March 6, 2025
The California State Bar has announced that applicants affected by the February 2025 bar exam software failures will have to wait for test results and further analysis before any remedies are considered. During a meeting on Wednesday, bar officials stated that a testing expert would first review exam performance data before deciding on possible accommodations, such as lowering the passing score or offering score adjustments.
The decision comes after widespread reports of technical failures during the exam, which was administered using Meazure Learning’s remote proctoring platform. Test-takers cited system crashes, login failures, and lost responses, leading to significant disruptions. Some candidates have called the situation a “violation of due process”, arguing that the software malfunctions compromised their ability to fairly complete the exam.
Despite the outcry, bar officials are resisting immediate action, stating that test results must be analyzed before determining how many applicants were significantly impacted. Bar administrators referenced data from Meazure Learning, which claimed that 98% of test-takers were able to submit at least partial responses. However, bar leaders acknowledged that this data might not reflect the actual quality of submitted answers, particularly for applicants who struggled with repeated software issues.
The California Supreme Court has ordered the July 2025 bar exam to be held in person, but uncertainty remains about whether long-term changes will be made to the testing process. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 applicants withdrew from the February exam after the State Bar offered refunds, and 85 test-takers have been granted a retake due to severe technical failures.
As affected examinees await further action, legal experts and lawmakers are calling for greater accountability and transparency regarding the botched administration of the exam.
Read about the case here