How Is the Ontario Bar Exam Graded? A Complete Guide for Law Students

For law students preparing to write the Ontario bar exam, one of the most common questions is: how exactly is this exam graded? Unlike traditional law school tests, the bar exam follows a different process that can be confusing at first glance.

This blog breaks down the grading system for Ontario’s bar exam, explains what counts as a passing score, and offers practical strategies for success. Whether you’re writing the Barrister or Solicitor exam, understanding the grading process is a key step in your preparation.

The Structure of the Ontario Bar Exam

The Ontario bar exam, administered by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), consists of two open-book, multiple-choice tests:

1. Barrister Licensing Examination – focuses on public law, criminal law, family law, and civil litigation.
2. Solicitor Licensing Examination – covers business law, real estate, and estate planning.

Each exam:

• Is 4 hours long ( 30mins break down)
• Contains approximately 160 multiple-choice questions.
• Is open book, meaning you can use the LSO study materials while writing.

But here’s the catch: even with materials in front of you, time pressure and the volume of content make it one of the toughest exams Ontario law graduates face.

How the Bar Exam Is Graded?

Unlike university exams, the Ontario bar exam is not graded on a curve. There are no essays, no partial credit, and no subjective marking. Instead, the process is straightforward but strict:

1. Each question is multiple choice with one best answer.
2. One point per correct answer. Wrong answers receive no credit.
3. Total raw score = number of correct answers.
4. Pass/fail system – you do not receive a percentage grade or letter grade.

The Law Society of Ontario does not publish the exact passing score, but historically it has been estimated to be around 60–70%. The threshold is set using psychometric analysis, which ensures fairness and consistency across different exam versions.

What Counts as a Passing Score?

The LSO officially states that the bar exams are criterion-referenced. This means:

• You are judged against a fixed standard of competency, not against other candidates.
• The passing mark is set to reflect the minimum standard of entry-level competence required to practice law.

In other words, it doesn’t matter how many people pass or fail — if you meet the standard, you pass.

While the LSO does not disclose the exact percentage, exam prep experts and past candidates suggest the pass mark is somewhere in the mid-60s.

Why the Exam Is Not Curved

Some students worry about competing with others, but unlike law school exams, the Ontario bar exam is not graded on a curve. The reason is simple: the exam is meant to test basic competence.

If 95% of candidates meet that standard, 95% can pass. If only 55% meet it, then 45% fail. The system is not designed to limit the number of lawyers artificially but to ensure all who pass have met a baseline standard.

How Long Until You Get Results?

After writing the exam, candidates typically wait 6–10 weeks for results. You’ll receive an email from the LSO that simply states:

• “Pass” – you’ve successfully met the standard.
• “Fail” – you did not meet the standard this time.

No numerical score or breakdown is provided. While this can feel frustrating, it ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the grading process.

Retaking the Exam

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you’re not alone. Many capable candidates need multiple attempts.

• You are allowed to rewrite the exam within your licensing term.
• Each rewrite requires you to pay another exam fee.
• Many students adjust their study strategy between attempts, often with better success the second or third time.

Bar Exam Myths About Grading

Because the LSO does not release scoring details, myths circulate. Let’s debunk a few:

• ❌ “Only a certain percentage of students can pass each sitting.”
  • False. The exam is criterion-referenced, not curved.
• ❌ “If you fail, it means you’re not cut out to be a lawyer.”
  • False. Many excellent lawyers failed once before passing. It’s often about exam strategy, not ability.
• ❌ “You need to memorize the entire bar materials.”
  • False. The exam is open book. Success depends on knowing how to navigate and apply the materials quickly under time pressure.

Strategic Tips Based on How It’s Graded

Knowing the grading system helps you study smarter. Here’s how:

1. Focus on breadth, not perfection. Since the exam is multiple choice, you don’t need mastery of every detail — just familiarity with the full scope of materials.
2. Practice under timed conditions. With 160 questions in 4 hours, pacing is critical.
3. Use indexing or tabbing systems. Efficiently navigating your materials is often the difference between passing and failing.
4. Train with realistic practice questions. Simulate exam conditions to get used to the style and format.
5. Stay calm about the cut-off. Aim for 70%+ in practice tests. If you’re consistently in that range, you’re likely in passing territory.

Applying Grading Knowledge to Bar Prep

Let’s take a sample scenario:

Question: Under Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer must…
A. Always put client interests ahead of the law.
B. Follow the client’s instructions, even if illegal.
C. Maintain confidentiality, subject to limited exceptions.
D. Refuse to represent clients accused of serious crimes.

Correct Answer: C

Notice how each question is black and white — one answer is best. There’s no partial credit or essay-style explanation. That’s why knowing the grading system shapes how you prepare.

Key Takeaways for Law Students

• The Ontario bar exam is multiple-choice, open book, pass/fail.
• Each correct answer = 1 point. No partial credit.
• The passing score is estimated around 65–70% but officially undisclosed.
• The exam is not curved — you are judged against a standard, not your peers.
• Strategy matters as much as content: time management and material navigation are key.

Conclusion: Why BarBuddy Focuses on Exam Strategy

At BarBuddy, we know that understanding the grading system is just as important as studying the law itself. That’s why our prep tools focus on realistic practice questions, timed simulations, and smart study strategies that reflect how the bar exam is actually scored.

If you want to walk into exam day with confidence:

• Use BarBuddy’s 700+ practice questions.
• Try full exam simulations.
• Learn to navigate the materials efficiently under time pressure.

👉 Start preparing with BarBuddy today and give yourself the best chance of success on exam day.

‍