South Carolina bar exam requirements
South Carolina gives the legacy Uniform Bar Exam through February 2028, with a passing score of 266, and switches to the NextGen UBE in July 2028, as NCBE announced in March 2026. Its deadlines are early: for February exams the fee is $1,000 by August 31, or $1,500 by the September 30 late deadline. A South Carolina law requirement applies before admission.
Sources: South Carolina Supreme Court Office of Bar Admissions, NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide and NCBE announcement (March 23, 2026), checked October 11, 2026. Course details, laptop fee and motion policy as reported. Confirm with the Office before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Timely: August 31 ($1,000); late: September 30 ($1,500) — both passed for February 2027 |
| July exam | Timely: January 10; late: January 31 |
| Attorneys | $1,000 / $1,500 plus $750 |
| Laptop | About $125 (reported) |
| Application | Online part plus a Part B mailed or delivered to the Office with attachments (reported) |
Source: NCBE; South Carolina Office of Bar Admissions. Laptop fee as reported.
Requirements
- South Carolina law requirement: NCBE lists a state-specific requirement; it’s reported as the South Carolina Bar’s course of study on South Carolina law.
- MPRE: 77 or higher, taken within 3 years of the date you file your application.
- Education: an ABA-approved JD; foreign law graduates aren’t eligible, per NCBE.
- Score transfers: legacy UBE 266+ up to 3 years old; NextGen transfer policy TBA.
- Character and fitness: handled by South Carolina, not NCBE.
Official source & community discussion
South Carolina Office of Bar Admissions (official) →
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