THE SUPREME Court has finalized its guidelines for the computerized Bar examination that will be held this year.

Unlike in the past where the examinations were held at the University of Santo Tomas, there will be several exam venues scattered in various regions.

This decision was made for examinees living in other regions who cannot travel to Metro Manila because of travel restrictions.

Once the venues have been determined, the SC will release another set of guidelines for the application. Qualified applicants will be given a copy of the software to familiarize themselves with it.

The High court said that examinees should bring laptops that run either Windows 10 and Mac OS.

Only examinees with disabilities that prevent them from using computers will be allowed to take written exams.

Health protocols will be strictly observed during the entire conduct of the examination. The examinees will also be tested for Covid19 via RT-PCR test in examination venues.

Devices will be inspected at the venues and examinees will be asked to sign an Honor Code attesting that they did not alter the computer system to cheat, aid, or tolerate acts of cheating and report such acts in case they are witnessing one during the examination.

Failure to comply with the Honor Code will be ground for permanent disqualification for all Bar examinations.

Since the answers will be recorded digitally, the Supreme Court for the first time will seek the help of law professors in assessing the answers of the examinees.

The 2020/2021 Bar examinations will be held on November 7, 14, 21 and 28 this year.