Things to note:
Rule I of the Rules Governing Admission to the Alabama State Bar requires every person seeking to apply for admission to the Alabama State Bar to register as a law student with the Alabama State Bar. The rule further requires the law student registration to be submitted within the first 60 days after the applicant commences law school. If submitted within the first 60 days of law school, there is no fee for registration as a law student. If the registration is not received within this timeframe, a late registration penalty applies. The amount of the late registration penalty is determined based on the number of days that have passed between the commencement of law school and the filing of the law student registration.
For exam applicants, character and fitness certification is issued prior to the bar exam unless a hearing before the Committee on Character & Fitness is required. If an exam applicant is required to appear for a hearing, the hearing will only be held if the applicant passes the bar exam.
Alabama is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
An online course on Alabama law is required for applicants seeking admission by examination or by UBE score transfer.
For more information about bar admission in Alabama, see: https://admissions.alabar.org/home
Things to note:
Alaska is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
Applicant must attend presentation on attorney ethics as prescribed by the Board, currently a 1½-hour video course offered by the Alaska bar association.
For information about bar admission in Alaska, see https://admissions.alaskabar.org/home
UPDATE (12/5/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Arizona will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027. For more information about admission to the Arizona Bar, see Arizona Supreme Court Attorney Admissions.
Things to note:
Arizona requires the Course on Arizona Law be completed to be admitted to practice in Arizona.
Arizona is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For more information about admission to the Arizona bar, see https://www.azbaradmissions.org/home
Things to note:
Completion of the character and fitness investigations process for any applicants presenting issues is done after all other requirements for eligibility have been met, including passing the bar exam and securing a passing score on the MPRE.
Arkansas is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information about admission to the Arkansas bar, see: https://www.arcourts.gov/administration/professional-programs/bar-exam/requirements-and-information
Things to note:
Law students must register within 90 days of starting law school if they intend to take the California Bar Exam upon graduation.
California has not adopted the UBE.
The California Bar Examination is given twice each year. The exam is given over two days and consists of the following parts:
Foreign law school graduates with an LLM from an ABA-approved law school are eligible to take the California Bar Exam if they are eligible to take the admission exam in the foreign country where they graduated, after obtaining an additional year of law study in certain courses at an ABA-approved law school.
Information regarding the moral character statement is available at www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Moral-Character/Moral-Character-Statement.
Examples of past exam questions and selected answers are available here: Past Exams (ca.gov)
For more information about admission to the California bar, see: www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions
UPDATE (3/14/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Colorado Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028. For more information about bar admission in Colorado, see Colorado Supreme Court Admission Information.
Things to note:
All applicants for admission to practice law in Colorado must attend a mandatory course entitled Practicing with Professionalism. This one-day course is offered several times throughout the year.
Colorado is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For more information about bar admission in Colorado, see www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Future%20Lawyers/Overview.asp.
UPDATE (2/22/2024): At its January 26, 2024, regular meeting, the Connecticut Bar Examining Committee voted to adopt the NextGen bar examination beginning with the July 2026 exam administration. For information about admission to the Connecticut bar, see Connecticut Bar Examining Committee - Applications & Information.
UPDATE (11/1/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Connecticut will administer the NextGen Bar Exam, however, Connecticut officials have not yet finalized its first administration date.
Connecticut is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information about admission to the Connecticut bar, see Connecticut Bar Examining Committee - Applications & Information.
Things to note:
Bar applicants must complete a clerkship in Delaware and attend a pre-admission conference.
Delaware has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Delaware bar, see Board of Bar Examiners - Supreme Court - Delaware Courts - State of Delaware
Things to note:
The District of Columbia utilizes the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available here under the UBE tab and at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
Applicants are required to submit an application that contains information related to character and fitness before sitting for the bar exam; however, applicants are not reviewed for character and fitness until they have passed the bar exam and obtained an MPRE score of 75 or higher.
A law student must complete all requirements for graduation before sitting for the exam; however, their degree may be conferred up to three months after the first day of the bar exam.
For information on admission to the D.C. bar, see DC Bar - How to Join
UPDATE (7/24/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Florida Supreme Court approved the recommendation from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (FBBE) and will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028. The exam will still include a Florida component. For information on admission to the Florida bar, see Florida Board of Bar Examiners - Admission Requirements (floridabarexam.org)
Things to note:
Applicants are required to submit the character and fitness application at the time they apply for an examination. The investigation does not have to be complete in order for an applicant to take the examination.
Florida has not adopted the UBE.
Law students are encouraged, but not required, to register in the first year of law school. In addition to the early start of the investigative process, student registrants are afforded a significant savings on the application fees. The law student registration fee is $400. Discounted early law student registration fees are available: $100 for those who commence in August or September and file by January 15; $350 for those who commence in August or September and file by March 15. Law students also pay a $600 fee to convert the student registration to an application in the final year of law school.
The Florida Bar Examination consists of the General Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
Study guides are published for the Florida-prepared portion (Part A), the Multistate Bar Examination (Part B) of the General Bar Examination, and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The study guide for Part A includes essay questions from two previous administrations, sample answers to the essay questions, and sample multiple-choice questions. The Study Guide is available in PDF format at no cost.
Free study aids are available on the NCBE website (scroll to "NCBE Free Study Aid Resources").
For information on admission to the Florida bar, see Florida Board of Bar Examiners - Admission Requirements (floridabarexam.org)
UPDATE (7/31/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Supreme Court of Georgia will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028. For information on admission to the Georgia bar, see Admission to the Practice of Law in Georgia.
Things to note:
Georgia is not a Uniform Bar Exam state.
Admission to the practice of law in Georgia is a two-step process that requires the submission of two applications with separate deadlines and fees: 1. Application for the Certificate of Fitness to Practice Law in Georgia. 2. Bar Examination Application, to be submitted after the Certificate of Fitness to Practice Law is received.
A lawyer educated at a law school outside of the United States may be eligible to take the exam if the foreign-educated lawyer graduated from a foreign law school that meets the requirements of the Rules; is authorized to practice law in the foreign jurisdiction, and has been awarded an LLM that meets the Curricular Criteria for LLM Program for the Practice of Law in the United States adopted by the Board of Bar Examiners.
Sample Essay and MPT Questions and Selected Answers are available here: https://www.gabaradmissions.org/essay-and-mpt-questions-and-selected-answers
Key Dates:
https://www.gabaradmissions.org/deadlines-and-fees
February 25-26, 2025 Bar Exam: Regular Fitness Application Filing Period is April 1, 2024 - July 3, 2024
July 2025 Bar Exam: TBA
For information on admission to the Georgia bar, see https://www.gabaradmissions.org/home
Hawaii has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Hawaii bar, see Judiciary | Bar Application (state.hi.us)
Idaho is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Idaho bar, see Admissions | State Bar (idaho.gov)
UPDATE (5/29/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Supreme Court of Illinois and the Board of Admissions to the Bar will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning either February 2028 or July 2028. For information on admission to the Illinois bar, see Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar - Home (ilbaradmissions.org).
Things to note:
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) was adopted in 2018. In Illinois, the UBE includes all components: Multistate Performance Test ( MPT) - two 90-min items, Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) - six essays, 3 hours, and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) - 200 multiple-choice, 6 hours. The UBE results in a portable score. Beginning with the July 2022 exam, Illinois will no longer offer admission by examination with MBE transfer (Non-UBE Score).
Information about Illinois filing fees and deadlines are available here: Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar - Latest News (ilbaradmissions.org)
Applicants who fall under Rule 704b (felony convictions, have been disbarred in another jurisdiction, pending disciplinary charges or felonies, etc.) must have character and fitness approval prior to sitting for the exam. All other applicants may sit for the exam prior to character and fitness approval.
For information on admission to the Illinois bar, see Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar - Home (ilbaradmissions.org)
UPDATE (8/12024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Indiana Supreme Court will implement the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028. For information on admission to the Indiana bar, see Indiana Judicial Branch: Office of Admissions & Continuing Education: Bar Admissions
Indiana is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Indiana bar, see Indiana Judicial Branch: Office of Admissions & Continuing Education: Bar Admissions.
UPDATE (11/15/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Iowa Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Iowa is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Iowa bar, see https://www.iowacourts.gov/opr/attorneys/admissions.
UPDATE (2/22/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Kansas Judicial Branch will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028.
Things to note:
If an applicant elects to take the bar examination during an ongoing character and fitness investigation or hearing, the Attorney Admissions office will embargo the applicant’s bar examination score until the applicant’s character and fitness qualifications are approved.
Kansas is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Kansas bar, see https://www.kscourts.org/Attorneys/Kansas-Bar
UPDATE (12/13/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Kentucky Supreme Court voted to administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Kentucky is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Kentucky bar, see https://www.kyoba.org/
Things to note:
By their second year of law school, law students should register in the Law Student Registration Program, submit the accompanying registration fee, and begin the NCBE character report process.
Louisiana has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Louisiana bar, see https://www.lascba.org/info/Admission/#requirements
Maine is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Maine bar, see https://mainebarexaminers.org/
UPDATE (11/1/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Maryland will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2026.
Things to note:
Maryland is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
Prior to bar admission, all applicants must complete the Maryland Law Component, which consists of online outlines of significant distinctions of Maryland substantive law and procedure followed by an online confirmatory quiz.
Applicants with qualifying LLM degrees must obtain a waiver of Maryland's standard educational requirements prior to filing an application.
For information on admission to the Maryland bar, see https://www.mdcourts.gov/ble.
Things to note:
Every person filing a Petition for Admission to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on or after March 1, 2018, is required to pass the Massachusetts Law Component exam as a condition of bar admission. The Massachusetts Law Component is a separate examination on Massachusetts-specific law. It is strongly recommended that examinees complete the MLC after sitting for the bar examination.
Massachusetts is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For more information on admission to the Massachusetts bar, see Bar Admission | Mass.gov
Things to note:
All applicants are required to complete the Michigan Law Basics Online Training prior to admission.
Michigan is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Michigan bar, see Admissions (michbar.org)
UPDATE (3/14/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Minnesota is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Minnesota bar, see Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners | (mn.gov)
Things to note:
Law students are encouraged to register by October 1 of the applicant’s second year of law school; however, law student registration is not required. The law student registration fee is $125 if filed by October 1 of applicant’s second year of law school. The fee is $325 for law student registration filed after October 1 of applicant’s second year of law school.
Mississippi has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Mississippi bar, see Mississippi Bar Admissions - State of Mississippi Judiciary (ms.gov)
UPDATE (11/1/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Missouri will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2026.
Things to note:
The Supreme Court of Missouri and the Missouri Board of Law Examiners have prepared a mandatory open book test, the Missouri Educational Component Test or MECT, for exam applicants to complete as a condition of licensure.
Missouri is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Missouri bar, see Missouri Board of Law Examiners - Home (mble.org)
Things to note:
Applicants must complete the Montana Law Seminar online.
Montana is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Montana bar, see State Bar of Montana > Membership & Regulatory > Admissions > Admissions Home (montanabar.org)
UPDATE (12/18/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Nebraska Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Nebraska is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Nebraska bar, see Admission to the Practice of Law | Nebraska Judicial Branch
Nevada has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Nevada bar, see Admission Requirements – State Bar of Nevada (nvbar.org)
New Hampshire is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the New Hampshire bar, see NH Bar Admissions | New Hampshire Judicial Branch
New Jersey is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the New Jersey bar, see New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners - Home (njbarexams.org)
UPDATE (2/5/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners and the New Mexico Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Things to note:
To be admitted to the New Mexico bar, individuals must complete the New Mexico Law Class. This class is required for applicants pursuant to Rule 15-103(G) NMRA. In order to receive credit for successful class completion, attendees must view the entire course, with no exceptions.
New Mexico is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the New Mexico bar, see New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners - New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners (nmexam.org)
Things to note:
Beginning in January 2013, a new rule affecting bar admission in New York will be in effect. All candidates seeking admission after January 1, 2015, with the exception of admission on motion candidates, will need to file documentation showing that they have completed 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work, as required by Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals. For further information regarding the implementation and requirements of the new rule, Frequently Asked Questions, and the Form Affidavit of Compliance that must be filed with your Application for Admission please visit http://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/probono/baradmissionreqs.shtml.
New York is a Uniform Bar Examination state. The UBE, which consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), is a paper and in-person examination. Additional information about the UBE and answers to FAQs are available here: https://www.nybarexam.org/TheBar/NYBarExamInformationGuide.pdf.
In addition to the UBE, applicants to the New York bar must also take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and the New York Law Exam (NYLE). Information on these is available at https://www.nybarexam.org/UBE/UBE.html.
The minimum passing Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) score in New York is 85. Additional information about the MPRE in New York is available at https://www.nybarexam.org/MPRE/MPRE.html
The New York Court of Appeals has added a skills competency requirement for admission to the bar. Applicants may satisfy the requirement by completing one of five separate pathways contained in Section 520.18 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals.
Information about deadlines and exam dates are available here: NYS BAR EXAM DATES (nybarexam.org)
Past essay questions and sample answers are available here: Past Exam Questions and Sample Answers (nybarexam.org)
For information on admission to the New York bar, see BOLE- OFFICIAL PAGE NEW YORK STATE BAR EXAMINATION (nybarexam.org)
Preliminary Checklist for NY Bar Admission
North Carolina is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the North Carolina bar, see North Carolina Board of Law Examiners - Home (ncble.org)
Things to note:
Registration of law students is required. Law student registration begins the character and fitness investigation. The filing of a Law Student Registration does not constitute the filing of an application to sit for the bar examination. A law student must still separately apply to sit for the Bar exam in their third year.
Law student registration must be filed by October 1 of the student's second year of law school or within 14 months after the student's first day of the first year of law school. Registrations filed after these deadlines shall be permitted upon payment of a late registration fee, but only up until the last established filing deadline for application to the bar examination. Late fees start at $150 and increase incrementally to $400.
North Dakota is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the North Dakota bar, see North Dakota Court System - Bar Exam Application (ndcourts.gov)
Things to note:
Both those sitting in Ohio and those transferring in a UBE score are required to complete the Ohio Law Component, an online open-book, multiple-choice exam and outlines covering Ohio-specific components.
Registration is required by November 15 in the applicant’s second year of law school.
Ohio is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Ohio bar, see Admission to the Practice of Law in Ohio » Supreme Court of Ohio
UPDATE (6/12/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued an order adopting the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027. For information on admission to the Oklahoma bar, see The Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners (OKBBE)
Things to note:
Law student registration with the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners shall be filed on or before October 15 of the 2nd year of law school. You must register if you ever intend to take the Oklahoma bar exam, or apply for Licensed Legal Intern. This registration is separate from your bar exam application.
Oklahoma is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Oklahoma bar, see The Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners (OKBBE)
UPDATE (11/1/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Oregon will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2026.
Oregon is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Oregon bar, see https://www.osbar.org/admissions.
Things to note:
Pennsylvania begins character and fitness investigations on applicants as soon as their applications are accepted. A final review is done post-exam.
Pennsylvania is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Pennsylvania bar, see https://www.pabarexam.org/barules.htm
Puerto Rico has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Puerto Rico bar, see https://www.prd.uscourts.gov/requirements-bar-admission
Things to note:
Rhode Island begins its character and fitness investigations process prior to the bar examination with one-on-one character and fitness interviews between the applicant and a member of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness. The purpose of that interview is to determine whether further hearing before the entire Committee is necessary. If so, full hearings are held after the examination for those applicants who pass the examination.
Rhode Island is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Rhode Island bar, see https://www.courts.ri.gov/AttorneyResources/baradmission/Pages/default.aspx
South Carolina is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
Things to note:
Applicants must complete online Course of Study on South Carolina Law prior to admission.
For information on admission to the South Carolina bar, see https://barapplication.sccourts.org/admissionToPractice.cfm
Things to note:
Character and fitness investigations are ongoing. A determination of character and fitness is not made until applicant passes the bar exam.
South Dakota has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the South Dakota bar, see https://ujsbarexam.sd.gov/
UPDATE (4/22/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Tennessee Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027. For information on admission to the Tennessee bar, see Tennessee Board of Law Examiners.
Things to note:
All applicants for admission by examination, by transferred UBE score, as the spouse of a military servicemember, or without examination (comity) must complete the online Tennessee Law Course in order to be eligible for licensing and admission. Applicants must have submitted the NCBE Application and all forms, including the Authorization and Release forms, and paid NCBE for the investigation (using the processes provided by NCBE for either online or mail submittal of payment and forms) on or before the final deadline for filing an application in Tennessee.
Tennessee is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Tennessee bar, see https://www.tnble.org/
Things to note:
Texas is a Uniform Bar Examination state.
All UBE score applicants and all applicants for admission without examination after December 1, 2019, must complete an online, on-demand Texas Law Course prior to admission. The course is accessible, at no charge, on the State Bar of Texas CLE website at http://www.texasbarcle.com/TBLE. Texas Bar Exam Applicants may complete the TLC up to one year before taking the bar exam and up to two years after passing the bar exam in Texas.
Posted Texas Bar Exam Dates
Sample bar questions and answers are available here: Texas Board of Law Examiners - Questions and Selected Answers
For information on admission to the Texas bar, see https://ble.texas.gov/information-and-applications
UPDATE (1/31/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Utah Supreme Court has approved the use of the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2028.
Utah is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on Utah bar admission, see https://admissions.utahbar.org/home
UPDATE (1/18/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Vermont Supreme Court will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Vermont is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Vermont bar, see https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/attorneys/admission-vermont-bar
Virginia has not adopted the UBE.
For information about admission to the Virginia bar, see https://barexam.virginia.gov/index.html
UPDATE (3/18/2024): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced the Supreme Court of Washington will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2026.
Things to note:
Qualified applicants must complete a free 4-hour course that is available online. The Washington Law Component (WLC) is an open-book, timed, online multiple-choice test with Washington-specific study materials available online to review prior to and during the test.
Washington is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Washington state bar, see https://admissions.wsba.org/information-and-applications
West Virginia is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the West Virginia bar, see http://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/Bd-of-Law/bar-application.html
Wisconsin has not adopted the UBE.
For information on admission to the Wisconsin bar, see https://www.wicourts.gov/services/attorney/bar.htm
UPDATE (11/1/2023): The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), developers of the NextGen Bar Exam, announced Wyoming will administer the NextGen Bar Exam beginning July 2027.
Wyoming is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state. The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube.
For information on admission to the Wyoming bar, see https://www.wyomingbar.org/for-lawyers/admissions/
