Many aspiring lawyers wonder if they can take the California Bar Exam without actually going to law school. The short answer is yes, they can.Applications to the program itself must be submitted to THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA. May 31, 2021 is the application deadline for the EXPANDED PROGRAM. Yes. California is one of four U.S. states that will allow you to sit for a bar exam without a law degree. The State Bar of California mandates that you must have at least two years of an undergraduate education (equal to 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours). If you are retired or an inactive member of the State Bar, you may volunteer through the California State Bar Pro Bono Practice Program. LawHelp Interactive is a website that helps you fill out legal documents for free. Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Alameda County Bar Association University of Dayton School of Law.