Maryland bar exam requirements
Maryland now gives the NextGen UBE, since July 2026 after its last legacy exam in February 2026, with a passing score of 616. You file a Notice of Intent by December 1 for February or May 1 for July, with no late filing; the fee is $750 for first-time takers, plus a NextGen technology fee expected to be $149. All applicants must complete the online Maryland Law Component before admission.
Sources: Maryland State Board of Law Examiners (NextGen FAQ) and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Notice of Intent by December 1; no late filing |
| July exam | Notice of Intent by May 1; no late filing |
| Exam fee | $750 first-time and attorneys; $400 repeaters (repeaters file a new Notice of Intent each time) |
| NextGen technology fee | Expected $149, paid to NCBE or its vendor |
Source: Maryland State Board of Law Examiners; NCBE.
Requirements
- Maryland Law Component: online outlines of key Maryland law distinctions and a confirmatory quiz, required before admission.
- MPRE: 85 or higher; for applicants not admitted elsewhere, from within 3 years before filing the Notice of Intent.
- Score transfers: legacy UBE 266+ or NextGen 616+, up to 3 years old; the Board’s FAQ lists exact expiry dates for each legacy administration.
- Admission on motion: 3 of the past 5 years in practice, or 10 years total.
- Education: foreign law graduates may be eligible, per NCBE.
Official source & community discussion
Maryland State Board of Law Examiners: NextGen FAQ (official) →
See related questions on Quora →