The bar exam is the test that law degree holders must take and pass before they can practice law. Law school graduates who do not plan to practice law do not need to pass the bar exam.
People who have earned a law degree often decide to teach, work in politics or with nonprofit organizations.
The bar exam is a benchmark for lawyers. It tests the standards that lawyers must know to practice law.
The law degree is the diploma given to the student who successfully passes all of the requirements and training to understand and utilize the laws of the United States. A law student's training includes practice in litigation as well.
To sit for the bar exam, you must have completed the requirements needed to receive a law degree. Passing or not passing the bar has no bearing on whether you have obtained a law degree.