Because the MBE is made by a Wisconsin nonprofit that lacks transparency and has a monopoly over the bar exam. CA is messing up, but at least it is attempting NOT to outsource its lawyer licensing.
It’s ALL a monopoly when it comes to bar exams. It’s a prime example of “teaching to the test”: the strategies involved to pass the exam don’t necessarily have much to do with real knowledge. Lots of rote memorization. And multiple guess games.
It is all a monopoly, and our profession should be ashamed of it. But it's not because it is easier to outsource than take responsibility. Bar exams should give way to pathways to practice. Doctors have residencies. Lawyers have one garbage test.
They needed to administer the exam remotely to save $ on renting large testing locations and NCBE wouldn’t allow remote use of the MBEs so the Bar signed a contract with Kaplan for the questions and looks like Kaplan came up short so their psychometrician used AI to provide additional questions.
I’m sure the bar gave applicants a discount for a substandard test, too. /s
Lawyers admitted to another state bar (who have 5 minimum years’ experience) can only be admitted after taking a “shorter version” of the CA bar exam. Wonder how that one turned out.
I figured as long as the questions are evaluated by people who are actually qualified then this should not be an issue. I use AI all the time, but that’s because I can spot when it’s wrong. I don’t use it for everything.
Comments
https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mbe
Lawyers admitted to another state bar (who have 5 minimum years’ experience) can only be admitted after taking a “shorter version” of the CA bar exam. Wonder how that one turned out.