however, and to be admitted into the bar of those states, one must sit for and pass a bar examination. The results of the July bar examination are given the following November or even December. Successful individuals are then sworn in as licensed attorneys in a special ceremony shortly thereafter. Some states have more difficult exams than others; traditionally, New York and California have had lower bar passage rates, with only 50% of exam takers passing the exam. Once an attorney receives his or her license, he or she is fully qualified to practice law in that state. There is no apprenticeship requirement for U.S. attorneys. Moreover, there is no distinct qualification requirements for different categories of legal professions.