How to Take the Bar Exam in Arizona

Before becoming a lawyer in Arizona, you must first take the bar exam.

The bar exam varies from state to state. If you are transferring to Arizona or have just finished law school and intend to practice law in Arizona, you will need to take the Arizona bar exam (unless you are a seasoned attorney who qualifies for admission by motion). The exam, which takes place over two days, can be taken online or on paper. To take the bar exam, you must first apply and send in the appropriate documents and fees. Because the exam is only given on certain dates, application information may not be available on the website until closer to the examination date.

Things You'll Need

• Money
• Required documents
• Photo of yourself
• Law diploma
• Fingerprint records

Instructions

1. Fill out an "Online Exam Application" or an "Application for Admission" form, which can be found on the Arizona Judicial Branch website. The online application form is there if you want to take the exam on your own computer with specific software. Filling out an "Application for Admission" and sending it in will give you the opportunity to take the paper version of the test. These forms are not always available on the website, but check back periodically for them. The bar exam is given twice a year, in February and July.

2. Review your application for completeness before submitting it in order to avoid a rejection. If the court rejects your application, it may not do so until after the application deadline has passed, leaving you unable to reapply for the exam.

3. Send in required documents and accompanying fees to the Supreme Court at: Supreme Court of Arizona, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3231.The required fees and documents will be listed in the application. Some of these documents include a full-face photograph, your fingerprints and a certified copy of your law diploma.

4. Make sure your documents and fees were received by the Arizona Supreme Court by having a delivery notification set up through Fed Ex, the Post Office or UPS. Do not call the Arizona Supreme Court to ask if your documents were received.

5. Wait for your notification telling you if you have been given permission to take the bar exam. This will happen at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date. The time and location of the exam will also be included.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to the National Conference of Bar Examiners and Arizona Judicial Branch websites for some study guides to help you prepare for the exam.

• Call the Arizona Supreme Court at 602-452-3971 with any further questions.

References

• Arizona Judicial Branch; Certification and Licensing--Admission by Examination; 2010
• Arizona Judicial Branch; Certification and Licensing--How to Apply for Admission; 2010
• National Conference of Bar Examiners; Bar Admission Offices--Arizona; 2010
• Arizona Judicial Branch; Certification and Licensing--Attorney Admissions; 2010
• Arizona Judicial Branch: General Questions For All Programs
• Arizona Judicial Branch; Rules For Admission of Applicants to the Practice of Law In Arizona; 2011

Resources

• Arizona Judicial Branch:Written Examination
• National Conference of Bar Examiners; MPT Study Aids and Information Guides; 2010