bar examination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, legal, academic
Quick answer
What does “bar examination” mean?
A formal written test that must be passed to be admitted to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal written test that must be passed to be admitted to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.
Refers broadly to the series of tests (often multi-day) assessing knowledge of law, ethics, and procedure required for licensure as an attorney. Metaphorically, it can signify any extremely difficult test or rite of passage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'the bar exam' is a standard, singular licensing exam for a specific state. In the UK, the system is split between solicitors (who take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination - SQE) and barristers (who undergo the Bar Course and exams). The term 'bar exam' is understood but less commonly the official title.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong connotations of intense, high-stakes preparation ("bar review"). In the UK, it is more associated with the specific, traditional vocational training for barristers.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in American English, where it is a ubiquitous term for lawyer licensing. In British English, more specific terms like 'SQE', 'Bar Course exams', or 'professional examinations' are now more common.
Grammar
How to Use “bar examination” in a Sentence
take [the] bar examinationpass [the] bar examinationsit [the] bar examination (UK)study for [the] bar examinationbe admitted after [the] bar examinationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bar examination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is revising to sit the bar examination next month.
- After finishing her degree, she will immediately begin to prepare for the bar examination.
American English
- She plans to take the bar examination in New York.
- He failed to pass the bar examination on his first attempt.
adjective
British English
- The bar examination process has been reformed recently.
- Her bar examination results were outstanding.
American English
- The bar examination fee is quite substantial.
- He enrolled in a rigorous bar examination prep course.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR contexts for hiring newly qualified lawyers.
Academic
Common in law schools and discussions of legal education and career paths.
Everyday
Understood but not common; used when discussing someone's career as a lawyer.
Technical
The precise term in legal administration and professional regulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bar examination”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bar examination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bar examination”
- Using 'bar exam' as a verb (e.g., 'I need to bar exam'). Correct: 'I need to take the bar exam.'
- Misspelling as 'bare examination'.
- Using without the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific test (e.g., 'She passed bar examination').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, each state administers its own bar exam, though many use a common component called the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).
It is usually a two-day examination, covering various subjects like constitutional law, contracts, torts, and professional responsibility.
In a few US states (like California and Vermont), it is possible through an apprenticeship, but this is extremely rare. Almost all candidates are law school graduates.
The SQE is the new, unified exam for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. The 'bar exam' traditionally referred to exams for becoming a barrister, which is a separate path under the Bar Standards Board.
A formal written test that must be passed to be admitted to practice law in a specific jurisdiction.
Bar examination is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Bar examination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɑːr ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɑːr ɪɡˌzæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A marathon, not a sprint (describing preparation)”
- “The bar is high (metaphorical use)”
- “A rite of passage for lawyers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal BAR blocking the entrance to a courtroom. You must pass an EXAMINATION to be allowed under that BAR to practice law.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BAR EXAMINATION IS A BARRIER/GATEKEEPER. It is a hurdle, a filter, a test of worthiness to enter the privileged profession.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a bar examination?