Short answer
Application and exam fees vary by state, from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,500, plus MPRE, character and fitness, and laptop fees. Commercial prep courses often add $1,500–$4,000.
USA Bar Exam: Quick Facts
- Administered by
- State bar admission boards (most exam content written by NCBE)
- Length (UBE)
- 2 days, about 12 hours of testing
- Components
- MBE (200 questions) · MEE (6 essays) · MPT (2 tasks)
- Scoring
- 400-point scale; most UBE states require 260–270
- When
- Last Tuesday–Wednesday of February and July
- Study time
- 400–600 hours (8–10 weeks full-time)
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Bar admission rules vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm dates, fees and requirements with your state’s bar admission authority. Read our editorial policy.