So, you’re wondering how often you can take the bar exam. Maybe you’re getting ready for your first shot and just planning for the worst case scenario. Or maybe you just got results that weren’t what you hoped for. Either way, take a breath. It’s a normal question and the answer isn’t as scary as you might think. The truth is, it completely depends on where you are. There’s no single, nationwide rule for this stuff. Each state’s bar association makes its own calls, which can feel a little chaotic.
This whole process is definitely a marathon not a sprint for a lot of people. It is a reality that many successful lawyers didn’t pass on their very first try. The key thing is to know the rules for the place you want to practice law, that way you can make a solid plan. We’re going to break down what you need to know for 2025.
So, What’s the Real Deal with Bar Exam Retake Limits?
Basically, the power is in the hands of each state’s bar admissions committee. They decide everything. They determine how many times you can sit for their test before you have to do something extra, or before they just say no more. It’s a system that has been in place for a long time.
This can get a little confusing with the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) being used in so many places now. Just because a bunch of states use the same test doesn’t mean they all have the same rules for retaking it. A state like New York might let you take the UBE as many times as you want, but another UBE state like Missouri might have a limit. So you always, always have to check the local rules for the state bar you are applying to. Don’t assume anything.
A Look at State-by-State Attempt Limits
The rules are really all over the map. Some states are super lenient and others are much stricter. To make it easier, we can kind of group them into a few general categories. This gives you a better picture of what you might be facing depending on where you plan to work.
States with No Official Limits
Believe it or not, some of the biggest states don’t have a hard cap on attempts. Places like California, New York, and Illinois generally let you take the bar exam as many times as you need to. This sounds great, and it is a good safety net. But it doesn’t mean you should plan on taking it ten times. Each attempt costs a lot of money and takes a huge emotional toll. So even with no official limit, you want to pass as soon as you can. It’s considered to be the best path forward.
States with Specific Caps
This is a much more common setup. Many states say you get a certain number of chances and that’s it, unless you get special permission. The number of attempts can vary quite a bit. It is this variation that sometimes causes confusion for applicants who are thinking about moving.
Here are some general examples of what you might see:
Three Attempts: Some states might set the bar here, which feels pretty tight.
Five Attempts: This seems to be a more common number, giving you a few chances to get it right. States like Georgia and Florida have had rules like this.
Six Attempts: A few states are a bit more generous, giving you up to six shots.
The specific states in each category can and do change their rules. So, for 2025, you must look at the official bar admissions website for the state you’re interested in. Don’t rely on a blog post, not even this one, for the final word.
The “Petition for More Tries” States
Then there’s a third category. These are states that have a limit, say five attempts, but they have a process where you can ask for more. This usually involves writing a petition. In your petition, you have to show that you’ve done something different to prepare and that you have a real reason to believe you’ll pass this time. This could mean showing you completed a special study program or worked with a tutor. It’s their way of making sure you’re not just banging your head against the same wall over and over again.
Thinking Beyond Just the Number of Tries
Okay, so we’ve talked about the rules. But the number of attempts is only one part of the picture. Failing the bar exam is tough, and doing it more than once is even tougher. It’s not just about whether you can take it again, but whether you should, right away.
The money part of it is a huge deal. Each time you register, you’re paying application fees. And then there’s the cost of a new prep course, which can be thousands of dollars. It all adds up incredibly fast. You need a real financial plan if you’re going to go for another round.
And let’s be real about the mental side of things. It’s draining. It can make you question everything. It is often the case that people who fail need to take a break for their own well-being before even thinking about studying again. Jumping right back in without dealing with the burnout can just lead to the same result. Your mental health is just as important as your outlines.
What to Do If You’re Facing a Retake in 2025
If you’re in the retaker club, welcome. There are a lot of us. First thing’s first: don’t panic. Get your score report and look at it closely. Where were your weak areas? Was it the multiple-choice, the essays, or the performance test? The report holds the clues.
Don’t just do the same thing again. The definition of insanity, right? If your commercial bar prep course didn’t work the first time, maybe it won’t work the second time either. Look for a different approach. Maybe you need a one-on-one tutor. Or maybe you need to focus more on practice questions instead of watching lectures.
Give yourself some time off. You’ve been studying for months. Your brain is tired. Take a few weeks or even a month to not think about the law. See your friends. Go outside. Let your mind reset. Then, when you’re ready, you can create a new study plan that attacks your weak spots and builds on your strengths.
Key Takeaways
Bar exam retake limits are set by each individual state, not by the national testing groups.
Many states, including big ones like California and New York, have no firm limit on the number of attempts.
Other states have hard caps, typically ranging from three to six attempts.
Some states with limits allow you to petition for additional attempts if you can show you’ve changed your preparation.
Always check the most current rules on the official state bar admissions website.
Consider the financial and emotional costs of retaking the exam, not just the official limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar Exam Retakes
How often can you take the bar exam in California?
Typically, California does not have a set limit on the number of times you can take the bar exam. You can continue to register for subsequent exams as long as you meet all the other eligibility requirements.
How often can you take the UBE?
The UBE itself doesn’t have a retake limit. The limit is imposed by the state where you are taking the exam. So, if you take the UBE in a state with a 5-try limit, that’s your limit for that state. You could, however, potentially take the UBE in another state that has no limit.
Does failing the bar exam in one state affect taking it in another?
Generally, no. Failing in one state doesn’t automatically stop you from applying and sitting for the bar in a different state. But, on your application for the new state, you will almost certainly have to disclose all of your prior attempts and scores as part of the character and fitness evaluation.
What happens if I reach the maximum number of attempts?
If you’re in a state with a hard limit and you reach it, you typically cannot take the bar exam in that state again. Some states offer a petition process to ask for an exception, but this is not guaranteed. Your legal career isn’t over; you might need to consider getting barred in a different state with more lenient rules.
Is it bad to take the bar exam multiple times?
Not at all. Plenty of very successful attorneys did not pass on their first try. It says nothing about your potential as a lawyer. It just means you had a hard time with a very difficult test. What matters is that you learn from the experience, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward.
