Bar Exam Requirements by State

General Requirements to Take the Bar Exam

Whether your state administers NextGen UBE, Legacy UBE, or a non-UBE bar exam, the requirements to sit for the exam are similar across the United States. Most require an accredited law degree, proof of residency, and a character investigation, but details vary. The requirements below are general. For detailed information, select the appropriate jurisdiction in the tables above.

Education

Most states require you to graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some states may accept graduates from non-ABA law schools if they meet additional criteria, such as completing extra coursework or passing state-specific assessments.

Character and Fitness

A character and fitness assessment evaluates whether you meet the ethical and moral standards required for legal practice. In most jurisdictions, this assessment begins before the bar exam but is completed afterward. 

However, some jurisdictions require you to fully complete and pass the character and fitness assessment before you can sit for the bar exam. Those jurisdictions are:

• Georgia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Ohio
• Palau
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Washington

Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam®

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is a 60-question, multiple-choice test that assesses knowledge of professional ethics and conduct in accordance with the ABA's standards. It is administered separately from the bar exam and is not affected by the NextGen transition.

Law students are encouraged to take the MPRE during the summer, often in their 2L or 3L year, to focus fully on preparation and allow time for a retake if needed. Some states require a passing MPRE score before sitting for the bar exam, while others require it only for bar admission. 

Score Transfer

Candidates who take the UBE may transfer their scores between UBE jurisdictions if they meet the minimum score requirement set by the receiving jurisdiction. Score validity and transferability depend on state rules, which often require the score to be used within a specified time frame, typically 3 to 5 years. NextGen scores transfer between participating NextGen jurisdictions on the same portability principle, with each jurisdiction setting its own acceptance window.

Scheduling

Bar exams are typically held twice a year, on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. You must apply through your state bar or the NCBE by the specified deadline. Exam locations and seating availability vary, so early registration is recommended to secure a seat and avoid late fees.