California Bar Exam Results Shared by Kim Kardashian After Latest Attempt

California Bar Exam Results Shared by Kim Kardashian After Latest Attempt

By Elizabeth Hamby, Legal Education Reporter | November 8, 2025 | State Bar Exams

SACRAMENTO — State Bar of California Committee of Bar Examiners officials confirmed Friday that individual performance metrics remain strictly confidential, shortly after media personality Kim Kardashian announced on social media that she did not secure a passing score on her July 2025 examination. The high-profile candidate shared her status directly with her millions of followers on Instagram, emphasizing her determination to persist in her legal studies despite this temporary setback.

Kardashian, who is pursuing her legal education through California's Law Office Study Program, previously passed the First-Year Law Students' Examination—commonly known as the "baby bar"—after multiple attempts. This non-traditional educational pathway allows aspiring attorneys to train under the supervision of a licensed attorney instead of attending an accredited law school.

Official State Bar Licensing Guidelines and Apprentice Standards

The State Bar of California enforces rigid criteria for individuals utilizing the apprenticeship pathway to secure admission to the bar. According to official State Bar documents, apprentice candidates must complete four years of supervised study, logging 18 hours of weekly study and legal work in a registered law office.

Historically, candidates utilizing this alternative method face steep statistical hurdles when attempting the general licensing examination. State bar officials confirmed that non-traditional candidates historically register lower pass rates than those graduating from American Bar Association accredited institutions.

Public Disclosures Spark National Dialogue on Alternative Pathways

"I am not giving up, and I will take the exam again," Kardashian shared in her social media statement on Friday, confirming her plans to sit for a future administration. Her public transparency has brought renewed attention to the rigor of the state's licensing process and the accessibility of alternative legal education programs.

This high-profile attempt comes as state regulators nationwide are evaluating how to modernize legal licensing. Indeed, several jurisdictions are preparing for major transitions, which has prompted intense debate among academic boards, as discussed in the report on how legal educators debate minimal competence in modern bar exams.

Statistical Realities of California General Licensing Examinations

According to data published by the State Bar of California, the overall pass rate for the July examination cycle historically hovers between 40 and 55 percent, depending on the specific cohort. First-time test takers from accredited law schools typically perform at a higher statistical tier compared to repeat test takers and those from non-traditional pathways.

In California, the minimum passing score is set at 1390, which remains one of the highest cut scores in the United States. Observers in the legal education community regularly monitor how these standards affect overall diversity and access within the profession, which is further analyzed in the study on how state bar regulators review non-traditional candidate pass standards.

Law Office Study Program Requirements and Credit Limitations

The Law Office Study Program requires participants to pass monthly examinations administered by their supervising attorneys and submit semi-annual progress reports to the State Bar. Under these rules, students must also pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination within three administrations of first becoming eligible to retain credit for all law office study completed up to that point.

Kardashian’s ongoing journey highlights the meticulous nature of these administrative rules, which require precise tracking of hours and structured curriculum approvals. Legal analysts suggest that high-profile candidates draw critical public attention to these administrative processes, demystifying a pathway that has existed in California for decades.

Next Steps for General Bar Exam Candidates

Candidates who did not achieve a passing score on the July examination must register for the upcoming winter administration if they intend to sit for the next cycle. According to the State Bar of California, the registration window for the February exam closes in late December, with late fees applying to registrations submitted after the initial deadline.

As the state continues to manage high volumes of applications, candidates are urged to keep abreast of administrative adjustments and testing center locations. For details on how these logistics are managed at a regulatory level, candidates can read about how state bar regulators investigate NextGen exam administration logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California's Law Office Study Program differ from traditional law school?

California's Law Office Study Program allows applicants to qualify for the bar exam by studying in a law office under the supervision of a judge or an attorney licensed in the state for at least four years. Unlike traditional law school, which requires three to four years of classroom education at an accredited institution, this pathway relies on self-directed study and practical legal work. Participants must still pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination and the general bar exam to be eligible for licensure.

What is the passing score for the California Bar Exam?

The passing score for the California Bar Exam is currently established at 1390. This score is scaled across both the written portions—comprising essays and performance tests—and the multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination. California’s passing standard is historically considered among the most stringent in the country, leading to ongoing policy discussions regarding candidate accessibility and licensing fairness.

How many times can a candidate attempt the California Bar Exam?

California does not place a limit on the total number of times an applicant can sit for the general bar exam. Candidates may continue to register and take the test during subsequent administrations, provided they pay the required fees and meet all registration deadlines. However, repeat test takers face historically lower pass rates compared to first-time examinees, according to State Bar licensing data.