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LEGAL HURDLE

What is the baby bar exam?

THE Baby Bar exam is a crucial first test taken by law students such as Kim Kardashian as they train to become an attorney. 

Here is what we know about the exam.

Kim Kardashian announced on Instagram that she had passed the baby bar
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Kim Kardashian announced on Instagram that she had passed the baby barCredit: instagram

What is the baby bar exam?

The state of California introduced a compulsory examination that first-year law students attending unaccredited schools must pass to continue their studies.

The "baby bar," as it's colloquially known as, is not easy.

Taking place during just one day,the  seven-hour exam consists of four essays and 100 multiple-choice questions in Contracts, Criminal Law, and Torts.

On an 800 point scale, those taking part must have to score a minimum of a 560, or 70 per cent accuracy rate, to pass.

Currently, California is the only state that employs this system. 

It also offers a path to passing the bar without attending law school by “reading the law,” or apprenticing with a practising lawyer or a judge.

Who has to take the baby bar exam?

The exam is taken by first-year law students who are attending a degree program at a State Bar-unaccredited registered law school, through the Law Office Study Program and those without two years of college work attending a Committee of Bar Examiners- or an American Bar Association-accredited law school.

On December 13, 2021, Kim Kardashian announced on Instagram that she had passed the baby bar despite failing a number of times beforehand.

What is the baby bar exam pass rate?

The pass rate for the examination keeps changing. 

But, needless to say it is very low.

In June 2020, the pass rate was 27.6 per cent and in November 2020 it was 29.1 per cent.

In fact, the rate of passing the baby bar exam is much lower than the general exam.

The exam is taken twice a year.This is in June and October. 

Where is the baby bar exam taken? 

It is taken in the state of California.

How is the baby bar exam different to the bar exam? 

It is an introductory exam for first year students and does not require the breadth of knowledge accrued by someone who has studies law over years.

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