Exam proctors help ensure that the administration of the California Bar Exam follows the policies and procedures established and set by the Committee of Bar Examiners. Graders are qualified attorneys who help grade the bar exam on a semiannual basis.
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 begins at $25 an hour.
How to apply
Submit your completed Exam Proctor Application to proctors@calbar.ca.gov by January 16, 2026. Incomplete applications or those submitted as photos will not be considered—no exceptions.
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.
Testing sites
Chula Vista
Los Angeles
Oakland
Ontario
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
San Mateo
Vacaville
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.
The Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) invites applications from qualified attorneys to serve as graders for the California Bar Exam on a semiannual basis. It is the policy of the CBE to select, retain and advance Graders for the exams administered by the CBE on the basis of ability, educational attainments, and experience without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, or national origin.
To be eligible for selection as a grader or apprentice grader, an applicant must:
Be an active licensee in good standing of the State Bar of California;
Have been admitted to the State Bar of California not less than one year prior to the exam for which the grader is to be selected; and
Have passed the California Bar Exam on the first or second attempt.
Note: Applicants must not have any professional affiliation with a law school or bar review course, nor maintain a close relationship with an individual who is taking the bar exam.
Submission of interest
To apply, complete the Apprentice Grader Interest Form and email it with your current résumé to examinations@calbar.ca.gov. Form submissions are specific to each exam cycle: February bar exam are available in early January, and July exam forms are available in early June.
Compensation
Apprentice Graders will receive $725 for completing all preparatory tasks, attending the orientation session, and participating in three calibration meetings. In addition, graders will be compensated $4.00 per response for each essay and performance test graded.
Selection process
Selected individuals will begin as Apprentice Graders. While they do not actively grade unless there is an emergency or a vacancy within their panel, they are expected to remain available and prepared to assume grading responsibilities at any point during the grading cycle if called upon.
Orientation (if selected)
Apprentice Graders must attend an orientation session, complete all preparation assignments, complete an Implicit Bias training, and participate in the calibration process, which includes mandatory attendance at three Saturday calibration sessions. The orientation session and calibration meetings will be held via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
