How to Apply for the New York Bar Exam

The New York State Board of Law Examiners administers the New York bar examination on the last Tuesday and Wednesday in the months of February and July every year. Because the exam is only offered twice annually, it is essential that the bar application is accurate and filed in a timely manner. Completing the New York bar exam application is a lengthy process, so as soon as an applicant decides to practice law in New York, they should follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Review the State of New York's Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law, Section 520 and Chapter 1 of the State Board of Law Examiners Rules for the state bar eligibility requirements.

2. Contact the Board of Bar Examiners directly or download a bar exam application at least four months prior to the desired test date.

3. Commit your schedule to completing the bar exam application by the deadline. Applications should be postmarked at least 90 days, but no more than 120 days, before the desired testing date.

4. Complete the application and its attachments. Double-check your answers for errors or omissions.

5. Attach to your completed application the bar application fees, a handwriting sample, a law school certification form, if available, and a laptop request form, if desired.

6. Have your Application notarized.

7. Mail your entire Application to the New York State Board of Law Examiners within the 90 to 120 day prescribed filing period.

8. Supplement your Application with your law school transcript or certification if not included with your original application.

Tips & Warnings

• The bar application may be completed directly online, or by mailing a hard copy version directly to the Board of Bar Examiners.
• The exam is offered simultaneously in Albany, New York City and Buffalo.
• New York offers special testing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Visit the New York State Board of Bar Examiner's Web site for a detailed description of the medical documentation necessary to receive such accommodations.
• Keep a copy of your application for your records.
• Application fees paid with a mailed application must be in the form of a certified check or money order. Visa and MasterCard are the only acceptable payment options for online applications.