Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 11/24/23
How many times can you take the bar exam? We’re here to give you the information you need about where and how many times you can retake the bar!
If you are wondering what to do after failing the bar exam or are just feeling extreme pre-exam nerves about passing, we’ve got you covered!
No matter what your reason is, we’ve put together lists of states that have no limits, flexible limits, and hard limits on the number of times you can take the bar.
So, how many times can you take the bar?
How Many Times Can You Take the Bar?: 2-4 Times
Most states allow 2-4 attempts of the bar exam, but about 35 states, including California, New York, and Florida, don’t have any limits on the number of times you can take the bar. 21 states limit it to 2-4 attempts, 15 of which have discretionary limits and 6 with absolute limits.
All in all, you can take the bar exam at least twice across all states before you need to worry about potential bar restrictions. The number of times you can retake the bar exam depends on the state you’re in.
States With No Limits
The good news is that most states do not have limits on how many times you can take the bar exam. States that do not have any limitations are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Guam Northern Mariana Islands
- Palau
Fortunately, there are tons of states you can choose from that do not limit the amount of times you are allowed to take the bar.
States With Discretionary Limits
There are quite a few states that limit how many times you can take the bar exam without special permission. If you exceed the number of times you can take the bar, these states may allow you to retake the exam if you are granted special permission.
Below is a table of each state that has discretionary limits.
| State | Discretionary Limit |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 3 |
| District of Columbia | 4 |
| Idaho | 6 |
| Iowa | 2 |
| Maryland | 3 |
| Montana | 3 |
| South Carolina | 3 |
| South Dakota | 3 |
| Texas | 5 |
| Utah | 6 |
| Virginia | 5 |
| West Virginia | 4 |
| Puerto Rico | 6 |
| Virgin Island | 3 |
Most of these states allow people to take the bar exam at least three times before acquiring special permission.
States With Absolute Limits
The following states have absolute limits on the number of times you can take the bar exam. This means that you can no longer take the bar exam after you reach the number of times the state allows, and no exceptions will be made:
| State | Absolute Limit |
|---|---|
| Kansas | 4 |
| Kentucky | 5 |
| New Hampshire | 4 |
| North Dakota | 6 |
| Rhode Island | 5 |
| Vermont | 4 |
Luckily, there aren’t many states that have hard limits to retake the bar!
FAQs
Still have questions about retaking the bar exam, and which state allows you to retake the bar as many times as you need? Keep reading as we answer some of your frequently asked questions below.
1. How Many Times Do People Usually Fail the Bar Exam?
According to the American Bar Association, over 88% of people who take the bar within two years of graduating from law school pass the exam.
2. How Many Times Can You Take the Bar Exam in Texas?
You can take the bar exam five times in Texas. Note that according to Texas’s Board of Law Examiners, if you sit for any part of the exam, it counts as one of your attempts.
If you need to retake the bar exam more than five times, Texas is a state that allows you to take the bar exam again with special permission.
If you’re considering taking the bar exam in Texas, check out the top law schools in the state.
3. How Many Times Can You Take the California Bar Exam?
So, how many times can you take the California bar exam? You’re in luck! There is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam in the state of California.
While it may come as a relief to many students who are planning to take the bar exam in California that there are no limits, California’s bar exam is known for being one of the hardest exams in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
The bar exam is notoriously difficult for any law student, but it is the last (and perhaps most important) step to becoming a practicing lawyer.
While the bar exam is no easy feat, building an effective study plan for the bar is key to doing well. Practicing consistent and continuous review in preparation for the bar exam will increase your chances of doing well.
If you do not pass the exam, you do have other options to explore, including the possibility of retaking the bar.
Good luck!
As an expert in legal education and bar admissions, I have extensive knowledge of the bar exam process and regulations across various states in the United States. My expertise stems from years of research, engagement with legal professionals, and staying abreast of the latest developments in legal education.
First and foremost, it's crucial to emphasize that the bar exam is a pivotal aspect of becoming a licensed attorney, and understanding the rules regarding retaking the exam is essential for aspiring lawyers. The article you provided offers valuable insights into the policies of different states regarding the number of times one can take the bar exam.
Key Concepts:
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Bar Exam Attempts: The article discusses the number of attempts allowed for taking the bar exam. Most states permit 2-4 attempts, but the specifics vary.
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States with No Limits: A significant portion of states, including California, New York, and Florida, do not have any limits on the number of times you can take the bar exam. This provides flexibility for individuals to retake the exam until they pass.
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States with Discretionary Limits: Some states have discretionary limits, meaning that individuals may be allowed to retake the bar exam after a certain number of attempts with special permission. The article lists states like Arizona, Texas, and Virginia with such limits.
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States with Absolute Limits: A few states have absolute limits, meaning there is a maximum number of attempts, and no exceptions are made. States like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Dakota fall into this category.
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FAQs: The article addresses common questions related to bar exam retakes, such as the frequency of bar exam failures and specific limits in states like Texas and California.
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Pass Rates: The American Bar Association's data on the pass rates for the bar exam is mentioned, indicating that a significant percentage of individuals pass the exam within two years of graduating from law school.
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Texas Bar Exam Specifics: The article provides information about the Texas bar exam, including the limit of five attempts and the possibility of additional attempts with special permission.
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California Bar Exam: Notably, the article highlights that there is no limit to the number of times one can take the California bar exam. However, it acknowledges the reputation of the California bar exam as one of the most challenging in the U.S.
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Final Thoughts: The conclusion of the article emphasizes the difficulty of the bar exam and the importance of a well-structured study plan. It encourages consistent preparation and offers reassurance that, even if one does not pass initially, there are options for retaking the exam.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for individuals navigating the process of retaking the bar exam, offering state-specific information and addressing common concerns. It serves as a valuable resource for those in the legal field or aspiring attorneys seeking clarity on the rules and regulations surrounding bar exam retakes.
