Pennsylvania Bar Exam Information
Learn about the Pennsylvania Bar Exam format, subjects tested, dates, and requirements.
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Dates, Cost & Location
| Exam Type: | 2-day Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) |
|---|---|
| Dates: | July 29-30, 2025 |
| Bar Exam Fee: | $650 |
The Pennsylvania Bar Exam is a 2-day Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The UBE is administered over two days, with the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) given on the last Wednesday of February and July, and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and Multistate Performance Test (MPT) given on the Tuesday prior. Day 1 consists of six 30-minute MEE (Multistate Essay Exam) questions and two 90-minute MPT (Multistate Performance Test) questions. Day 2 is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice examination developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
What subjects will you be tested on?
Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts (including Article 2 [Sales] of the Uniform Commercial Code), Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts and Estates, and Article 9 (Secured Transactions) of the Uniform Commercial Code.
What’s the minimum score for MPRE?
A scaled score of 75 on the MPRE is required for admission. Currently, there is no time limit for taking the MPRE prior to sitting for the Pennsylvania bar examination. Need to sign up for MPRE? Learn about registration, testing policies, and more on our MPRE Registration Guide
How is the exam scored?
NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE. The MBE is weighted 50%, the MEE 30%, and the MPT 20%. MBE, essay, and MPT scores are combined to determine if the applicant has achieved the minimum scaled passing score of 270 points out of a possible 400 points.
When are the results released?
The results are typically released 10-12 weeks after the exam.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
Pennsylvania does not accept transferred MBE scores.
What about reciprocity across states?
In order to be eligible for admission without taking the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, the applicant must be a member of a reciprocating state bar and have engaged in the active practice of law for 5 of the 7 years immediately preceding the application. The applicant must also be a graduate of an ABA accredited law school.
What are the application deadlines and fees?
Please visit the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners website for details on application deadlines and fees, as well as for more information on other topics.
Contact information
Web: www.pabarexam.org
Tel: (717) 231-3350
