California Bar Exam Retake Plans Revised Once More
March 14, 2025, 1:34 pm CDT
The State Bar of California has turned down ProctorU Inc.’s request to delay the upcoming retake exam dates. (Image from Shutterstock)
On March 14, the State Bar of California announced a decision regarding the California bar exam retake, rejecting a proposal from ProctorU Inc., specifically its Meazure Learning division. The company sought a one-week extension to postpone the upcoming exam slated for March 18-19, arguing that it could not ensure a reliably smooth experience for both remote and in-person test-takers.
The initial retake was scheduled for March 3 and 4, but concerns about the testing process have now prompted a new approach. According to the Bar, ProctorU’s requests concerning the exam’s postponement were deemed “unacceptable.”
Testing Logistics
The upcoming retake will occur both remotely—managed by Meazure Learning—and in person at designated State Bar locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Notably, the in-person exams will employ traditional methods, as candidates will respond to hard-copy essay questions and performance tests, while multiple-choice questions will be recorded on Scantron forms. This marks a departure from the technology-driven approach that Meazure Learning had initially proposed.
Exam Eligibility
Out of over 4,000 candidates who participated in the February exam, only about 80 were identified as eligible for the retake. Criteria for eligibility include:
- Inability to launch the exam on the Meazure Learning platform.
- Submission of fewer than four acceptable written responses, including essays and the performance test.
- Failure to access multiple-choice questions during the exam.
- No submissions for two or more multiple-choice sessions.
Financial Implications
Originally, the State Bar of California’s board projected that the new exam format could potentially save the organization up to $3.8 million in related expenses, as detailed in a press release from August 2024. The anticipated cost for administering the February 2025 exam stood at approximately $1.7 million, but this figure has escalated due to increased attendance and the establishment of testing accommodations.
The recent updates clarify the parameters of the retake and highlight the ongoing challenges amid technological issues faced during prior examinations.
For more information about the State Bar of California and the upcoming bar exam, visit their official website.
