Exam Proctors help ensure that the administration of the California Bar Exam follows the policies and procedures established by the Committee of Bar Examiners.
Becoming a Proctor
As an Exam Proctor, you play an important role in helping the Office of Admissions fulfill its mission of licensing attorneys to practice law in California. Proctors support the secure, consistent, and fair administration of the exam in accordance with the policies set by the Committee of Bar Examiners. Compensation for this position begins at $25 an hour.
The State Bar welcomes applications from individuals with strong attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability, including attorneys interested in contributing to the exam administration process.
How to apply
Submit your completed Exam Proctor Application to proctors@calbar.ca.gov by January 22, 2027. Applications are reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Because assignment availability may be limited, early submission is encouraged. Incomplete applications or those submitted as photos will not be considered—no exceptions.
Please note: Any person who is a law clerk, a law student, or a paralegal in any jurisdiction cannot proctor any exam given by the State Bar of California.
Testing locations
Chula Vista
Greater San Francisco area
Los Angeles
Oakland
Ontario
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
Solano County
Duties and responsibilities
Proctor assignments may require that you:
Assist with setup 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 (i.e., 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 examination events and remain at the designated test center for the full duration of each scheduled assignment for at least three consecutive days, or until released by the designated supervisor.
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, efficiently, and professionally in and around assigned testing room(s), maintaining attentiveness while performing duties that may require extended periods of standing and walking throughout the workday.
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.
