Announcements

Fee Waiver for Candidates Who Did Not Pass the February 2026 Bar Exam

The Judiciary and the Board of Bar Examiners recognize that the candidates who sat for the February 2026 administration of the bar examination were affected by practical challenges caused by the blizzard, including delays in the delivery of the exam by a vendor.  Under evolving circumstances, the Board was forced to choose between cancelling the exam and eliminating the possibility of timely licensure for the candidates, or forging ahead despite the adversity.  In the end, 30% of candidates passed the February 2026 exam, which is below the pass rates of 33%, 32%, and 37%, respectively, for recent prior years (2023-2025).  
 
We take seriously not only the results but also the experience of all hopeful candidates who sat for the February 2026 exam.  Although February’s experience was beyond our control, we wish to offer some relief to those candidates who did not pass the February exam.  As a result, any candidate who sat for the February 2026 exam and did not receive a passing score may register for the July 2026 or February 2027 exam, and the fees (both registration fees and laptop fees) will be waived for those candidates.  Such candidates who already registered to take the July 2026 exam will have their fees for that exam refunded.  We understand that for many candidates, the expense of re-registering for the exam may be beyond their means, which could deprive candidates of a timely opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to practice law and begin the careers they have worked hard to earn.  We hope this fee waiver can eliminate that financial barrier, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are able to earn a passing score on an upcoming exam. Candidates will be contacted by staff of the Board of Bar Examiners on May 29, 2026.


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