The State Bar of California is offering free retakes to test takers who fail the February bar exam after widespread technical and logistical failures disrupted the process.
Test sites were riddled with scheduling errors, software glitches, and communication breakdowns, leaving candidates struggling to focus. State Bar Board of Trustees Chair Brandon Stallings called the situation “deeply concerning” and confirmed that $3.1 million has been allocated for fee waivers and refunds.
With approximately 5,600 registrants—the highest February turnout in years—California’s new hybrid bar exam, administered by Kaplan Exam Services, quickly spiraled into chaos. The test, which replaced components of the traditional national bar exam, was designed to cut costs by reducing the need for large testing centers. Instead, last-minute venue changes, contradictory instructions from the bar and testing provider Meazure Learning, and remote testing failures created a logistical nightmare.
Nearly 1,000 candidates have already withdrawn, citing the confusion. In response, the bar is also offering travel reimbursements to some out-of-state test takers and those impacted by site changes.
While free retakes aim to ease frustrations, Stallings acknowledged that no amount of compensation can fully make up for the ordeal.
