NORTH CAROINA – Adam Rodrigues is the father to 14-month-old twins.  

"We have to take this test for almost all of us to get employed or maintain our employment," says the recent law school graduate.

He's one of about 700 people slated to take the exam in fewer than three weeks.  

"We have to make a decision between our personal health and the health of our families and our career," Rodrigues says.

Unable to gain a firm grip over the pandemic, more than 30 states have canceled, postponed, or changed their test in some way.

The North Carolina Board of Law Examiners remains confident in its safety guidelines.

Some precautions include staggered arrival times, desks will be spaced apart, and examinees must wear masks over the entire 12-hour, two-day exam.  

We brought the protocols to several health experts and received mixed reactions. While some said it does minimize risk, others say they wouldn't be comfortable taking the test indoors.

Rodrigues and more than 200 other examinees signed off on a letter to Chief Justice of the N.C. Supreme Court Cheri Beasley pushing for diploma privilege. State Supreme Courts in Oregon, Washington, and Utah have made the move allowing graduates to practice law without passing the bar.

We brought the letter to the court's attention. In a statement, a spokeswoman said that while Beasley is sympathetic to their concerns, she remains confident the board will do what's necessary to protect their health and safety.

Examinees do have the option of transferring their registration to the February test, but for people like Rodrigues, financial responsibilities make that unfeasible.

"I'm a person of faith. I went to seminary before law school. I'll be praying I don't contract it," Rodrigues says.