The Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) administers the bar exam under standard and non-standard testing conditions to persons applying to be licensed Massachusetts attorneys twice each year. The bar exam is administered simultaneously in Boston, MA and Springfield, MA. Proctors assist the BBE in the professional and secure administration of the bar exam.
Proctor Duties
- Follow the Test Administration Timeline
- Assists examinees as needed with seating location
- Greets, takes attendance, and identifies the examinees with a government issued photo ID
- Communicates with examinees according to BBE policy in a clear, calm and professional manner at all times
- Maintains the security of all testing materials
- Distributes, collects and accounts for all examinee testing materials
- Completes exam report forms with accuracy and speed
- Monitors examinees to ensure a secure testing environment and to deter cheating
- Reports any suspected irregularities to the Area Supervisor
- Walks quietly (every 15- 20 minutes) to monitor examinee conduct
- Completes written Incident Reports as required
- Attends all meetings as needed or required
- Sign in and out each testing day on the Attendance Report
- Adhere to scheduled breaks and lunch times and 15 minute warnings
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Resources
Proctor Qualifications
To be a proctor for the bar exam, you must be:
- a minimum 21 years of age and be a high school or college graduate with no criminal record
- proficient in the English language with an ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- able to understand and adhere to written and oral direction and instruction
- have strong organizational skills and be detail-oriented
- able to work with and provide direction to examinees under stressful conditions in a calm and courteous manner
- able to stand and walk up to 80% of the time throughout the testing sessions
- able to lift up to 20 lbs. and work a 10-12 hour day
- able to remain attentive and observant throughout the testing sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the bar exam given?
The bar exam is administered twice each year on the last Wednesday and the preceding Tuesday in February and July.
Where is the bar exam held?
The bar exam is currently held in Boston at one of two major convention sites and in Springfield at Western New England University. The Board of Bar Examiners is required to administer the bar exam in Boston or in a surrounding city or town within 50 miles of Boston.
What qualities does the BBE seek in a proctor?
The Board of Bar Examiners seeks persons with experience in proctoring exams, or persons who have supervisory experience, to serve as bar exam proctors. Proctors must be 21 years of age and be a high school or college graduate. Proctors must be proficient in the English language, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, and understand and adhere to written and oral direction and instructions. Proctors should have strong organizational skills and be detail-oriented. Proctors must be able to work with, and provide direction to, examinees testing in a stressful environment in a calm and courteous manner. Proctors stand and walk up to 80% of the testing time and must be able to carry and lift test materials. Proctors need to remain attentive and observant when testing is in session.
Who is eligible to become a BBE proctor?
The Board of Bar Examiners seeks current and retired teachers, professional trainers, university or law school proctors, and other individuals experienced in providing support and instruction to examinees in a classroom or examination setting.
How do I become a proctor?
To apply for a proctor position, complete and sign the Proctor Application, and mail to:
Board of Bar Examiners
John Adams Courthouse
One Pemberton Square, Suite 5-140
Boston, MA 02108.
What happens next?
Upon receipt, the proctor application will be reviewed, provided the applicant meets the stated requirements, he or she will then be sent an email acknowledging acceptance of the application and placed on a list of proctors to be invited to proctor the bar exam when a position becomes available.
What is the usual work schedule for a proctor?
Proctors usually work two to four days in an exam cycle and up to 10-12 hours each day, depending on their particular assignment.
What is the compensation for a general proctor?
Daily proctor compensation begins at $200/day and may be higher depending on the particular assignment.
Are proctors employees of the Massachusetts Judiciary?
No, proctors are classified as Massachusetts vendors, not employees.
If my application is accepted will I work all future bar exams?
Not necessarily. Decisions on proctor selection are made for each exam based on the level of experience needed and the number of open positions available for the exam. Typically, more proctor opportunities are available for the July exam than for the February exam.
Will I be guaranteed the same or a similar proctoring opportunity at each bar exam?
No proctor, new or experienced, is guaranteed a specific position at any bar exam. Changes in assignment must always be expected.
When will I be notified about the opportunity to proctor a bar exam?
Proctors are typically mailed a letter of invite to proctor an exam approximately 60 days prior to the actual exam. Proctors are typically notified of acceptance to proctor the bar exam approximately three weeks prior to start of the actual exam date. In some instances, due to cancellations or unforeseen circumstances, proctors may be contacted via email or telephone regarding availability and their acceptance to proctor the exam.
Do I have to file a Proctor Application for each bar exam?
No. Once your application has been accepted you remain active in the proctor database unless you notify us that you are no longer available to proctor.
Contact for Proctoring the Massachusetts Bar Exam
Online
Phone
Office hours are 8:30am-4:30pm M-F.