Determine your method of study. You can prepare for the exam by yourself or use a bar review course specifically designed for the California First Year Law Students' Examination. Preparing on your own will likely be the cheapest method, but a bar review course will provide you structure, establish goals and give you feedback on your work. Therefore, if you're prone to being distracted or need help staying on pace, a bar review course may be the best option for you.
Learn the relevant legal rules. The examination tests a student's knowledge only in contracts, criminal law and torts, as well as Articles 1 and 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Knowledge of California state law, however, is not required. Use the study guides provided to you by your bar review course, or purchase commercial study guides in those subjects to read and review the legal rules.
Take practice exams. To pass the examination, it is not sufficient to merely know the legal rules. A student must also know how to apply those rules to a given set of facts, a skill that is especially important for the examination's four-hour essay portion. Being familiar with the structure of the questions on the exam and how to properly answer the questions will only be learned by taking practice exams. Sample essay questions and select answers can be found on the California Bar website or will be provided to you by your bar review course. Commercial study guides also contain multiple choice and essay questions.