September 2010
In August, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) assisted the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia in holding the first computerized bar examination in the country. Preparations for the exam began in 2009, with the chamber developing more than 2,400 questions and ABA ROLI funding the development of the Exam Questionnaire Data Management System Software.
Armenian law graduates are required to complete a two-year paid practicum, and then to pass the written bar exam and an interview with the chamber’s qualification committee members before they can become licensed advocates. This year, 200 of the 311 who sat for the exam passed—about a seven percent increase in the passage rate as compared to 2009. Better preparation combined with computerization, which simplified the process of recording answers and increased transparency in grading, might have helped improve the passing rate.
All stages of the exam process were overseen by neutral monitors, with special attention given to verifying candidate identity and streamlining exam procedure. The monitors confirmed the exam’s veracity and commended the chamber for its effective planning efforts and transparent implementation. Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, ABA ROLI has worked to increase the objectivity and user-friendliness of Armenia’s bar exam since 2006. This year’s success highlights the continued growth and development of both the chamber and the bar exam process.
To learn more about the ABA Rule of Law Initiative’s work in Armenia, contact us at <[email protected]>