It’s Mechanical Pencil Day! But Leave Yours at Home for the Bar Exam

Today, July 5, is Mechanical Pencil Day—a perfect moment to appreciate the tool many law students use daily for note-taking, annotating essays, and marking up fact patterns during bar prep.

But here’s a reality check: Your beloved mechanical pencil isn’t invited to the bar exam.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Why Mechanical Pencils Are Prohibited on the Bar Exam

The National Conference of Bar Examiners scores the Multistate Bar Examination using "Scantron"-style bubble answer sheets requiring No. 2 (HB) pencil lead. Mechanical pencils, even with HB lead, are often prohibited because mechanical casings may present security policies.

Here’s jurisdiction-specific prohibitions for Ohio and other selected jurisdictions:

Ohio

The Supreme Court of Ohio permits only “Non mechanical, number 2 pencils (Wednesday only)."

Indiana

The Indiana Board of Law Examiners state that "The following items may not be taken into the exam room and must be checked-in or taken to your vehicle: ... 19. Mechanical pencils."

Michigan

The Michigan Board of Law Examiners Bar Examination Security Policy states that "Applicants are not permitted to bring any items into the examination room other than a clear plastic food storage type bag (maximum size one gallon), which may only contain: ... Pencils (NO mechanical pencils)."

North Carolina

The North Carolina Bar Examination Regulations and Code of Conduct provides that "No applicant shall bring pens, pencils, or erasers to the examination. Pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, ear plugs, scratch paper, a USB-C to USB adapter, and an Applicant Name Badge will be furnished by the Board."

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners' "Pennsylvania Bar Examination Rules/Restrictions for Applicants" information packet provides that "Mechanical pencils, felt tip pens, erasable ink pens" are not permitted in the exam room.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Law Examiners state that "Prohibited items include but are not limited to: ... Mechanical pencils, retractable pens, “smart” pens or pencils, highlighters, pencil sharpeners, or pencil grips ..."

Virginia

The Virginia Board of Bar Examiners includes on its list of "Required and Allowed Items List" for "Day Two - MBE Sessions": a total of six "#2 Pencils with Erasers (no mechanical pencils)."

Most jurisdictions recommend you bring your own standard No. 2 pencils, although some may provide pencils if available. Always be sure to read your jurisdiction's bar examination rules and regulations carefully.

Don’t let a small compliance detail create unnecessary stress on exam day.

So today, celebrate your mechanical pencil, but leave it at home on bar exam day.