Imagine spending months preparing—long nights, early mornings, and countless practice questions. You walk into the exam room feeling nervous but prepared. Then, weeks later, the results arrive. You didn’t pass.

Your mind starts racing. What went wrong? Can I take it again? How many chances do I even get? You start frantically searching for answers, scrolling through forums, texting friends, maybe even considering a whole new career for a split second.

Failing the bar exam feels like the end of the world, but it isn’t. The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) allows multiple attempts, so you do have options. That said, there are limits, and it’s important to know them so you can plan your next move strategically. Whether you’re gearing up for a retake or just want to be prepared just in case, here’s what you need to know.

Can You Take the Ontario Bar Exam Multiple Times?

Yes, you can. The LSO permits multiple bar exam attempts, but there are limits. Here’s how it works:

During your licensing term, you are allowed up to three attempts at the Barrister exam and three attempts at the Solicitor exam. If you don’t pass within these attempts, all is not lost. The LSO allows for a fourth attempt under special circumstances, but you must apply for special permission.

What to Do If You Don’t Pass the Bar on Your First Try

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Failing is more common than many people realize;  many successful lawyers didn’t pass on their first attempt.

Here’s how to bounce back:

  1. Evaluate Your Performance
    Reflect on what went wrong. Was it timing? Content gaps? Poor organization? Identify weak areas and focus your efforts there.
  2. Use Practice Exams Strategically
    Practice makes perfect—but only if done correctly. Simulate exam conditions with bar exam practice questions to build both knowledge and confidence.
  3. Adjust Your Study Plan
    If you failed the bar on your first attempt, that’s a strong sign that you need to adjust your approach. Honest self-reflection is essential here: Did you really make the most of your bar prep?
  4. Seek Expert Support
    Sometimes, self-study isn’t enough. Consider professional bar exam tutoring for personalized guidance tailored to your unique challenges.
  5. Don’t Delay Preparation
    Use the time between attempts wisely. Preparation isn’t just about cramming; it’s about building a deep understanding of the material and developing test-taking strategies.

Failure doesn’t define you. Persistence does.

Need Help With Your Bar Exam Preparation?

We understand how overwhelming the bar exam can feel and the kind of stress that can come with trying to rise to a challenge that you failed to meet in the past; our services are here to help you. 

  • Bar Exam Practice Questions: Our comprehensive questions cover all the major topics you will face on the bar exam.
  • Detailed Summaries: Our condensed and detailed summaries simplify complex legal concepts.
  • Bar Exam Tutoring: Our experienced tutors can help you identify and improve weak areas.

Need to print your bar material? Use our print bar exam material option to get your printed bar material delivered to your door steps. Still have questions? Check out our FAQs to learn more about how we can support you.

Success isn’t just about effort—it’s about strategy. Don’t wait—start preparing with Bar Exam Crackers today!