Wisconsin bar exam requirements
Wisconsin switched from its own exam to the Uniform Bar Exam in July 2026, with a passing score of 260, and plans to move to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. Graduates of the University of Wisconsin and Marquette law schools can still be admitted without any bar exam under diploma privilege. Wisconsin doesn’t require the MPRE. For February 2027, apply by December 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027 as a late filer.
Sources: Wisconsin Court System (Board of Bar Examiners; July 29, 2026 announcement; BE-270 instructions) and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. UBE exam fees as listed by NCBE before the switch. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Timely: December 1; late: January 1 |
| July exam | Timely: May 1; late: June 1 |
| Exam fee | $450 / $850 (repeaters $450), per NCBE; laptop $125 |
| Diploma privilege filing | $410 if filed July 16, 2026 to February 1, 2027 (BE-270) |
| Admission on motion | $850; 3 of the past 5 years in practice |
| Veterans | Fee waiver program for qualified veterans |
Source: Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners; NCBE.
Requirements
- Diploma privilege: your Wisconsin law school certifies your competence and the Board certifies your character and fitness.
- Wisconsin law and practice component: reported for UBE applicants, based on the diploma privilege subject areas.
- Score transfers: UBE scores of 260+ up to 36 months old; NextGen transfer policy TBA.
- No MPRE: not required for Wisconsin admission.
- Filing: an application counts as filed only when the application, fee and required items are all received.
Official source & community discussion
Wisconsin Court System: admission to practice (official) →
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