What to Bring Into the California Bar Exam

I’m big on preparation.  Months before the California bar exam I wanted to find out what I know what I could bring into the exam so that I could start preparing my kit.  Below are the rules regarding what you can bring and a description of what I brought.  I hope this helps as you also prepare!

What You Can Bring

According to the Examination Administration Rules, Policies and Procedures, you can only bring the following items with you:

• Admittance ticket (with no writing on it)
• Pencils and pens
• Silent analog watches, non-digital times and clocks measuring 4” x 4” or smaller
• Rulers
• Paperclips
• Highlighters
• Inhalers
• Pre-approved disability-related items
• Eyeglasses (no case)
• Ear plugs
• Feminine hygiene items
• Medicine
• Diabetes-related equipment (not food/drinks)
• Government-issued ID
• Cash and/or credit/debit cards (note: you are not allowed to bring a wallet)
• Keys
• Back support
• Pillow without a case
• One bookstand
• One foot rest
• Laptop accessories (i.e., separate keyboard, mouse, laptop riser/stand no higher than 4”)

The rules state that you cannot bring pens, highlighters, a pillow, etc., during the MBE portion of the exam, but this certainly was not enforced at my testing location.  It seems like an odd rule.  The rules allow for other items related to disabilities which I have not listed here.  If you are unsure about whether a certain item is allowed, you should consult the rules and/or contact the State Bar of California to inquire prior to the test date.  You should not be stressing over it on the morning of the exam or even the days before.

My California Bar Exam Kit

Of course, bring your laptop and cable.  I carried everything (laptop and cable, Ziploc bag, seat cushion, snacks) in a reusable grocery bag, which I left outside of the exam room.  I did not want to be rushing to the exam site with my laptop in hand.  I am way too clumsy and was worried that I would drop it.  The grocery bag was much easier to carry.

Here’s what I brought in my extra large Ziploc bag:

• Bar admission ticket
• Multiple pens (blue)
• Multiple pencils, sharpened
• Watch
• Tylenol
• Tums
• Earplugs
• Tissues
• Driver’s license, cash ($20), debit card, and credit card all clipped together

Dress comfortably and wear layers.  We’re fortunate that California does not have a dress code, so do whatever makes you feel comfortable (i.e., pajamas, sweats, jeans, shorts).  I wore a hoodie so that I could easily take it off if the exam room was too warm.  I also brought a seat cushion so that my butt didn’t get too sore or tired.