Florida’s planned in-person July 28-29 bar exam has been delayed three weeks and rescheduled in an online format due to rising coronavirus cases in the state.
The previously scheduled in-person bar exam in Tampa and Orlando had been approved by the Florida Supreme Court, according to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The board recommended the in-person exam based on available public health information back in May and the advice of experts, including officials at the Florida Department of Health.
“Based on current data regarding the increased spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida and elsewhere, the court approved the board’s recommendation that the original plan for the administration of the General Bar Examination should be modified,” the board said in an emailed statement to the Florida Record.
The Board of Bar Examiners initially announced that the online bar exam would take place Aug. 18, but the exam was later scheduled for Aug. 19 so that it would not conflict with the state’s primary election date.
“It is important that every citizen in Florida be assured that they are able to vote in the upcoming primary election, whether by mail, early voting or in person.” the board’s chairman, David Reeves, said in a prepared statement. “With the administration of the examination in an online format, we are able to shift the date without impacting the grading schedule.”
The board’s statement to the Record stressed that the online bar exam format will not allow test takers to use books or notes. Special software will need to be installed on applicants’ computers, and webcams are mandatory to monitor test takers in real time, according to the board.
In addition, applicants are expected to adhere to rules of conduct outlined for the bar exam when taking the test, the board said.
“The exam will be proctored and the exam software contains safeguards to reduce the risk of cheating,” the statement said. “Finally, if an applicant violates the exam rules of conduct, the applicant’s exam results may be invalidated, and the applicant may be ineligible to take another bar exam in Florida for up to five years.”
This will be the first time the state has administered a bar exam online, according to the board. Other states will also be using online bar exam formats this year.
“To our knowledge, there are 11 jurisdictions that are planning some type of remote administration this summer/fall, with several administering their exam remotely at the end of July,” the board told the Record.
When they take Florida’s online exam, applicants will have to answer 100 multiple-choice questions and respond to three essay questions. Those who need test accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act will have to submit a petition to the Board of Bar Examiners by Friday.