Arkansas bar exam requirements
Arkansas gives the legacy Uniform Bar Exam with a passing score of 270 and, per NCBE, has not announced a NextGen UBE date or agreed to accept NextGen transfer scores. The application fee is $1,000, due November 15 for February and April 1 for July, with no late filing. An ABA-approved JD is required.
Sources: Arkansas State Board of Law Examiners and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Confirm with the Board before applying, especially on NextGen plans.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Apply by November 15 |
| July exam | Apply by April 1 |
| Late filing | Not available |
| Exam fee | $1,000 (paid by money order or cashier’s check, per Board instructions) |
| UBE score transfer | $1,500; legacy scores up to 36 months old |
Source: Arkansas State Board of Law Examiners; NCBE.
Requirements
- Education: a JD from an ABA-approved school; foreign law graduates aren’t eligible, per NCBE.
- MPRE: 85 or higher, within 3 years before the exam or 1 year after passing.
- Character and fitness: handled by the Arkansas Board, not NCBE.
- NextGen: Arkansas doesn’t accept NextGen transfer scores at present and hasn’t announced its plans for after February 2028.
- Admission on motion: available after 3 of the past 5 years in practice, per NCBE.
Official source & community discussion
Arkansas Courts: bar exam (official) →
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