California's Supreme Court late Wednesday raised the possibility of holding the next bar exam online in October instead of September, noting that the National Conference of Bar Examiners will offer an online version of the multiple-choice Multistate Bar Exam on Oct. 6.

"As the state bar is aware, the administration of the MBE is an essential component to scoring the entire two-day exam," the court's clerk and executive officer, Jorge Navarrete, said in a letter to bar chairman Alan Steinbrecher.

"Although the court had originally postponed the July 2020 California Bar Examination to September 9-10, 2020, the court will consider moving the exam to October 5-6, 2020 after the state bar assesses its online administration of First-Year Law Students' Examination on June 23 and the feasibility of upscaling that administration to the full exam in the fall," Navarrete wrote.

The court's suggestion is the latest twist in efforts to administer a bar exam in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing the need for social distancing, the seven justices in April delayed the July exam until September, ordering the bar to "make every effort possible" to administer what is traditionally the most heavily attended test of the year online, with a combination of electronic and remote proctoring.

The bar announced on its website Thursday it will not change the September date "until a final determination has been made by the court."

"Exam applicants are encouraged to continue studying with the September date in mind but are alerted about the possibility that these dates can change," the post continued. "We encourage applicants to check our website for updates. Registered applicants are advised to check the applicant portal for any changes and updates."

The state bar has not yet announced how it may provide an online test this fall. The bar's committee of bar examiners is scheduled to hear an update on 2020 exams at its June 19 meeting.

"As noted in the court's [April 27] letter, the court will continue to explore other options as circumstances develop or change," Navarrete wrote. "The court appreciates the State Bar's continued efforts concerning these matters."

At least five states have announced that they will or may hold bar exams remotely this fall. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals on Monday announced that it will administer its bar exam via the internet Oct. 5 and 6. All applicants will be required to provide their own computer, webcam and internet service for the test.