Pennsylvania bar exam requirements
Pennsylvania gives the legacy Uniform Bar Exam through February 2028, with a passing score of 270, and switches to the NextGen UBE in July 2028 with a passing score of 620. Late fees are steep: for February 2027 the fee is $750 by October 30, about $1,075 by November 30 and about $1,400 by the final December 15 deadline.
Sources: Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners (NextGen announcement) and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Late-tier amounts as reported. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | October 30 ($750); November 30 (about $1,075); December 15, final (about $1,400) |
| July exam | March 31 ($750); late tiers April 30 and May 15 |
| Exam fee | $750 for all applicant types |
| Score transfer | Legacy UBE 270+ or NextGen 620+, up to 30 months old |
Source: NCBE; Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners. Late-tier amounts as reported.
Requirements
- MPRE: 75 or higher.
- Education: foreign law graduates may be eligible with additional ABA-school education or foreign practice, per NCBE.
- Character and fitness: handled by Pennsylvania, with the determination made after you pass.
- No state component: NCBE lists no Pennsylvania-specific requirement for admission.
- No MBE transfers: MBE scores from other states aren’t accepted.
Official source & community discussion
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners: NextGen announcement (official) →
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