Bar exam requirements: what every state asks
Each jurisdiction sets its own requirements, but most ask for the same core items: a law degree (usually from an ABA-approved school), a passing bar exam score, a passing MPRE score on professional responsibility, and a character and fitness review. Some add a state-specific law course or exam.
Based on NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements and state boards, checked October 11, 2026. See your state’s page for details.
| Requirement | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Legal education | JD from an ABA-approved school; rules for other schools and foreign degrees vary |
| Bar exam | Legacy UBE, NextGen UBE or a state exam, at the state’s passing score |
| MPRE | NCBE’s ethics exam ($185); most states set a minimum score |
| Character and fitness | Background review, often with a separate application and fee |
| State component | Some states require a local law course or test, such as New York’s |
Official source & community discussion
NCBE: bar admission guide (official) →
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