Testing Protocols for Tennessee Bar Exam

I recently tested positive for COVID-19.

This is a good opportunity to remind everyone of the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners’ testing protocols for the July 2022 bar exam. If you’re taking the bar exam in a different jurisdiction, make sure you consult that state board of law examiner’s specific testing policies.

You’ve already read this information, which appears in Section A.2. of the General Instruction Manual, because you had to acknowledge to the TBLE that you read, understood, and agreed to all the information contained in the General Instruction Manual.

Here’s the text to Section A.2. (“Protocols and Seating Options”):

The exam will be conducted in spacious halls, seating 2 people per table with aisles to the front, back, and both sides of each table. The Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (the “Board”) is committed to a safe administration of the exam for all parties involved in taking and administering the exam. The ability to administer the exam consistent within public health guidelines will only be possible with the cooperation of all applicants. This document provides for the anticipated testing conditions as of June 1, 2022. The Board and Court will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 to determine if any modifications to the testing conditions are necessary for the safe administration of the exam or to comply with state or local regulations in place at the time of the exam. You will be required to acknowledge the Testing Protocols on the attached Acknowledgement Form.

You are strongly encouraged to wear masks and to be fully vaccinated, in the interest of public health and safety. Absent new public health and safety mandates applicable to agencies of the State of Tennessee, separate seating will not be provided for those who prefer to wear a mask; however, masks are permitted to be worn throughout the exam.2 All masks are subject to inspection. Gaiters, vented masks, and face shields pose exam security risks and are not permitted to be worn in the exam rooms.

You are expected to stay home if you are sick (with anything, including but not limited to flu, Covid-19, bronchitis, etc.) or if you test positive for Covid-19. You will not be permitted entry to the exam if you have tested positive for Covid-19 any time after July 22, 2022 through the end of the examination.3 If you are exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms (as determined by the CDC), you will be prohibited from entering the exam and asked to leave, unless you are able to provide a negative Covid-19 test result administered by a healthcare professional within 72 hours preceding the exam date.