CALIFORNIA ELIGIBILITY - Eligibility Instructions - Step 1-5 - Register, Apply, Pay, NCBE Account, Exam Registration

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

CALIFORNIA ELIGIBILITY provides step-by-step eligibility and application guidance for applicants taking the California Bar Examination. It explains how to register intent to sit the exam, including procedures for candidates without a US Social Security number via exemption documents and supporting letters. It instructs applicants to complete and file the application once per exam session, pay by Visa or MasterCard, set up a NCBE account, and then register online after admissions processing and confirmation by email.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

STEP 1. Register intent and confirm eligibility

(A) With a US Social Security number

(B) Without a US Social Security number

STEP 2. Complete the application

STEP 3. Pay using a credit card

STEP 4. Create a National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) account

STEP 5. Register online to sit the Californian Bar exam

CALIFORNIA ELIGIBILITY ELIGIBILITY INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1. REGISTER YOUR INTENT TO SIT THE EXAM AND CONFIRM YOUR ELIGIBILITY (A) If you have a US social security number please go to [http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions](http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions) and click on “Create a new registration” Each applicant must establish an account to submit an online application. This is done only once. Applicants will need his or her username and password to log on and access the applications. (B) If you do not have a US social security number you will need to complete a hard copy registration form (accompanies these instructions) . You will also need to complete a “Social Security Number Exemption” form (accompanies these instructions) and complete an accompanying cover letter (example below) . Re: Registration & Request for Social Security Number Exemption Dear Sir or Madam, I wish to apply to register as a (foreign) Attorney Applicant and then to apply to take the California Bar Examination to be held in February/July 20 . I am neither a United States citizen nor resident within the United States and as a national of [insert country of residence] I do not possess nor am I currently entitled to a US Social Security Number. I do not currently have a work visa for the United States (if you have a work visa for the US, add details here) . My alternate identification number is [insert Passport No] I enclose the following documentation with regard to my Registration and Request for Social Security Number Exemption to sit the California Bar Examination in February/July 20 : 1. Registration form duly completed together with Credit Card Authorization Form 2. Completed request for Social Security Number Exemption Form 3. Certified copy of my passport 4. Certificate of good standing If you require any further information or documentation please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours faithfully, ** We generally have the most up to date forms attached but you can request them directly from The State Bar of California byemailing [admissions.la@calbar.ca.gov](admissions.la@calbar.ca.gov) CALIFORNIA ELIGIBILITY STEP 2. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION Complete the requested information in your online or paper (attached) application. An examination application must be filed each time an applicant intends to take the examination. Applicants will not be permitted to submit a duplicate application for the same examination. If your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Once an application is submitted, information cannot be changed. If you would like to print your online application, use your browser’s print command from each screen of the application FAQs for completing this form: • 1.1 – if you do not have a US Social Security number put N/A and refer to exemption letter • 1.2 – Attorney Applicant – This Applies to applicants who are licensed to practice law in another state/ jurisdiction OR Law Student/ General Applicant – This applies to applicants who are not qualified attorneys but satisfy the educational requirements as recognized by California (1-year LLM or a JD from an ABA law school in the US) . • 2.3 – as a foreign applicant you are exempt from the First Year Law Students’ Exam • 2.4 – click the first box and note the universities where you studied law You Will Need To: • Obtain a notarized/certified copy of your passport (if you don’t have a social security number) • Obtain your practicing certificate or relevant transcripts. If you are applying as an Attorney Applicant enclose your practicing certificate and a certificate of good standing issued by the lawyers’ regulatory body in your home country. If you are applying as a CILEx legal professional enclose a certificate of good standing issued by CILEx. If you are applying as a Law Student/General Applicant please enclose the relevant transcripts and certified copies of your degree certificates. •

FAQs

What should you do in STEP 1 if you have a US Social Security number?

Create a new registration at the State Bar of California admissions site, establish an account once, and use the provided username and password to submit the online application.

What documents are required if you do not have a US Social Security number?

Complete a hard copy registration form plus a “Social Security Number Exemption” form and an accompanying cover letter, and include items such as a certified passport copy, a certificate of good standing, and a properly completed registration and credit card authorization form.

How can you pay for the online application and what are the fees?

Pay using a Visa or MasterCard for the online application. Checks or money orders are not accepted online; the listed eligibility fees are $214 for Attorney Applicant and $119 for Law Student/General Applicant.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys