Get in touch: (800) 551-3410
.avif)
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 5/27/24
Are you unsure what to bring to the bar exam? Below, we’ll outline our bar exam checklist to help you stay on track.
Now that you’ve finished law school, you’re on your way to becoming a fully-fledged lawyer. Just one more obstacle lies in your way: the bar exam. It’s one of the most critical steps in becoming a lawyer and is well-known to be highly challenging.
In addition to rigorous studying, it’s important to be well-organized. Understanding precisely what to bring to the exam (and what not to bring) can set you up for success. Having all the essentials at your disposal will help you focus on acing the bar.
Bar exam test takers should bring their admissions certification and photo ID, a selection of pens, pencils, and highlighters, an eraser, and a manual pencil sharpener to the exam.
Remember to bring a plastic bag for your writing utensils and blank paper (if allowed). If you're taking the exam online, remember your laptop, charging cord, and extension cord. Lastly, adhere to any dress code requirements set by your jurisdiction.
Before packing your bag for the bar exam, you should confirm which items your jurisdiction will allow you to bring. You can reference the National Conference of Bar Examiners for a summary of bar exam information and specific test day policies. Keep reading for a list of everything you need.
There are certain items that you need to bring to the bar exam. They’re the most important part of your bar exam checklist.
Pack these essential items in advance to set yourself up for success. This will help you ensure that you have everything you need to be well prepared.
If you plan to stay in a hotel close to your testing location, your bar exam checklist will require more travel-oriented items. The following items will guarantee you’re as comfortable and prepared as possible:
It’s important to de-stress before the bar exam, which can look different for everyone. Do something that relaxes you - whether going for a leisurely walk, watching a movie, or exercising.
Avoid bringing any of the items on this list to the bar exam:
The items you pack for the bar exam will depend on your specific needs and your jurisdiction’s requirements. So, take the time to consider what you’ll need to make things as seamless as possible for you on test day.
Effective planning and understanding what to bring to the bar exam are vital. The goal is to be efficient and prevent unnecessary stress before and during the bar exam.
The majority of states have bar exams that last two days. On the first day, test-takers take the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The second day is reserved for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
You must pack all of the essentials for both days. Check off your bar exam checklist as you pack your bag and ensure you’re well-prepared for two days of rigorous test-taking! Having everything you need organized well ahead of the bar exam will help you reduce pre-test stress.
If your testing location isn’t conveniently located close to home, booking a hotel is wise. This is a common practice that can help reduce stress and save time. Try to book your hotel as soon as you receive notice of your testing location to make sure you secure a room. Be sure to confirm your hotel reservation before the bar exam.
Some jurisdictions, such as California, even offer resources to help you find a hotel close to their testing locations and offer rates to make your stay more affordable.
Plan how you’ll commute to and from your testing location. This applies whether you’re traveling or staying home. You need to ensure that you arrive at the testing location ahead of schedule each day. Confirm your method of transportation and the route you’ll need to take.
Many bar exams include a portion that is to be taken on the computer. If this is the case for you, the last thing you want is for your computer to cause you stress during the bar exam. In such situations, it's always wise to seek out extra help—if you encounter any issues, you can contact professional UBE support to ensure that your technical concerns don't impact your performance. You also don’t want it to prevent you from taking a portion of the bar exam.
If you will take a portion of the bar exam on your computer, follow your jurisdiction's instructions to register your laptop beforehand. It must also operate effectively throughout the test, so charge it beforehand and install any updates.
Confirm whether exam software is required and compatible with your laptop. Download it ahead of your exam. Remove all of your study materials from your computer. Eject any USB flash drives, CDs, and DVDs before your exam. These steps will help ensure your computer is tip-top for the bar exam.
If you have any more questions, read on to learn more.
Most jurisdictions require a government-issued photo ID matching what you submitted with your application and your admission ticket. For writing, bring black or blue ink pens for essay portions and No. 2 pencils with erasers (no mechanical pencils) for multiple-choice sections. If using a laptop for essays, bring your computer with a charger and an extension cord.
Most jurisdictions allow comfortable, casual clothing, but some have strict rules. Check your jurisdiction's specific dress code requirements, as they vary significantly.
Yes, most jurisdictions allow you to bring water to the bar exam, but with specific restrictions. In California, applicants can bring one bottle of water in a clear plastic container no larger than 32 ounces, with a lid, and without any labels or writing. Similarly, Massachusetts allows examinees to bring a clear plastic water bottle with no labels, which must be resealable and have a spill-proof lid.
Most jurisdictions prohibit or severely limit jewelry during the bar exam. This includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and most rings. The primary reason for these restrictions is to minimize potential distractions and eliminate items that could be used for cheating.
After reviewing this bar exam checklist, you will understand what to bring to the bar exam. Each item listed above will make your bar exam experience more organized and comfortable. Good luck with the test!
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
