12 Professional Certifications Required by Industry

3. State Bar Admission / Bar Exam

Passing a state bar exam and meeting character-and-fitness requirements is mandatory to practice law in that state. Requirements typically include a juris doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent qualifications accepted by some state bars. The bar exam format varies by state but commonly includes the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and state-specific essays or performance tests. Preparation often takes two to three months of focused study after law school, although many candidates start earlier. Fees include application and exam charges and may include a character-fitness review cost; amounts vary widely by state. Once admitted, lawyers must complete continuing legal education (CLE) hours each reporting period to maintain good standing. If you plan to move states later, investigate reciprocity or admission on motion rules since requirements differ. Next steps: contact your state bar for eligibility rules, apply to sit for the exam, and schedule a structured bar-prep course. Source: American Bar Association/state bar websites (https://www.americanbar.org). Suggested image and alt text: Lawyer outside courthouse; alt text: "Lawyer entering a courthouse after passing the bar exam."