Alabama Bar Exam Information

Exam Dates, Cost & Location

Over 10,000 lawyers are currently licensed to practice law in Alabama under the Alabama Bar Association. The Alabama Bar Association was established in 1879, and membership was voluntary. On August 9, 1923, membership became mandatory for lawyers who wished to practice in Alabama. Alabama first adopted and administered the Uniform Bar Exam in July 2011.

What is the Uniform Bar Exam?
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a two-day exam administered in multiple states. It consists of the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), two Multistate Performance Tests (MPT), and the Multistate Bar Examination. The MEE consists of four essay questions. The MPT tests your proficiency at everyday tasks as a lawyer, such as drafting memorandums or demand letters. The MBE is a 200-question multiple-choice test.

What subjects are covered by the UBE?
The subjects tested by the UBE include Contracts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Torts, Family Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Business Associations, Sales, Secured Transactions, Conflicts of Law, Evidence, Trusts and Estates, and Real Property. Not all of these subjects may be tested on each bar exam, but the examiners can draw questions from any or all of these subjects.

How is the UBE graded?
The National Council of Bar Examiners (NCBE) grades the MBE portion of the UBE, while each jurisdiction grades its MPT and MEE sections.

What is the minimum MPRE score required by Alabama?
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) tests a bar candidate’s understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct. It is administered by the NCBE (MPRE Exam | MPRE Test | NCBE), separate from the bar exam. You must take and pass the MPRE to be eligible for bar admission. In Alabama, the minimum score to pass is 75, and the score is valid for 36 months.
Still need to take the MPRE? See our MPRE guide here

When are bar exam results released?
The bar exam results are released in late September or early October for the July exam in Alabama.

Can I transfer my UBE score from another jurisdiction?
Yes, if you took the UBE in another jurisdiction and got a score of 200 or higher, you may transfer the score for admission to the Alabama Bar. Your UBE score is valid for 36 months, and you must pass the MPRE, complete a course on Alabama-specific laws, and receive certification from the Committee on Character & Fitness.

What are the Alabama Bar Application requirements and deadlines?
The Alabama State Bar Admissions Office website has all the bar application requirements and deadlines. You should also check the site periodically for important updates regarding the bar exam’s administration, including testing locations.

Can I use a laptop to take the bar exam?
Yes, you can use a personal laptop for the bar exam in Alabama. The fee is $107 and is paid directly to the software company Alabama uses to administer the bar exam electronically, ILG Exam360 (ILG Exam360 – Home).

How do I receive disability accommodations for the bar exam in Alabama?
To receive accommodations for the Alabama bar exam, you will need to fill out a Request for Accommodations, a Verification of Disability, and an Accommodations History. All of these forms (Alabama State Bar Admission Office – Special Accommodations) can be found on the Alabama State Bar Admissions Office website. Accommodations are granted on a case-by-case basis.