How California is different
California does not use the UBE. The State Bar writes and administers its own California Bar Examination. The Bar's admissions pages list separate requirements for registration, education, examinations, moral character and dates and deadlines, and they are the source for what applies to you.
The First-Year Law Students' Examination
The State Bar's page says the First-Year Law Students' Examination (FYLSX), commonly called the Baby Bar, is administered in June and October. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions testing contracts, criminal law and torts, with morning and afternoon sessions each day.
Not all law students have to take it. The State Bar says students completing their first year of a Juris Doctor program at a State Bar-unaccredited registered law school, or through the Law Office Study Program, must take it after their first year, as must students attending a California-accredited or ABA-accredited law school who do not have two years of college work. The page describes further rules for students who advance to a second year at an accredited school, so read it for your own situation.
Moral character determination
California separates the moral character determination from the exam. It has its own application and process, and applicants are encouraged to start early. Our character and fitness guides explain how to approach disclosure and timing.
Attorney applicants
The State Bar's admissions menu has a separate section for attorney applicants, meaning lawyers already admitted elsewhere. The requirements for that route, including whether an examination applies to you, are set out there. Read the current rules instead of relying on older descriptions.
The announced changes
The State Bar's site announces changes starting with the July 2028 bar exam. The State Bar's notices control the details, and you should read them before deciding which administration to sit for and what to study.
Where to start
Read the State Bar's admissions requirements, register as an applicant, and check each deadline. Then use our California study guide for exam preparation.
Common questions
What is the California Baby Bar?+
It is the common name for the First-Year Law Students' Examination, given in June and October as 100 multiple-choice questions on contracts, criminal law and torts. Whether you must take it depends on the kind of law study program you are in.
Is California's moral character review separate from the bar exam?+
Yes. The State Bar treats the moral character determination as its own application and process, separate from the examinations, so start it early.
What to do next
- 1
Open the State Bar's Admissions page and read the requirements for your route.
- 2
Start the moral character application early.
- 3
Read the July 2028 announcement before choosing an administration.