How are the exam questions delivered?
For the FYLSX, applicants receive the multiple-choice questions electronically and must select their answers using a computer.
I joined the Bar towards the end of the compliance period. How do I calculate my proportional hours?
This link includes a table you can use to verify your proportional requirement:
http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MCLE-CLE/Requirements/Proportional-Requirement
When is the deadline to submit my audit packet? What happens if I miss the deadline?
The deadline to show proof of compliance is stated on your MCLE Audit Notice. If you fail to submit adequate proof of compliance by the deadline, you will be assessed a $103 penalty for late compliance, and you will receive a Non-Compliance Notice that gives you 60 days to comply. If you do not submit adequate proof of compliance and pay the late fee within that time period, you will be placed on Not Eligible to Practice status until you submit the required proof of compliance, pay the $103 non-compliance fee, and pay an additional $308 reinstatement fee.
What is my exam schedule?
The exam is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions administered in two 90-minute sessions, with a 20-minute break between sessions.
What is the Installment Payment Plan?
The recently signed licensing fee bill requires the State Bar to offer an installment payment plan to active licensees eligible for fee scaling. This plan allows attorneys to divide their total annual fees into six equal payments instead of paying in full by the original deadline of April 1, 2025.
What is the Law Office Study (LOS) Program?
The LOS Program allows you to complete your legal education by studying law in a law office or judge’s chamber.
You will complete four years of recognized law study in a law office under the supervision of a qualifying attorney or in a judge's chamber under the supervision of a judge of a court of record in California.
Why am I required to report my pro bono hours to the State Bar?
The State Bar collects information on attorneys’ pro bono and reduced fee hours to better understand how these services are being provided across the profession. The data will be analyzed to identify trends, support efforts to expand access to legal services, and help address the justice gap. All reported data will be aggregated and not linked to individual attorneys.
How do I calculate and submit Speakers Credit and Teaching Credit?
Speaking
Please submit course marketing materials that clearly show that the course was approved for MCLE, who the speakers were and how long the course was. You should also submit your certificate of attendance for that course if you were provided with one.
You may only claim speakers credit for approved MCLE activities. If you were part of a panel or you only presented a portion of the program you may only claim incremental speakers credit for the activity.
Teaching
You receive 12 times the credit hours awarded by the law school for the course. There is an exception for subfield requirements in Ethics, Elimination of Bias, Implicit Bias, Mental Competence (mental issues in the legal world or society), Wellness (mental competence specifically in the legal world ), Civility and Technology hours. For these "subfields," you only receive the actual speaking time.
To fill out the online form use the law school as the provider, the course title as the course and the date the class started as the date. Mark the course as participatory and note any qualifying subfield hours. Submit a syllabus and a letter from the law school stating that you were an instructor, the dates of the course, and the number of academic credits the school awarded for it.
What items am I allowed to bring into the exam room?
Items listed in the Admittance Ticket Bulletin are allowed without prior approval. The Admittance Ticket Bulletin can be found on the First-Year Law Students’ Examination webpage. Items not listed in the bulletin will require approval through the testing accommodations process. If the bulletin is not yet available for the exam you intend to take, refer to the bulletin for the prior administration of the exam; however, please note that the bulletin is subject to change.
Who is eligible to participate in the Installment Payment Plan?
Attorneys who are eligible for fee scaling and agree to comply with all required obligations by the April 1, 2025, including:
- Attorney profile verification
- Client Trust Account Protection Program
- MCLE compliance (if applicable) I
f an attorney is assessed a noncompliance penalty for any required annual reporting obligation, they will no longer be eligible for the installment plan and must pay all outstanding fees and costs in full by June 30, 2025.