[dragonwriter]

> By passing this exam, lawyers are admitted to the bar of a U.S. state.

No, they aren't.

Meeting certain preparatory requirements (the details vary but in most US jurisdiction an accredited/approved law school program or, in some, what amounts to an apprenticeship with a licensed practitioner of certain duration and standards is required) and then passing the bar exam allows this.

The difference is important, the bar exam is not seen, standing alone, aa adequate proof of readiness.