Bar Examination Applicant Agreement

Bar Examination Applicant Agreement

Preamble

COLORADO BAR EXAMINATION APPLICANT AGREEMENT

IN FAIRNESS TO ALL EXAMINEES IN ALL JURISDICTIONS AND TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY AND SECURITY OF THE BAR EXAMINATION, THE FOLLOWING RULES AND CONDITIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

The staff for the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Admissions (OAA) administers the Colorado Bar Examination, which is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Examinees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner, particularly when interacting with security, staff, test proctors and facility personnel. Any Examinee engaging in improper conduct or behaving in an unprofessional or discourteous manner may be disqualified and removed from the examination site.

Any Examinee who breaches a required testing condition may be subject to sanctions by OAA, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), or the Colorado Board of Law Examiners Character and Fitness Committee. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, referral to a Colorado Character and Fitness Inquiry Panel, closure of the Examinee’s admissions application, and/or nullification of the Examinee’s bar examination score.

I affirm that I have read and understand the Preamble.

Certification

I affirm that I have a good-faith belief that I currently meet the essential eligibility requirements for admission to practice law in Colorado set forth in Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (“C.R.C.P.” 208.1(5):

(a) Honesty and candor with clients, lawyers, courts, regulatory authorities and others;

(b) The ability to reason logically, recall complex factual information, and accurately analyze legal problems;

(c) The ability to use a high degree of organization and clarity in communicating with clients, lawyers, judicial officers, and others;

(d) The ability to use good judgment on behalf of clients and in conducting one’s professional business;

(e) The ability to conduct oneself with respect for and in accordance with the law;

(f) The ability to exhibit regard for the rights and welfare of others;

(g) The ability to comply with the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct; state, local, and federal laws, regulations, statutes, and rules; and orders of a court or tribunal;

(h) The ability to act diligently and reliably in fulfilling obligations to clients, lawyers, courts, and others;

(i) The ability to be honest and use good judgment in financial dealings on behalf of oneself, clients, and others; and

(j) The ability to comply with deadlines and time constraints. By initialing, I affirm that I meet all Essential Eligibility Requirements, as listed in C.R.C.P. 208.1(5).

I affirm that I have read and understand the instructions above

I understand that other eligibility requirements to take the Colorado bar exam will apply, as set forth in C.R.C.P. 203.1 and 203.4.

Computer/ Technology Requirements and Obligations

I understand that the entire exam will be administered in-person and I may bring a registered laptop for testing for the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and Multistate Performance Test (MPT) portions of the exam, only. If I elect to use a laptop during these portions of the examination, I understand that it is my sole responsibility that my testing computer meets all system requirements as set forth by ILG for use of ILG Exam360 testing software.

I understand that I am responsible for monitoring my email account for the email address I have on file with OAA, as that is the email address that will be used to create examinees’ ILG laptop registration accounts. And, I understand I must contact my OAA Licensure Analyst, via the online application Messaging Center, if I need to change my registered email address.

I understand that I may NOT use an iPad or other tablet device to take the computer portion of the examination. Any questions concerning the permissibility of my laptop must be directed to ILG.

I understand that if I do not own the computer that I intend to use for the examination, I am responsible for verifying that there are no restrictions in place on the computer that will prevent me from running the ILG Exam360 software. I also understand that I must have access to the laptop after the examination has concluded until results are released.

I acknowledge that a mechanical failure or malfunction of my computer or any other personal testing equipment will not be grounds for additional testing time or reconsideration or modification of my score.

MANDATORY COMPUTER REGISTRATION: I will register the required ILG software on a computer that meets requirements as specified by ILG. I understand that if I do not timely register my testing laptop, I will handwrite for the bar examination. I understand that any prior registrations to use ILG Exam360 does not apply; I must register my laptop specifically for use for each bar examination for which I apply.

I understand that I must review and accept the use of ILG provisions and privacy policy and agree to be bound by those terms and conditions if I elect to use a laptop during the examination.

Testing Environment

OAA-PROVIDED TESTING ITEMS: To ensure the security and integrity of the examination, I understand the following items will be provided to me by OAA during exam administration:

MEE and MPT Testing Days:

1 writing pen (2 writing pens will be provided to examinees handwriting the exam);
1 highlighter; and
1 set of ear plugs.

MBE Testing Days:

2 pencils;
1 pencil sharpener; and
1 set of ear plugs.

PERSONAL PERMITTED ITEMS: I understand that the following items are permitted in the testing room at my testing table. All items will be checked by security before being allowed into the testing room. Items not permitted in the testing room must be left in the Personal Belongings area (area outside the testing room, but near the exam check-in tables). Items such as keys/key fobs, wallets, etc. should be checked with a personal belongings proctor. All other prohibited items should be left in the Personal Belongings area in an easily recognizable personal backpack or bag. Items of value should NOT be left in your vehicle.

Permitted in the testing area at your testing table:

A cushion or regular-sized bed pillow (no Queen, King or oversized pillows). No pillowcases or removable covers.
A laptop computer with ILG Exam360 on it and compatible power cord. If using a laptop battery it should be fully charged in the event there is a power interruption or use a back-up power pack. I understand it is recommended that I keep my computer/laptop plugged in during the exam for optimal computer performance.
Back-up computer power cord (Recommended).
Power strip extension cord; preferably one that is a surge protector.
External mouse (wired-only) and mouse pad.
External keyboard (wired-only).
Prescription medication in its prescription bottle, over-the-counter medication outside the packaging, and menstruation products.
Medical devices (e.g. glucose monitor, breast pumps, hearing aids, etc.) (submission of Notice of Medical Aid Device required).
Facial tissue outside its packaging. It is recommended you store them in a clear plastic baggie.
Lip balm, chapstick.
Snacks and beverages in clear (see-through) plastic containers/baggies, with no labels or printing on them. (I understand that I should have a secure lid on any beverages, as I will not be given extra time if the beverage spills.). (Ziploc-type baggies are most ideal for snacks. Tinted plastic drinking containers are acceptable as long as they are see-through. Do not bring plastic containers covered in stickers. DO NOT bring items in glass.) DO NOT use clear plastic bags larger than a gallon size.
Face mask/covering, and shields.
Eraser on MBE testing day ONLY (a pencil sharpener is provided by OAA).
Blue-light glasses.
Extra clothing layers, all subject to inspection. Depending on weather and room conditions, this may include hats and scarves that are usually prohibited – they may be allowed, but will be subject to inspection. Please do not wear baseball-type caps. Any layered clothing will be allowed for personal warmth only. Please see Note about clothing and jewelry.*

I affirm that I have read and understand the instructions above

*NOTE: Clothing and jewelry worn for religious purposes is allowed but may be subject to a security inspection. Due to ever-changing weather conditions in Colorado, Examinees are allowed to wear or bring to their testing table additional clothing outerwear. Depending on weather and room conditions, this may include coats, hats and scarves – subject to inspection. Layering of clothing is recommended to adjust for heat and cold conditions that may vary throughout the testing center. OAA requests that Examinees reduce the number of pockets on garments they wear or bring, as all clothing (including pockets) will be checked at security prior to entry to the testing room.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: To ensure the security and integrity of the examination, I understand the following personal items are prohibited and not permitted in the testing room. (This list is not all inclusive, but rather indicative of typical items examinees may want to bring into a testing area.) I understand that any items not allowed at the testing table must be left in the Personal Belongings area or checked in with the Personal Belongings Proctor.

I will not attempt to bring to my testing table any of the following items, unless an item has been specifically allowed for me through an approved request:

Any toy, clock, watch, sound emitting devices that makes a noise (smart watches, digital watches, analog watches, etc.), timers, fitness trackers, calculators, timepieces of any kind, including smart watches, wristwatches, stop watches and table clocks, and any other wrist wear.
Backpacks, bags, purses, tote bags, billfolds, wallets, briefcases, computer bags, laptop cases, sleeves, or shells.
Personal highlighters, pens, pencils, book holders or stands, pencil grips, and correction fluid/white-out. Personal writing instruments will be collected and discarded.
Reference materials, bar review materials, notes of any kind.
Cell phones and all other digital, electronic communication devices, data organizers or other digital or electronic storage devices.
Photographic, recording and transmission devices.
Devices equipped with GPS or Bluetooth, including but not limited to “Smart Glasses” and external computer devices.
Laptop cases, laptop external covers, laptop cooling pads, laptop risers or stands, external monitors, wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, and all other laptop accessories not on the “Personal Items Permitted” list.
Earplugs, sound suppression or noise canceling headphones. OAA will provide earplugs for both days of the exam.
Paper items of any kind (including Exam Instructions and Schedule), whether blank, printed, or written upon, including food, candy and gum wrappers.
Beverages and beverage containers other than a clear re-sealable (twist or pop top) plastic bottle with the label removed. (This includes opaque/clear water bottles that are completely covered in stickers.)
Glass containers.
Plastic grocery or garbage bags (regardless of size).
Key fobs, money, credit cards, hotel or building access cards.
USB drives.
Weapons of any kind.
Sunglasses and eyeglass cases; blue-light glasses permitted.
Clothing containing statements or graphics that may be deemed offensive or derogatory.
Hooded or pocketed sweatshirts. See Note.*
Coats, sport jackets, fleece jackets, down vests and bulky outerwear. See Note.*
Garments with linings, significant bulk, or cargo pockets. See Note.*
Pockets are prohibited to the extent that their design would allow even a small item to be stowed out of sight. Any allowable pockets must be empty at all times. Generally, pants designed with small form fitting pockets such as those found on regular style blue jeans are acceptable. See Note.*
Hats of any type, bandanas, headbands, headgear and head coverings. See Note.*
Scarves, neckties, and other clothing accessories. See Note.*
Removable jewelry. See Note.*

*NOTE: Clothing and jewelry worn for religious purposes is allowed, but may be subject to a security scan. Layering of clothing is recommended to adjust for heat and cold conditions that may vary through-out the testing center. OAA requests that Examinees reduce the number of pockets on garments they wear or bring, as all clothing (including pockets) will be checked at security prior to entry to the testing room.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR: To ensure the security and integrity of the examination, I understand that I may NOT engage in any of the following, any one of which is grounds for dismissal from the current exam and prohibited for future exams:

• Reproduce or disclose any [MEE, MPT, and/or MBE] questions or answers by any unauthorized means to any person or to any public forum at any time, including after the examination, until the questions have been publicly released by NCBE. This includes disclosing the substance or details of any test question fact pattern or answer, in whole or in part, by email, blogs, online social or professional networking sites, or any other unauthorized means.
Seek, obtain, or use answers or information from another Examinee or any other person or source during the bar exam administration; discuss examination content with other examinees during the exam administration.
During any testing session, communicate through any means whatsoever, including any visual, verbal, electronic, or any other type of communication, with another Examinee or any other person except for seeking assistance from bar exam staff, proctors or technicians.
Sit for the examination for any purpose other than admission to practice law in Colorado.
Wear ‘removable’ jewelry, non-prescription glasses (other than permitted “blue light” glasses), or clothing that may be deemed offensive or derogatory.
Attempt to take the examination for someone else or have someone else attempt to take the exam in my name.
Use unauthorized notes, books, calculators, wrist watches/timepieces, notations or other aids.
Use unauthorized pens, pencils, or highlighters.
Possess or use any photographic, recording or transmission devices.
Write on any material other than what is provided at the exam for the purpose of note taking during exam sessions.
Remove or attempt to remove any examination materials or notations of any kind from the examination room.
Disrupt other candidates.
Behave in an unprofessional or discourteous manner when interacting with others.
Be under the influence of alcohol or use any tobacco, illegal drugs, marijuana, non-prescription medications, vaping, or other products that may interfere with an examinee’s and other examinee’s wellbeing.
Fail to follow verbal or written instructions.

I affirm that I have read and understand the instructions above

Test Security

The MPT, MEE and MBE are owned by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and protected by U.S. copyright laws. I understand that I am not permitted to remove or attempt to remove original, duplicated, or recorded test materials, notes, reconstructed test questions, or answers by any means or at any time. This includes sharing the substance or details of any test question fact pattern, option choices, or answer, in whole or in part, by verbal communication, email, blogs, online social or professional networking sites, written notes, or any other means.

I shall not falsify or misrepresent information required for admission to the examination, impersonate another Examinee, or have an impersonator take the examination on my behalf.

I will not give, receive, or seek aid from any other Examinee or source during the administration of the examination, with the exception of seeking assistance from ILG technicians or OAA.

Just like licensed attorneys have an ethical duty to report serious misconduct by other attorneys, I understand that if I become aware of dishonest conduct by another examinee(s) I must report that to the Office of Attorney Admissions.

I will not place my name or initials or otherwise make any attempt of personal identification in any way on any part of the examination answers, except where may be required by the use of my NBCE or OAA-assigned examinee number.

Withdrawal Policy

I am aware of the Office of Attorney Admissions Withdrawal Policy. I affirm that I have read and understand the Withdrawal Policy.

I have read the above terms for the Colorado Bar Examination and agree to abide by these conditions. I understand that OAA may amend any of these conditions prior to the administration of the current bar exam for which I am applying, but that I will be notified of any changes. I understand that a violation of any of these conditions may cause me to be directed to appear before a Character and Fitness Inquiry Panel, which could result in my score being temporarily or permanently embargoed or a recommendation to the Colorado Supreme Court that my admission to practice law in Colorado be denied. If I have any questions or concerns about the administration of the exam, I will contact OAA.