Another Remote Bar Exam, More Problems with the Software
August 9, 2021
30 jurisdictions had remotely administered exams in July 2021 and 25 jurisdictions had in-person tests.
Unfortunately, for the remotely administered exams, technical issues that many candidates faced in October 2020 and February 2021 happened again on the July 2021 bar exam.
ExamSoft has been the provider for the remotely administered exams. ExamSoft asserted that any complications were related to hardware and memory issues, but those students who had technical problems blame the ExamSoft software for their issues.
Some students reported that their screens went blank during the MPT. One student said that after the MPT he noticed that the camera did not record. Others said that the system just crashed prior to the exam.
Students spent valuable time at the start of the exam or on their breaks calling ExamSoft for help. Some were successful in getting the exam restarted by uninstalling and then reinstalling the software, some students borrowed another computer to finish the exam, some students had to reboot their computers. Others were unsuccessful in fixing the issues and in taking the exam, with ExamSoft telling them there was nothing more they could do for the student.
On the second day of testing for the MBE, there were fewer problems but some students did report that their computers froze or that some of the questions were cut off.
The biggest issue was the day of stress and anxiety—specifically, being on hold, waiting for ‘resume codes’ and not knowing how this might impact their overall score. It was totally outside of the students’ control.
Jurisdictions have been reaching out to arrange solutions. NCBE shared examinees’ frustration with this situation and supports the jurisdictions in seeking to ensure a fair and equitable resolution.
Fortunately, there were no reported technical issues at the in-person testing sites.
According to the NCBE, the July 2021 exam was the last remotely administered bar exam.

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