Kentucky bar exam requirements
Kentucky’s February 2027 exam is its last legacy Uniform Bar Exam, with a passing score of 266; it switches to the NextGen UBE in July 2027 with a passing score of 616. The first-time fee is $875 if you apply by October 1 for February, rising with late filing. You must pass the MPRE before you sit, and Kentucky caps exam attempts.
Sources: Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Late-deadline dates as reported. Confirm with the Office before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Timely: October 1 ($875); late: about November 10 ($1,125); final: December 10 ($1,375) |
| July exam | Timely: February 1; late: March 10; final: May 10 |
| Repeaters | $325 |
| Attorneys | $1,200 / $1,450 / $1,700 |
| UBE score transfer | $875; legacy 266+ or NextGen 616+, up to 5 years old |
Source: NCBE; Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions. Intermediate late date as reported.
Requirements
- MPRE: 80 or higher before you’re allowed to sit the exam (75 accepted if earned before July 2017).
- Attempt limit: applicants who have failed 5 times (legacy or NextGen, in any jurisdiction since February 2021) can’t sit the Kentucky exam, per Supreme Court rule.
- Education: foreign law graduates may be eligible, per NCBE.
- Character and fitness: handled by Kentucky, not NCBE.
Official source & community discussion
NCBE: Kentucky jurisdiction information (official) →
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