What the exam looks like
BARBRI's California page lists exam dates of February 23 and 24 and July 27 and 28, 2027. Day 1 has three California essays in the morning and, in the afternoon, two essays plus a California Performance Test. Day 2 is 200 multiple-choice questions. Each day is weighted at 50 percent, and the page says you need a total scaled score of 1,390 out of 2,000. It lists a $878 application, a $900 moral character application, $155 for law student registration and $155 for laptop certification, an MPRE score of 86 and application deadlines of April 1 for the summer exam and November 1 for the winter exam. Check every figure with the State Bar.
What a California course must do
It must teach California distinctions in the essay subjects, drill the California Performance Test as its own skill and use California-scored practice. A national course that treats California as an add-on can leave you underprepared on essays.
What the big providers offer
Themis's California Attorney Bar Review lists substantive law overview, HD video lectures, subject-specific essay workshops and performance test workshops, with eight graded essays and a dedicated essay grader, and a third-party listing recorded a $1,776 locked-in price for 2027 or 2028 paid in full before July 7, 2026. Kaplan sells a Complete Bar Review at about $2,500 and is the only major provider offering live seminars. BARBRI's packages have run from $1,999 (Essentials) to $5,999 (Extended) at list price, and BARBRI's 2027 page showed Premium at $2,099.
How to choose
Ask each provider for a sample California essay with a graded answer, ask how many California essays and PTs are graded, and ask who grades them and how long it takes. Take the free sample lecture in each. If you need accountability, Kaplan's live sessions may matter more than price.
Free materials that matter
The State Bar posts past essay questions and selected answers. Use them from week one, since they are graded against the real standard.
Common questions
What score do you need to pass the California bar?+
BARBRI's California page lists a total scaled score of 1,390 out of 2,000. Confirm with the State Bar.
When is the California bar exam in 2027?+
BARBRI's page lists February 23 and 24 and July 27 and 28, 2027.
Do I need a California-specific course?+
Yes. California's exam is not a UBE and is scored out of 2,000, so use a course with California essays and performance test practice.
What to do next
- 1
Verify the exam format with the State Bar.
- 2
Get a graded California essay sample from two providers.
- 3
Use released questions with selected answers.