The state bar examination scheduled for September 9 and 10 has been canceled, the state Court of Appeals on Thursday announced, as uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues. 

The decision to cancel the bar exam was made by the Board of Law Examiners while it is continues to work on a way of administering the examination safely.

"The Board arrived at this decision after careful consideration of current conditions and with a singular focus on the health and safety of all participants," the Court of Appeals said. "Unfortunately, the global pandemic presents a persisting threat in a growing number of states and therefore, at this juncture, an in-person exam is not yet a safe or practical option in New York."

The New York State Bar Association, meanwhile, said it is working on making recommendations on how to proceed with the test in some form. 

“The class of 2020 has been dealt a difficult hand and many graduates are experiencing stress and strain over the uncertainty surrounding the bar exam, a grim job market, and staggering student debt," said Bar Association president Scott Karson. "NYSBA will expeditiously examine the alternatives, taking into account the interests of consumers of legal services as well as the law school graduates seeking admission to the New York bar.”