08/21/2026
What rules should you follow when taking the New York State Bar Exam?
Bar applicants should pay close attention to the New York State Board of Law Examiners’ testing rules because even conduct that seems minor can create serious problems during the admission process.
That includes bringing prohibited items such as a cell phone into the exam, continuing to write after time has been called, or looking at another applicant’s exam materials. Exam misconduct can trigger charges, investigations, and potential character and fitness issues that may affect bar admission.
The safest approach is simple: know the exam rules before test day, stop immediately when instructed, and avoid anything that could be interpreted as cheating or misconduct.