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.Before you can apply to take the California Bar Exam, you must first register as a law student with the State Bar's Office of Admissions. Complete the required pre-legal education. Yes. California is one of four U.S. states that will allow you to sit for a bar exam without a law degree. Currently, Washington, Vermont, California and Virginia are the only four states that allow this process. Study for a UBE state, including New York or California.