Montana bar exam requirements
Montana gives the legacy Uniform Bar Exam until it switches to the NextGen UBE in February 2028, with a passing score of 266. Every applicant must also complete the Montana Law Seminar. Fees total $620 for first-time takers: a $155 application fee due October 1 for February, then $310 for the exam and $155 for the seminar by February 1.
Sources: State Bar of Montana February 2027 exam memo and admission rules, and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Confirm with the Bar Admissions Administrator before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February 2027 exam | February 23-24, Great Northern Hotel, Helena; Montana Law Seminar February 25 |
| Application deadline | October 1 for February; March 15 for July; no late filing without court order (reported) |
| Fees | $155 application; $310 UBE and $155 Montana Law Seminar paid by February 1 (plus character and fitness fee) |
| Laptop | $125, paid to ExamSoft |
| Repeaters / attorneys | $310 / $875 |
| UBE score transfer | $155 or $410 plus character and fitness fee; 266+, up to 3 years old |
Source: State Bar of Montana; NCBE.
Requirements
- Montana Law Seminar: required for exam and transfer applicants; repeaters don’t take it again.
- Education: an ABA-approved JD; foreign law graduates aren’t eligible; official transcripts must arrive at least 30 days before the exam.
- MPRE: 80 or higher, no earlier than 3 years before the exam and no later than 9 months after passing.
- Character and fitness: you can’t sit or be admitted until certified.
- Admission on motion: after 5 of the past 7 years in practice.
Official source & community discussion
State Bar of Montana: February 2027 exam information (official) →
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