The Wyoming Bar Exam
Structure, Topics, Dates, Cost, Scores, and Eligibility
Since July 2013, the Wyoming Bar Exam has been using the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE®) format, which divides the exam into three components: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE®), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT®), and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE®).
Candidates who intend to practice law in different states will benefit from the increased score portability among the 41 participating UBE jurisdictions. This resource provides all the details on the WY Bar Exam results, dates, deadlines, fees, applications, and more.
Wyoming Bar Exam Structure
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE®) is divided into two days, each with 6 testing hours. The MPT and MEE are administered on day one, and the MBE on day two.
Wyoming Bar Exam Dates, Requirements, and Scheduling
You can’t pass an exam that you can’t take. Mark the dates and deadlines shown below on your calendar, and be sure to review the eligibility requirements.
Exam dates
Wyoming Bar Exam applications must be filed before the 3rd Friday in November for the February exam, or before the 3rd Friday in April for the July exam.
Applications to retake the WY Bar Exam must be filed before the 1st day of May for the July exam, or the 1st day of December for the February exam.
| Filing Deadline | February 27-28, 2024 | July 30-31, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| First Time | November 17, 2023 | April 19, 2024 |
| Retake | December 1, 2023 | May 1, 2024 |
Requirements
To sit for the WY Bar Exam, you must:
- Graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a Juris Doctorate (JD)
- Complete a Character and Fitness Application through the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®)
- Have earned a bachelor's degree or equivalent
Scheduling
- Complete the Petition and Application for Admission to the Wyoming State Bar (must be notarized)
- Gather the following documents: law school transcript, character and fitness documentation, past employment information, 2”x 2” photocopy of your ID, a Dean’s certification (must come directly from the law school), and a Certificate of Good Standing issued within the last 90 days (if applicable)
- Complete a request for Preparation of a Character Report through the NCBE. Print a hard copy for your application and another to submit to the NCBE (must be notarized)
- Submit your application to the address below with the appropriate fees made payable to the Clerk of the Wyoming Supreme Court (separate from the NCBE fee)
| Address | Clerk, Wyoming Supreme Court 2301 Capitol Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82002 |
Wyoming Bar Exam Cost and Fees
| Application Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time taker | $600 | ||
| Repeat taker | $600 | ||
| Attorney | $600 | ||
| Admission on Motion | $600 | ||
| UBE Transfer | $600 | ||
| Laptop Registration | $77 | ||
| NCBE Report | schedule | ||
Payment policies
You must pay a non-refundable $600 fee made payable to the Clerk of the Wyoming Supreme Court when you submit your application. You can pay with a personal check or a money order. Make sure you have enough money in your bank for a few weeks because it might take time for them to cash your check.
Cost-saving options
- The University of Wyoming College of Law considers all admitted and incoming students for scholarships based on merit and special circumstances
- The Wyoming-Sullivan Counties Bar Association Scholarship assists a high school graduate from two counties who will major in the legal profession
- Browse AccessLex Institute Law School Scholarship Databank
- Check out the ABA website, which offers 100+ opportunities and programs for young lawyers and law students.
- Join a study group and split the bar exam preparation materials cost among group members.
- Research free or low-cost study online study materials like past bar exam questions and answers to supplement commercial study aids.
- Some bar exam prep companies offer discounts or promotions to students who register early or refer friends to their program.
It’s not watching hour-long video lectures. It’s practicing with real MBE questions!
Wyoming Bar Exam Subjects and Topics
The WY Bar Exam tests a candidate's legal knowledge, analytical skills, and competence to practice law. It covers a range of subjects, from Constitutional Law and Contracts to Criminal Law and Evidence. Candidates will be assessed by their ability to apply legal principles, draft legal documents, and effectively solve problems to ensure they can competently represent clients and complete entry-level legal tasks.
Testable subjects on the MEE
Some MEE subjects may be tested together. Others may not be tested at all. For example, Civil Procedure has been tested on almost every MEE for the past ten years, while Criminal Law has only appeared a few times.
Learn More
- About the MEE
- MEE Study Guide
- MEE Subjects and Topics (includes MEE subject frequency chart)
MBE Subjects
The MBE contains 200 multiple-choice questions divided evenly over 7 subjects. You'll notice that 7 x 25 does not equal 200. That's because 25 MBE questions are unscored questions that act as field tests for future exams.
Learn More
MPT Tasks
The MPT is designed to test an examinee's "lawyering skills" using only the materials provided. These tasks are conducted in a closed-universe, fictional jurisdiction called "Franklin." The laws of the real world do not apply, so your critical thinking skills and understanding of fundamental legal principles are key.
Learn More
Wyoming MPRE Requirements
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE®) is a 2-hour, 60-multiple-choice question exam that assesses an examinee's knowledge of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. You don’t have to pass the MPRE before taking the Wyoming Bar Exam, but you must earn a passing score before being admitted to the Wyoming Bar. You can register to take the MPRE through the NCBE.
Wyoming MPRE Minimum Passing Score
Wyoming has an MPRE minimum passing score of 85. Candidates are responsible for requesting a copy of their MPRE score report be sent to the Bar. Scores are only valid if transferred directly from the MPRE testing authority.
Wyoming Bar Exam Scoring, Results, and Pass Rates
The UBE employs scaled scoring to ensure fairness across exam versions. Scaled scoring accounts for the fact that one exam administration may be more or less difficult than another administration. For example, February's exam may be more difficult than July's. It wouldn't be fair if you failed because you just happened to receive a harder exam version. To solve this, your raw scores are transformed into scaled scores through a statistical method called equating. Unfortunately, the NCBE does not release data on the calculations it uses to determine scaled scores.
Wyoming bar exam scoring/grading
Wyoming minimum passing score is 270. Since the UBE is divided into two equally weighted sections—writing (MPT/MEE) and the MBE—you want to aim for a 135 on each section.
However, you do not need to score 135 on each section to pass the WY bar exam. For example, an exceptional MBE score can balance out a subpar score on the writing section. What's important is that the sum of your two scores is 270 or higher.
Wyoming bar exam results and pass rates
You'll notice that The Wyoming Bar Exam's repeater pass rates are substantially lower than the first-timer pass rates. This discrepancy between first-timer and repeater pass rates is common across all jurisdictions and is likely because many who fail their first bar exam don't change how they study.
| Exam | Overall Pass Rate | First-Timer Pass Rate | Repeater Pass Rate | Results Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | 65% | 68% | 40% | September 21 |
| Feb. 2024 | 50% | 40% | 71% | April 11 |
Here are the annual pass rates for the Wyoming Bar Exam since 2017 divided into first-time examinees and repeaters:
Results are typically released 6-8 weeks after an exam administration. Below are the pass rates for the past 6 years.
| Exam | No Of Candidates | First Timers | Repeaters | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Pass Rate | Pass Rate | Pass Rate | |
| 2024 | 74 | 54% | 55.5% | 57.5% |
| 2022 | 58 | 60% | 42% | 57% |
| 2021 | 75 | 75% | 77% | 75% |
| 2020 | 65 | 74% | 60% | 71% |
| 2019 | 64 | 72% | 47% | 66% |
| 2018 | 67 | 75% | 47% | 69% |
| 2017 | 66 | 73% | 38% | 63% |
Wyoming Bar Exam Reciprocity
Wyoming does not have formal reciprocity with any state. However, Wyoming does allow Admission on Motion (admission without examination). Attorneys are considered eligible for Admission on Motion if they meet the following requirements:
- Have actively practiced law for 5 out of the last 7 years immediately preceding your application date
- Certificates of admission and good standing from each jurisdiction in which you’ve been admitted
- Have completed continuing legal education (CLE) requirements of all jurisdictions in which you’ve been admitted (if applicable)
- Are deemed of good moral character and fitness to practice law
- Have earned a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Have earned a scaled score of 85 or more on the MPRE
Learn how examiners test the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
What Makes the Wyoming Bar Exam Unique?
The Wyoming Bar Exam is not unique. It follows the same format as the many other UBE states. However, Wyoming has a relatively small population, so the legal community is tighter-knit, fostering a more personal and connected environment. Given Wyoming's vast rural areas, lawyers will likely address legal issues unique to rural and sparsely populated regions, such as land use, mineral rights, agricultural law, etc.
Wyoming Bar Exam for foreigners
Graduates of foreign law schools are not eligible to sit for the Wyoming Bar Exam. The Wyoming State Bar clearly states there “are no provisions for foreign-educated applicants.”
Final Takeaways
The difference between those who fail the Wyoming Bar Examination and those who pass is the right study plan. A quality full bar review course will help improve your score, whether it's your first, second, or even third time taking the WY Bar Exam.
Themis + UWorld bar prep gets you exam-ready with exam-like practice with content and questions curated by an in-house team of subject matter experts. Our in-depth answer explanations for each answer choice and industry-leading images make the hard stuff easy to understand. Here's an overview of what you'll get:
Contact details of the Wyoming state bar
| Phone Number | (307) 777-7316 |
| [email protected] | |
| Mailing Address | Clerk of the Wyoming Supreme Court 2301 Capitol Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82002 |
Wyoming Bar Exam FAQs
How long Is the bar exam in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Bar Exam consists of a total of 12 testing hours divided equally between two days.
Can anyone take the bar exam in Wyoming?
You must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school to take the Wyoming Bar Exam. Please see the requirements or foreigners sections for details.
How hard is the Wyoming Bar Exam?
The Wyoming Bar Exam is as hard as the bar exam of the 40 other jurisdictions that have adopted the UBE. However, states with non-UBE components may be considered more difficult.
How many times can I take the Wyoming Bar Exam?
Wyoming allows 4 UBE attempts.
How much does it cost to retake the Wyoming Bar Exam?
Retaking the Wyoming Bar exam costs the same amount as an initial application.
What is the minimum passing UBE score for Wyoming
The minimum passing UBE score for Wyoming is 270
Does Wyoming offer reciprocity with any jurisdiction
Wyoming does not offer formal reciprocity. However, it does offer Admission on Motion
Can I transfer my MBE score from another jurisdiction to Wyoming
You cannot transfer your MBE score from another jurisdiction to Wyoming.
Can I transfer my Wyoming UBE score to another jurisdiction
You can transfer your UBE score to another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction allows it.
What is the time limit for accepting a transferred UBE score in Wyoming(i.e., maximum age of the UBE score)?
The maximum age for the UBE score in Wyoming is 3 years before your application or between 3-5 years if you’ve been practicing law for the 2 years immediately preceding your application
What is the Admission Without Examination process like?
You may be admitted without examination to the Wyoming Bar if you’ve been actively practicing law and meet these requirements.
How long does studying for the Wyoming Bar Exam take?
We recommend dedicating 400 study hours to the WY Bar Exam. Most students begin studying 8-10 weeks before their exam’s administration. However, starting sooner may aid retention and decrease burnout, so we recommend starting as early as 4-6 months out if possible, especially if you work full-time.
Can you practice law without a law degree in Wyoming?
No, you cannot practice law without a law degree in Wyoming.
How do I become a licensed attorney in Wyoming?
The typical path to becoming a licensed attorney in Wyoming is as follows: earn an undergraduate degree, pass the LSAT, earn a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, be deemed of good moral character and fitness, pass the MPRE, pass the bar exam, and be approved for admission to the bar.
How to request special accommodations for the Wyoming Bar Exam?
Fill out and submit the Accommodations Application with your application.