing environment. Test-takers reported challenges such as internet outages, difficulties with the exam software, and a lack of adequate proctoring, which many believed compromised the integrity of the exam.

In a statement, the California State Bar emphasized that while the shift to online exams was necessitated by the global health crisis, the recent experiences have underscored the importance of returning to a controlled, in-person testing environment. The State Bar is now working on logistics to ensure that the next bar exam can be conducted smoothly and fairly for all participants.

The move has been met with mixed reactions. While many test-takers and legal professionals welcome the return to in-person testing, others are concerned about the logistical challenges and potential health risks. The State Bar has promised to implement stringent safety measures to address these concerns.

The recommendation to revert to in-person exams is currently under review by the State Bar's Board of Trustees, with a decision expected to be made in the coming weeks.

• Bar Exam
• California State Bar