What is the Bar Examination?
The Bar and Solicitor’s Entrance Examination, also known as the Bar and Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination, is an official examination which all law graduates must pass if they wish to practise as solicitors or barristers in Spain. This examination is designed to assess both the candidates’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they are prepared to face the challenges of professional practice.
The legal profession is one that demands a calling and dedication. Being a lawyer offers prestige, social recognition and extensive employment opportunities. The role of solicitor, which is also highly regarded in Spain, requires a thorough knowledge of procedural law. The solicitor acts as the procedural representative of the parties involved in the proceedings.
What does the Bar Examination involve?
The bar exam is a multiple-choice test and is divided into two parts: a general section and a specialised section.
In the 2026 examination, the common section comprised 50 questions plus 6 reserve questions, whilst the specialised section comprised 25 questions plus 2 reserve questions. The total duration was 3 hours.
The second part relates to the specialism chosen by the candidate.
| Part | Questions | Reserve questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common subjects | 50 | 6 | 2 hours |
| Subject-specific | 25 | 2 | 1 hour |
| Total | 75 | 8 | 3 hours |
The 2026 call for applications also stipulated that the exam would be held online via UNED’s AVEX platform.
Requirements for the bar entrance examination
To be eligible to sit the bar exam, you must meet certain basic requirements.
Law degree or Bachelor’s degree in Law
To gain access to the training required to practise as a solicitor, you must hold a university degree in a Bachelor’s degree in Law or meet the equivalence requirements laid down by the regulations.
Master’s Degree in Law and Legal Practice
In addition to a law degree, you must have completed an official Master’s in Law and Legal Practice , a qualifying programme that enables you to acquire the knowledge and skills required for professional practice. Throughout the Master’s programme, various legal subjects and practical aspects relating to the profession are covered. You can consult the modules of the Master’s in Law and Legal Practice to find out in detail what is studied during this programme before sitting the bar exam.
Enrolment
It is essential to know how to register for the bar admission exam. Registration is carried out through the Ministry of Justice , in accordance with the established deadlines and procedures.
Preparation for the Bar Admission Exam
Preparing for the bar exam requires a thorough understanding of the exam’s structure, mastery of the subjects covered in the syllabus, and practising with multiple-choice questions. Good study planning and taking mock exams can help you become familiar with the exam format and manage your time more effectively during the test.
Is it difficult?
One of the most common questions is: Is the bar exam difficult? The difficulty of the exam can vary depending on the candidate’s level of preparation. However, with proper planning and high-quality resources, it is possible to pass the exam successfully. Furthermore, at UAX we prepare you with a specific course.
How should you prepare for the exam?
- Study the syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the bar exam syllabus, which covers all the areas of law that will be assessed.
- Mock exams and practice tests: Take mock exams to familiarise yourself with the format and the types of questions you’ll encounter in the exam. This will help you manage your time better and reduce stress on the day of the exam. UAX provides you with specific databases to practise with.
- Time management: Organise a study plan that allows you to cover the entire syllabus gradually. Spend more time on the areas you find most challenging and make sure you revise regularly.
- Review your mistakes. Analyse the questions you got wrong in the practice exams to identify the topics you need to focus on and gradually improve your score.
Procedures and Announcements
The Ministry of Justice publishes the official exam announcements, detailing dates, venues and specific procedures. It is crucial to keep an eye on these announcements so as not to miss any important deadlines.
Exam announcements are officially published by the Administration and set out the dates, requirements, registration procedure and specific details of each test.
It is therefore advisable to check the current call for applications before undertaking any formalities.
How to register for the bar exam
Registration for the bar and solicitor admission examination is carried out online via the Ministry of Justice’s website. Registration is free of charge and the usual deadline is 15 working days from the publication of the notice in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
You must submit the required documentation:
- You must provide a contact email address,
- Choose the language in which the exam will be taken (Spanish or co-official languages)
- Choose your specialism for the specific subjects covered in the exam: civil and commercial law, criminal law, administrative law and contentious-administrative law, or labour law.
- Submit a passport-sized photograph.
How is the mark for the Bar entrance examination calculated?
The final mark combines the mark obtained in the exam and the mark obtained in the specialised training.
In the 2026 examination session, the written test accounted for 70 per cent of the final mark, whilst the mark for the Master’s degree or specialist training course accounted for 30 per cent. The final mark is expressed as ‘pass’ or ‘fail ’.
Conclusion
The Bar entrance exam is the final step in the training process required to practise as a solicitor in Spain. Understanding its requirements, structure, subjects and assessment system will enable you to plan your preparation more effectively and sit the exam with greater confidence. To ensure you are well prepared, it is essential to have previously undertaken specialised training that combines legal knowledge with practical application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are there in the Bar Admission Examination?
75 main questions, plus any reserve questions specified in the examination notice.
How long does the exam last?
In the 2026 exam session, it lasted three hours.
Which subjects are covered in the exam?
There is a section on core subjects and another corresponding to the chosen specialism.
What mark do you need to pass?
The final mark is calculated by combining the exam mark and the mark for the specialised training, according to the weighting set out in the examination notice.
Where is the call for applications published?
In the official government sources and the BOE.
Sources
Ministry of Justice — Entrance examinations for the legal profession (Lawyers and Solicitors)
BOE — Order PJC/298/2026, call for applications for the entrance examination for the legal professions of lawyer and solicitor
Royal Decree 64/2023 of 8 February on entry to the professions of lawyer and legal representative
Online Master’s Degree in the Legal Professions — UAX
