The Michigan bar exam is a two-day exam. The first day is the essay portion and the second day is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) portion.The California bar examination is given twice each year. The exam is given over two days and consists of the following parts: Five one-hour Essay Questions. Bar reciprocity in the United States is a concept that allows attorneys to practice law in a state other than the one in which they're licensed. You want to study for about 2 months. Spend 3 days per subject that appears on both multiple choice and essays. Go to the application and instructions for admission without exam. An applicant may be eligible for admission without examination. Bar application instructions and forms are available on the State Bar of Michigan website.