Becoming a Proctor

Becoming a Proctor

About us

The State Bar’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Job summary

As an exam proctor, you will play a key role in helping the Office of Admissions meet its mission of licensing attorneys to practice law in California. You will help ensure that the administration of the exam follows the policies and procedures established and set by the Committee of Bar Examiners. Compensation for this position is $25 an hour.

Duties and responsibilities

Proctor assignments may require that you:

  • Assist with set-up of test materials prior to the beginning of the exam sessions.
  • Verify applicant admittance documentation before directing applicants to assigned seating.
  • Enforce exam rules and policies, such as those regarding items allowed into a test center.
  • Allow only authorized personnel within the secured test center.
  • Maintain the security of exam materials at all times.
  • Distribute, collect, and account for exam materials over the course of at least three consecutive days.
  • Complete various exam forms.
  • Monitor applicants during the exam to ensure applicants are not accessing unauthorized assistance, e.g., cheating.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with exam regulations regarding the use of cell phones and electronic devices by conducting regular checks to ensure that both proctors and applicants adhere to the prohibition on these devices during the exam.

Qualifications and requirements

Bar exam proctors must:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 years of age and complete any necessary training prior to assignment.
  • Attend assigned exam events and remain at the test center for up to 10 to 12 hours per day or until dismissed for at least three consecutive days.
  • Accept and follow oral and written instructions from State Bar staff and supervising proctors.
  • Have basic knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and arithmetic.
  • Communicate effectively and courteously.
  • Possess strong organizational skills and use of good judgment, and keep bar exam materials confidential.
  • Be flexible to duty and assignment changes.
  • Work quietly and efficiently around the test center as assigned with long periods of walking or standing.
  • Stay alert and engaged for extended periods of silence.
  • Be able to lift a minimum of 5 pounds to a maximum of 40 pounds, as needed.

Anticipated testing sites

Please note: All testing locations are currently anticipated but are subject to change.

How to apply

Submit a completed Exam Proctor Application to proctors@calbar.ca.gov by June 13, 2025.

Please note: Any person who is a law clerk, law student, paralegal, or admitted as an attorney in any jurisdiction cannot proctor any exam given by the State Bar of California.

Questions?

For questions, please email proctors@calbar.ca.gov.