Probable Changes Coming to 2025 GBX

Commencing with the FEBRUARY, 2025 General Bar Exam (GBX), the CA State Bar announced on July 19, 2024 - pending finalization - that they will partner with Kaplan Bar Review - through a 5-year contract - to administer the test.

A State Bar meeting on August 16 may reveal additionally detailed information.

In the meantime, further input suggests the following:

• The GBX will continue to be administered in FEBRUARY & JULY

• The current 2-day testing format will continue; including the essay, performance, and multiple choice sections of the exam

• The current subjects will continue to be tested for the essay and multiple choice sections of the test

• That any further changes to the format or content of the GBX would not occur for at least 2 years - given notice requirements to law schools and applicants

• That the multiple choice, essay, and performance test questions will be created by Kaplan

• That Kaplan will not offer a review course given its administrator role

• That the GBX will be administered remotely

• That this latest change is largely due to State Bar budgetary considerations; ‘that Kaplan will receive $8+ million to administer the test for the 5-year contractual period

• Presumably, that the passing cut score of 1390/2000 will continue

• That the Written and Multiple Choice sections of the GBX will continue to be 50% each

• That there will be an increasing emphasis on CA-related course content

POSSIBLE TAKEAWAYS

As noted, this most recent potential change requires finalization by the State Bar.

The ‘suggested’ format and content factors described above - will presumably be definitively clarified by the State Bar.

This change is a departure from an earlier State Bar ‘recommendation’ for the current GBX to be replaced by a ‘Portfolio Bar Exam’ (PBE).

In over 45 years of customizing personalized preparation programs for both first-time and repeat Bar applicants, this course has adapted to many other format and content changes.  Among them: From a 3 to a 2-day GBX, from 12 essay questions to 6 and now 5, from two 3 hour performance exams to one 90 minute performance exam, to cross-over essays involving multiple subjects, to CA-required subject matter involving EVIDENCE, CIVIL PROCEDURE, PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY; from a passing cut score of 1440/2000 to 1390/2000; to the expansion of subjects on the GBX, including BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS.

In each of these cases, law schools, law students, Bar courses, and Bar applicants have inevitably adapted - with the overall average yearly Bar pass rates (for FEB & JULY) remaining about the same.

Although conjecture, one key takeaway is that Bar pass rates will at least remain the same - but probably improve - given growing concerns to highlight fairness and equity.

Another - is that the FEBRUARY 2025 GBX - as the first test reflecting the new changes - offers a unique Bar-passing opportunity - and especially for those applicants planning a longer preparation process.  Kaplan and the State Bar will be looking to build ‘fiduciary confidence’ in their partnership.

Another - is that Bar prep courses will continue to successfully use their study resources - given the same format and content configuration for the GBX.  Although Kaplan, for example, will create the questions - at least 25 of them (following the FYLSX’s precedent) - will mirror the same kind of questions - in the Bar’s evident effort to maintain continuity - going forward.

Finally, although ‘change’ creates the need for adaptability - be sure to continue to educate yourself as it impacts your individual Bar review situation.  The great equalizer is ‘clarity’ in learning how to adapt - and - ‘individual planning’ in knowing how to give yourself the best chance to succeed.

QUESTIONS

‘Sure; ‘happy to respond in doing my best to answer your Bar-related question(s) - or to find out an answer if it’s not known.

Regardless, ‘best of luck with whatever course of action you take to pass your exam.