California lawmakers have launched an investigation into technical issues with the state’s new bar exam, which has caused chaos among aspiring lawyers and delayed their career aspirations. The test, administered digitally by Meazure Learning, was marred by delays, glitches, and poorly written questions that left many feeling frustrated.
The exam, which was approved by the California Supreme Court in October, has put students’ futures at risk due to the lack of access to the test and the inability to complete it within the allotted time. Many took weeks off work and missed time with family to prepare for the exam, only to face further delays and technical issues during the test.
Lawmakers are now calling for an investigation into the company responsible for administering the exam, Meazure Learning, which is facing a class-action lawsuit over its technical failures. The state bar has apologized for the issues and offered fee waivers to those who withdrew from or failed the February exam, but some applicants are now facing financial ruin due to their reliance on a successful bar exam score.
The California bar exam was once considered one of the toughest in the country, but recent changes have made it less rigorous. Despite this, many students still face significant challenges in becoming licensed, particularly those who have taken time off from work to study for the exam.
For some applicants, the prospect of waiting until July to retake the test poses a daunting financial burden. Those who fail to pass by May will face devastating financial situations, including debt and job uncertainty. One applicant, Alexandra Sennet, has said she is “banking on this” to pay her bills and provide for her family.
The situation highlights concerns about the state bar’s ability to manage the transition to a digital exam format and ensure that students are not unfairly disadvantaged by technical issues. Lawmakers will likely examine the circumstances surrounding the test failures and consider reforms to prevent similar problems in the future.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/us/california-bar-exam-test.html