Admittance Bulletin

Applicants taking the First-Year Law Students' Examination should carefully read this bulletin prior to the first day of the exam as it contains important information that you will need to know. Download this bulletin as a PDF.

Schedule of exam

The exam will be administered on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. There will be six total exam sessions throughout the day. There are set breaks between each session. There will also be time for lunch between Essay 4 and the first set of multiple-choice questions. Applicants taking the exam online must use laptop computers and should go to the ExamSoft landing page (www.examsoft.com/firstyearonline) by 7:30 a.m. to find the YouTube link to the announcements. This is also where the passwords will be posted, as well as the URL for the backup passwords page.

Exam structure and grading

Failure to follow exam rules while the exam is in session will result in a notice to the CBE of a violation of exam rules in accordance with the provisions of Title 4, Division 1, Chapter 6 of the Rules of the State Bar of California (Admissions Rules). Conduct that results in a violation of security or disrupts the administration of the exam, which includes, but is not limited to, having unauthorized items with you during the exam (such as cell phones, notes, etc.), typing after time has been called, attempting to cheat or avoid/override the remote-proctoring system, or leaving the view of the camera while the exam is in session, will result in notice to the CBE of a violation of exam rules or, in some cases, can lead to a referral to the Moral Character Determination unit.  It is expected that all applicants will demonstrate integrity, honor, and ethical behavior during this exam, and all exams administered by the State Bar of California. The remote-proctored exam will be continuously monitored by artificial intelligence and human proctors, and any—and all—anomalies or suspicious behavior will be flagged accordingly. Flagged video files will be reviewed by the State Bar, and conduct violations will result in strict sanctions. Sanctions may include but are not necessarily limited to, a zero for the flagged exam session, a zero for the entire exam, and a negative impact on your moral character determination.  

Only the following items are allowed in the exam room without prior approval:

Applicants cannot wear hats, caps, hoods, or any other type of headwear during the exam. The CBE, however, will consider petitions filed by applicants seeking exemptions from that policy, which would permit them to wear headwear due to their religious beliefs. Such petitions must be submitted online through the Applicant Portal no later than the final deadline for filing testing accommodations petitions.

  1. Inhalers
  2. Eyeglasses (no cases or sunglasses)
  3. Foam earplugs
  4. Diabetes-related equipment (does not include food or drinks); and disability-related items that have been approved through the testing accommodations petition process.
  5. Back support, a standard-size pillow, or an orthopedic cushion (without cover cases or anything printed or written on them)
  6. Splints and braces and casts (with nothing printed or written on them)
  7. Crutches
  8. Wheelchair
  9. TENS unit
  10. Hearing aids
  11. One footrest

The following laptop accessories are allowed:

  1. Separate keyboard
  2. Mouse (wired or wireless)
  3. Laptop riser/stand no higher than 4”
  4. A solid color mouse pad with no writing on it (for written portions of the exam only)

Please note that applicants testing remotely cannot have wallets, lip balm, tissues, cough drops/throat lozenges, gum, candy, or other food or drinks in the exam room.

If unauthorized items are brought into the exam area for applicants taking the remote-proctored exam, either intentionally or inadvertently, they will be noted, and applicants will receive a Chapter 6 Notice and, possibly, additional sanctions imposed by the CBE. In accordance with the CBE’s policies, applicants will receive a score of zero for any session during which they are found to have brought an unauthorized electronic device, such as a cell phone or activity tracker device (e.g., Fitbit), into the exam, as well as any additional sanctions the CBE may impose.

Laptop computer users

After you have been notified your admittance ticket is available, you need to ready your laptop computer for use during the exam. The required security software (Examplify with ExamID and Exam Monitor) must be downloaded onto your laptop, and then you must download all six exam files by Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. PT. The Laptop Instructions webpage contains the details and requirements for participation in the program. It is the responsibility of applicants using laptops to timely upload their exam files containing their answers to each of the four essay questions and each of the two multiple-choice question sets in compliance with the published procedures, instructions, and deadlines.

Applicants who fail to upload their answer files by the published deadlines will have a deduction of 10 scaled points taken from their total written scaled score. Applicants who fail to upload their answer files within two weeks of the published deadlines will be given a grade of zero for each answer that is not received by the State Bar’s Office of Admissions by the published deadlines. Applicants are expected to comply with the published deadlines; there are no waivers of the deadlines or the sanctions that will be imposed as a result of applicants’ failure to upload their exam files. 

General Instructions: Remote Proctored Administration

  1. You will be required to establish your identity at the beginning of each session (at the start and after each break). If the system cannot confirm your identity, you will be able to proceed with the exam, and the ID process will be verified later.
  2. The following conduct will be prohibited:
  • Leaving the view of the webcam outside of scheduled breaks.
  • Any attempt to bypass or avoid the remote proctoring mechanisms and protocols, or to obtain or receive assistance on the exam.
  • Individuals (other than the applicant) coming into the exam room.
  • Having cell phones or other electronic devices, including a tablet or additional computers, in the exam room or connected remotely to any other devices or equipment in the exam room.
  • Having notes, study aids, or other papers or exam resources in the exam room, including scratch paper (digital scratch paper will be provided).
  • Having digital timers, watches, or clocks in the exam room (the exam software allows applicants to set timed reminders).
  • Having books of any kind within view or reach of the applicant’s desk in the exam room.
  • Having food or beverages, including but not limited to coffee and water, in the exam room.
  • Having in the exam room any item(s) other than the allowed items listed in the Admittance Ticket Bulletin.
  • Having any radios, stereos, or other devices/equipment that can make audible sounds in the exam room. Any such items must be turned off at all times during the exam and scheduled breaks.
  1. If items other than those allowed are detected during the exam, you will be flagged by the system, and a corresponding sanction will be issued.
  2. You are not allowed to make notes from memory prior to the start of the exam session. Laptop users may not access any notes or other documents at any point during the exam. Physical scratch paper is not allowed at any time. Digital scratch paper will be available in the Examplify program (in the ToolKit you will find “Notes”, and this is your digital scratch paper)
  3. The exam is electronically timed, and applicants can set a timer in the system. Applicants are encouraged to keep track of their own time.
  4. Please note that extra time is not granted to any individual applicant for any reason. If you attempt to continue completing the exam after the session has ended, you will receive a Chapter 6 Notice.
  5. You should use the restroom before starting each session of the exam. You will not be permitted to use the restroom or leave your seat during the exam session.
  6. If you leave the exam area during the exam session, you will be issued a Chapter 6 notice.

General instructions: In-person administration

  1. Your admittance ticket contains your applicant number and your file number. Do not write anything on the ticket. You will be required to show your ticket to the proctor when you enter the test center (please detach and bring just the bottom portion of the admittance ticket). You must keep it in your possession throughout the exam.
  2. If items other than those allowed are brought to the test center, you will be required to leave them at your own risk outside of the exam area. The CBE, Office of Admissions staff, and proctors assume no responsibility for the safekeeping of items that you bring to the test center. You are not permitted access to those items while the exam is in session.
  3. You should bring any small permitted personal items, e.g., prescription medication, foam earplugs, pens, etc., into the exam area in a small, clear plastic bag. Larger items, such as pillows, do not need to fit into the clear plastic bag that holds your smaller items.
  4. Proctors will provide you with seating information upon your arrival to the test center. You must occupy the same seating space throughout the exam.
  5. Upon arrival at your seat, you will find an identification badge that will be your identification credential during administration of the exam and which you may be required to show at any time. The badge must be fastened so it can be easily seen by the proctors. You will be told to relocate the badge if it is not placed appropriately. The badge must be left at your seat during the lunch break.
  6. At some time during administration of the exam, you may be required to provide your fingerprints. If you refuse to provide the required fingerprints, a Chapter 6 Notice will be issued to you.
  7. During the exam, you will be required to show a valid government-issued ID card that has your photograph, such as a Driver's License, California Identification Card, or Passport, for the purpose of verification of identity. You must carry this photograph ID card at all times during the exam.
  8. At the beginning of the essay portion of the exam, you will be instructed to write your applicant number, name, and signature in the upper right-hand corner of each of your answer book covers. Do not write notes, outlines, answers, time schedules, or make any marks on the inside or outside of your answer book covers. Prior to grading, your personal information will be removed after a code number has been assigned. Thereafter, answers are identified by code number only; nothing about an individual applicant is known to the Graders.
  9. You are not allowed to make notes from memory prior to the start of the exam session. If you are using your laptop computer, you may not access any notes or other documents on your computer after you have entered the secure examining area. Applicants using laptops will have access to virtual scratch paper. Some applicants with documented disabilities requiring them to have physical scratch paper, will be accommodated. You must not make notes or write anything on your admittance ticket. If writing is found on your admittance ticket, the ticket will be confiscated and you will be issued a Chapter 6 Notice.
  10. There is a separate answer book for each essay question of the exam, which is numbered to correspond to the number of the question. If you are handwriting your answers, you must be certain that the answer to Question No. 1 is written in the book for Question No. 1, etc. Answers written in a wrong answer book or typed in the wrong answer window while using Examplify, or more than one answer typed in a text box screen while using Examplify, require special handling, such that the grading of an applicant’s answer could be delayed as a result.
  11. If you are handwriting, you should do so as legibly as possible. A ballpoint pen, with standard blue or black ink, must be used to write your answers. Essay answers written in pencil are not acceptable. Only nonmechanical pencils may be used for the multiple-choice portion of the exam. Neither highlighters nor white-out may be used on your answers to the essay questions.
  12. All answers to the multiple-choice portion of the exam must be marked on the answer sheet provided. If you have circled your answers in the question booklet, extra time to transfer answers to the answer sheet will not be granted. Only answers properly marked on the answer sheet will be scored.
  13. Exam questions and used scratch paper may not be taken out of the exam room. After completing each session of the exam, the exam questions must be placed in the envelope designated for that purpose.
  14. If you handwrite your exam answers, it is your responsibility to turn in your written exam answers to the proctors. If you leave a test center with your answers, the answers will not be graded.
  15. The exam is electronically timed and you are encouraged to keep track of your own time, since wall clocks are not provided. Laptop users will have the ability to set two timers while in the exam session.
  16. Timing devices, i.e., watches and clocks, brought into the exam test centers are to be used solely for the determination of the passage of time. They cannot have a digital display, must be absolutely silent, and cannot be larger than 4" x 4". Timing devices that are digital, programmable, and/or that make noise are not permitted. If found, they will be confiscated, and the applicant will receive a Chapter 6 Notice.
  17. Writing and typing of answers must be completed when time is called. Please note that extra time is not granted to any individual applicant for any reason. If you attempt to write anything after time has been called, you will receive a Chapter 6 Notice.
  18. Restrooms and water will be available at each in-person test center. You should use the facilities before taking your seat so that you do not miss the instructions prior to the start of each session. Extra time to use the restroom will not be granted. You will not be permitted to use the restroom or leave your seat during each exam session, unless you have been granted a testing accommodation to do so. After time is called, you will not be permitted to use the restroom or leave your seat until all materials are collected and inventoried. If you fail to remain seated after being advised to do so or while the exam materials are being collected and inventoried, you will receive a Chapter 6 Notice.
  19. If you leave the secure exam area during the exam session, you will not be permitted to return for the purpose of completing your exam answers.
  20. Laptop computers may not be disconnected from electrical outlets or removed from the exam room while the exam is in session, even if you have completed the exam for that session. You must wait until the exam session has concluded and applicants are dismissed before retrieving your computer.
  21. The proctors' chief function is to proctor the exam; however, if asked, the proctors will attempt to assist with any problems that may arise.
  22. If there is an emergency of any kind, you should remain seated and wait for instructions on how to proceed.

Exam attendance policy

If you do not attend or are unable to complete a required, scheduled exam session, you will not be permitted to attend any of the remaining exam sessions. For instance, if you are absent for or unable to complete any of the Tuesday morning sessions, you will not be allowed to take either of the Tuesday afternoon sessions of the exam. If you are absent for or unable to complete any portion of the exam, you will be considered as having not taken the exam and your written answers will not be graded. If you intend to take a future administration of the exam, you will be subject to the same application filing deadlines applicable to first-time applicants rather than the deadlines applicable to immediate repeaters, if any.

This policy does not in any way affect the statutory requirement within which the applicant must pass the First-Year Law Students’ Exam in order to receive credit for all law studies completed to the time the exam is passed. Applicants must make a good faith attempt to complete each session of the exam for which they are present. Failure to do so may lead to receipt of a Chapter 6 Notice and being prohibited from attending the remaining exam sessions.

Late login to the system

Applicants testing remotely and logging in after the latest start time will not be permitted to begin the exam session that has started and will be locked out of the question in progress. Any answers to questions in subsequent exam sessions will not be graded or scored.

Address change

Applicants whose addresses change after filing their applications are encouraged to notify the Office of Admissions of a change of address as soon as possible. Applicants are able to update their admissions file with the new address by accessing their account through the Applicant Portal. 

Admittance ticket

Applicants will receive an email alerting them when admittance tickets are available. If you are taking the exam remotely, you do not need to print the admittance ticket. The admittance ticket can be located in the exam case record through the Applicant Portal. 

Further communication

For questions regarding your status or the other requirements for admission, you should contact the State Bar's Office of Admissions by sending an email directly from your Applicant Portal. If you need to contact the office by telephone, however, the following numbers are provided:

The State Bar of California–Los Angeles
213-765-1000

The State Bar of California–San Francisco
415-538-2000

Results

Results from the October 2021 administration of the First-Year Law Students’ Exam are scheduled to be released to applicants on December 10, 2021. The contact information on file will be used to communicate your exam results.