Overview
The Philippine Bar Examination is conducted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines to admit candidates to the practice of law. Passing it, together with meeting the Court's other requirements, lets a candidate take the Lawyer's Oath and sign the Roll of Attorneys. The Court issues a yearly Bar Bulletin setting the schedule, coverage, and rules for that year's exam.
Who can apply
Applicants need a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school recognised by the Legal Education Board, plus completion of the prescribed pre-law and law curriculum. Candidates apply directly to the Supreme Court's Office of the Bar Confidant within the window set by that year's Bar Bulletin.
Exam pattern
The 2026 Bar Examinations covered six core subjects over three testing days, with two subjects per day. For example, the first day covered Political and Public International Law and Commercial and Taxation Laws. The exact subject groupings, weights, and number of days are set fresh by the Bar Chairperson each year in the Bar Bulletin, so they can change from year to year. Coverage is limited to laws, rules, and jurisprudence as of a cut-off date the Court sets for that year (30 June 2025 for the 2026 exam), excluding repealed or superseded laws.
Important dates
For 2026, the exam was held on a compressed schedule across three days (6, 9, and 13 September 2026), with results tentatively due in early January 2027. Dates and the exact format are reset each year in the Bar Bulletin, so check the current year's bulletin rather than assuming the same calendar.
How to apply
Confirm your eligibility (recognised law degree and completed curriculum) against the current year's Bar Bulletin.
File your application with the Office of the Bar Confidant within the stated window.
Follow the Bulletin's instructions on testing centres, since recent exams have been localised to testing centres around the country rather than a single Manila venue.
After the exam
Candidates who pass are allowed to take the Lawyer's Oath and sign the Roll of Attorneys, after which they may practise law in the Philippines.
Preparation tips
Check the current year's Bar Bulletin early, since subject weights, number of exam days, and coverage cut-off dates are reset annually and can differ from prior years.
How many subjects does the Philippine Bar Exam cover?
Six core subjects. The exact grouping and daily schedule are set each year in the Supreme Court's Bar Bulletin.
Where is the Philippine Bar Exam held?
Recent exams (including 2026) have been localised and digitalised, held at testing centres across the country rather than one central venue.