What does bar stand for as in bar exam?

Answer 1

An examination (test) to determine if the applicant is qualified to practice law in the state (jurisdiction) that he or she has chosen. The term BAR refers to the wooden railing that separated the judge/attorneys from the spectators, ("passing the bar').

Answer 2

The term "bar" is often used to mean "the legal profession". Thus the "bar exam" is a test taken to determine if one is qualified to be licensed as a lawyer or "member of the bar".

The term originated from the existence of an actual railing or bar in old courtrooms, in front of the judge's bench. Only licensed lawyers could come inside the bar railing to approach the judge with their arguments. Non-professionals had to stay outside the bar, and let their lawyers act for them.

Another possible answer may be: British Accreditation Regency (BAR Association) This is the original name from England which the current system adopted.

Yet another possibility is that the word "bar" may be a truncation of the word "barrister", a form of lawyer. Or maybe a barrister is a person allowed to practice in front of the bar.

Answer 3

Most law students take the Professional Responsibility Exam while in law school. The bar exam is taken after graduation and a passing grade is required to be admitted to practice.