Important Dates and Location
Application forms for 2026 will be accessed online through the State Bar’s membership portal.
The early application discount deadline will be April 1.
The 2026 exam schedule is listed below.
Exam Dates
The anticipated 2026 specialization exam schedule is listed below. Exams will be offered either in-person or through remote proctoring. Examinees must come to the State Bar building for exams that require the use of open book materials or attachments. Please contact specialization staff regarding accommodation requests. Additional information, including exam registration forms, will be provided following the August meeting of the Board of Legal Specialization.
Elder Law
Remote Exam Administration
See the exam registration for upcoming exam dates. *State Bar staff members can be available as on-site proctors upon request.
Appellate Practice, Criminal Law (State and/or Federal)*, Employment Law, Estate Planning and Probate, Juvenile Delinquency, Real Property (Commercial and/or Residential)*, Utilities Law, and Trademark Law
State Bar Building in Raleigh
October 15, 16 or 22
*2nd day required ONLY for those seeking certification in both federal and state criminal law or both residential and commercial real property law. Please contact specialization staff to schedule.
Last day for in-person exam administration: October 22
Child Welfare Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Privacy and Information Security Law, Social Security Disability, and Workers' Compensation Law
Remote Exam Administration Preferred
October 13, 26 or 30
Last day for remote exam administration: October 30
Bankruptcy Law
State Bar Building in Raleigh
November 4 or 6
*2nd day required ONLY for those seeking certification in both business and consumer bankruptcy law.
Last day for bankruptcy law exam administration: November 6