Testing Accommodations

Testing accommodations are available to individuals with mental or physical disabilities as defined under Rule XVII of the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California.

Applicants with mental or physical disabilities can file a petition for reasonable testing accommodations that are needed to take an exam. Applicants with temporary medical conditions, such as a pregnancy or broken leg, and mothers who are nursing, etc. may also file requests for accommodations. 

When applying for testing accommodations, please fill out and return Form A along with any of Forms B through H that are necessary based upon your specific request. 

  • Find a testing accommodations form
  • All petitions for testing accommodations at the Oct. 22, 2019 certified specialist examination must be received at the San Francisco office of the State Bar offices by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2019. Make sure to file early to give yourself enough time to prepare the documentation.
  • File a separate testing accommodations form to take the examination in order to secure a seat at the examination. 

If you wish, you may apply first for testing accommodations and register later for the exam, but the standard registration policy will apply, including fees and deadlines in effect at the time that you file your registration. 

Note: Applicants who have been granted testing accommodations may be required to switch to one of two alternative test centers based on the region where you registered to take the exam:

Northern California: Holiday Inn San Francisco Airport, 275 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco
Southern California: Doubletree Hotel - Westside, 6161 West Centinela Avenue, Culver City

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the Department of Legal Specialization at legalspec@calbar.ca.gov or 415-538-2120.

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