Becoming a Certified Specialist

• All examination registration is completed through the  Admissions Applicant Portal.
• All California licensees have a current Applicant Portal account. Do not create a new one.
•  If you need assistance logging in, please see our Applicant Portal FAQs or fill out the Licensee Record and Compliance Inquiry form. 
• The Applicant Portal is used to register for exam, apply for initial certification or recertification, report LSCLE Compliance, and submit other legal specialization requests. 

Note that the Applicant Portal and My State Bar Profile use different log in credentials, and updating information on one does not update the other. All licensees must keep both current within 30 days of a change.

How to prepare for the exam:

• Review eligibility, registration details, and exam updates on the exam information webpage. 
• Study the free scope and sample questions. These include sample essay questions and important exam information. No multiple-choice questions are released for practice.
• If your specialty area allows a codebook, decide whether you will bring one and ensure it meets the Codebook Bulletin requirements. 

Exam results are posted electronically in the Admissions Applicant Portal.

• Exam results are valid up to 18 months and up to 36 months by requesting an extension.
• For example, applicants who pass the 2025 exam must submit their post-examination application by April 27, 2027, or request an extension for good cause. Extensions cannot be granted beyond January 2029. 
• If you would like to request an extension, please submit your request through the Admissions Applicant Portal.

After you pass the Legal Specialist Examination, you must submit your initial certification application exclusively through the Admissions Applicant Portal. 

Paper applications are no longer offered or accepted. All components of the certification process, including the application, supporting documentation, and updates must be completed through the Portal.

Before applying, review the Legal Specialization Rules and Standards (scroll down to Article I-XI) to understand the specific requirements for your specialty area. 

• Please note that the education requirements listed in the Standards are outdated across all specialty areas. All subfield education requirements have been permanently waived, and applicants must now default to the continuing education requirement in State Bar Rule 3.114. This rule establishes the universal requirement of 45 hours of specialty-related education for initial certification (and 36 hours every three years thereafter). 

Your post-examination application must demonstrate:

• Experience: A high level of specialty specific practice experience, as defined in the Standards.

• Education: Completion of at least 45 hours of specialty-related or closely related continuing education under Rule 3.114.
• References: Favorable evaluations from judges and attorneys familiar with your work.

You may begin tracking your education, experience, and references in the Applicant Portal at any time – even prior to taking the exam. However, you will only be able to submit your application after you have passed.

The review process typically takes about six months from the date your post-examination application is submitted.

• Administrative review: Your application is checked for completeness.
• Reference questionnaires: Electronic questionnaires are sent to your references. 
• Final review and approval: Once all components are received, your materials are reviewed for a final certification determination.
• Escalation or delays: If your application is escalated or delayed, additional advice may be requested from the working group to ensure a thorough review and make a final determination.

Effective 2026, updated fees include:

Initial Certification fee: $318
Annual fee: $382
Recertification fee (every five years): $371

*Please note that paper checks are no longer accepted and payment must be submitted by Credit Card or ACH payment.