2022 Bar Exam Pass Rates By State

The bar exam stands as a pivotal milestone in the journey of aspiring lawyers, serving as a critical assessment of their legal knowledge and proficiency. It exists as an important “gatekeeper” in the legal profession, ensuring that only those who possess a certain level of expertise and competence are granted the privilege of practicing law. Passing the bar exam is not just a test of one’s academic prowess, but also a demonstration of their dedication, discipline, and readiness to navigate the complex world of legal practice. The bar exam sets a high standard that contributes to maintaining the quality and integrity of the legal profession.

bar exam pass rates

A law school education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to tackle the bar exam. The rigorous coursework, case analyses, legal writing exercises, and classroom discussions that comprise a law school education all contribute to building a strong legal foundation. Many law schools incorporate bar exam topics into their curriculum, aligning their teachings with the subjects tested on the exam. Additionally, law schools often offer bar preparation courses or resources, helping students navigate the unique format and requirements of the exam.

The academic experience of law school not only provides students with an understanding of the legal process but also improves analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and writing abilities – all of which are indispensable for excelling on the bar exam.

Attending a high-quality law school significantly enhances the likelihood of success in passing the bar exam. Law schools offer rigorous and comprehensive educational programs that not only provide students with a solid understanding of legal principles but also equip them with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to excel on the exam. These institutions often have experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that covers all key subject areas. The resources, support, and guidance available at reputable law schools aid students in developing effective study strategies, accessing relevant materials, and participating in mock exams.

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Pass Rates by School

Below is a list of the bar exam pass rates for the top law schools in the United States. It is intended to help prospective law students make informed decisions about their law school education so that they can take steps to guarantee their success in becoming a licensed attorney.

The following information is provided by the American Bar Association and includes data accessed in August 2023.

A note on the following data: the ABA provides two sets of pass rate information for all schools included in this list. The first – overall percentage of students that passed the bar – includes students who graduated between 2020 and now. The second – first time bar passage – exclusively includes students who graduated the same calendar year as their test, as this is the most popular option for students.

University of Akron

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.83%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 73.87%

University of Alabama

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.21%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 91.27%

Albany Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.67%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 70.81%

American University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.57%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 73.02%

Appalachian School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 71.43%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 51.22%

Arizona State University College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.06%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 84.5%

University of Arizona

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 83.33%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.06%

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.59%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 81.91%

University of Arkansas, Little Rock

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.65%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 70.29%

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 78.49%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.45%

Ave Maria School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.41%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 66.22%

University of Baltimore

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 85.03%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 60.47%

Barry University of Orlando

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 79.53%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 49.4%

Baylor University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.24%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 91.97%

Belmont University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.95%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 87.07%

Boston College

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.10%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 91.77%

Boston University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.65%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.58%

Brigham Young University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 100%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.16%

Brooklyn Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.31%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.44%

California Western School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 83.84%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 53.49%

UC Berkeley

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.38%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.35%

UC Davis

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.97%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 81.78%

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.67%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 70.92%

UC Irvine

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.52%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 84.40%

UCLA

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.01%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.47%

Campbell University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.99%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 75.51%

Capital University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.35%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.99%

Cardozo School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.56%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.45%

Case Western Reserve University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.39%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.84%

Catholic University of America

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.38%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.15%

Chapman University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.72%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 74.29%

Charleston School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 78.50%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 63.86%

University of Chicago

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 100%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 94.26%

Chicago – Kent College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.73%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.05%

University of Cincinnati

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 78.50%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 63.86%

City University of New York

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.51%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 74.56%

Cleveland State University College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.17%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 77.95%

University of Colorado

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.66%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 74.18%

Columbia University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.22%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.7%

University of Connecticut

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.73%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.38%

Cornell University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.42%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.31%

Creighton University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.55%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 69.16%

University of Dayton

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.06%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 75.58%

University of Denver

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.5%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.22%

DePaul University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.74%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 68.39%

University of Detroit Mercy

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.63%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.26%

District of Columbia

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 80.60%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 33.85%

Drake University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.49%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 88.35%

Drexel University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.08%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.88%

Duke University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.53%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 94.39%

Duquesne University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.62%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 82.64%

Elon University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.78%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 73.57%

Emory University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.13%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.64%

Faulkner University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.8%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.91%

Florida A&M University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 78.57%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 53.57%

Florida International University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.67%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 80.25%

Florida State University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.98%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 77.21%

University of Florida

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.21%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.78%

Fordham University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.33%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.03%

George Mason University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.97%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 88.41%

George Washington University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.06%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.05%

Georgetown University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.56%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 91.63%

Georgia State University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.66%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.04%

University of Georgia

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.86%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.06%

Golden Gate University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 62.71%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 45.38%

Gonzaga University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.05%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.43%

Harvard University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.01%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 98.46%

University of Hawaii

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.34%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.43%

Hofstra University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 85.41%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 69.41%

University of Houston

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.22%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.9%

Howard University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 82.18%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.41%

University of Idaho

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.31%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 63.06%

University of Illinois

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.74%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.48%

Indiana University – Bloomington

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.83%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.05%

Indiana University – Indianapolis

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.34%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 73.21%

Inter American University of Puerto Rico

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 58.58%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 49.54%

University of Iowa

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.89%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 84.72%

University of Kansas

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.92%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.44%

University of Kentucky

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.45%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 82.89%

Lewis and Clark

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.42%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.61%

Liberty University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.36%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.81%

Lincoln Memorial

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.96%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 62.2%

Louisiana State University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.64%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.87%

University of Louisville

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.65%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.59%

Loyola Marymount University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.19%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.54%

Loyola University Chicago

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.72%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.09%

Loyola University New Orleans

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.31%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.43%

University of Maine

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.59%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.32%

Marquette University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.22%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.96%

University of Maryland

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.18%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 80%

McGeorge School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.94%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 57.52%

University of Memphis

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.12%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.05%

Mercer University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.53%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 77.59%

University of Miami

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.24%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 69.84%

Michigan State University College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.26%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 77.46%

University of Michigan

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.2%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 95.48%

University of Minnesota

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.48%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.48%

Mississippi College

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 83.64%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.38%

University of Mississippi

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.89%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 64.89%

University of Missouri

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.44%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.49%

University of Missouri – Kansas City

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.37%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 78.63%

Mitchell|Hamline

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 85.53%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.6%

University of Montana

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.06%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.1%

University of Nebraska

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.75%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.83%

New England Law | Boston

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.92%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 74.46%

University of New Hampshire

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.01%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.9%

University of New Mexico

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.46%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 81.08%

New York Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.77%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.51%

New York University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.55%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 94.9%

North Carolina Central University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 42.86%

University of North Carolina

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.89%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.75%

University of North Dakota

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.65%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 63.01%

Northeastern University School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.88%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.44%

Northern Illinois University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.02%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 58.59%

Northern Kentucky University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.38%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 69.91%

Northwestern University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.11%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.89%

University of Notre Dame

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.43%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.72%

Nova Southeastern University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 82.68%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 55.42%

Ohio Northern University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 81.63%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 73.17%

Ohio State University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.01%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.09%

Oklahoma City University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.34%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 57.34%

University of Oklahoma

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.68%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.19%

University of Oregon

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.54%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 81.16%

Pace University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.13%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 62.89%

Penn State Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.69%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.29%

University of Pennsylvania

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.37%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.77%

Pepperdine University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.77%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.50%

University of Pittsburgh

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.03%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.97%

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 72.63%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 35.29%

University of Puerto Rico

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 71.43%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 68.29%

Quinnipiac University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.6%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 64.41%

Regent University Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.53%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.59%

University of Richmond

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.33%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.38%

Roger Williams University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.18%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 47.41%

Rutgers University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.8%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 69.73%

Saint Louis University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.82%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.83%

Samford University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.2%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.69%

University of San Diego

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 92.51%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.33%

University of San Francisco

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.72%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 58.06%

Santa Clara University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.89%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 64.32%

Seattle University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.32%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.44%

Seton Hall University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.12%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.71%

University of South Carolina

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.39%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.88%

University of South Dakota

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.79%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.15%

South Texas College of Law Houston

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.36%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 77.82%

University of Southern California

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.35%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89%

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 75%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 53.42%

Southern Methodist

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.33%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.28%

Southern University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.7%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 57.94%

Southwestern Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.24%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 60.14%

St. John’s University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.95%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 85.53%

St. Mary’s University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.96%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.63%

University of St. Thomas (Florida)

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 80.79%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 60.44%

University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 86.82%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 86.81%

Stanford University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 100%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 94.41%

Stetson University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.03%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 63.39%

Suffolk University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.4%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.1%

Syracuse University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.97%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 70.11%

Temple University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.27%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 83.06%

University of Tennessee

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.97%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 88.39%

Texas A&M University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.19%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.41%

University of Texas at Austin

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.04%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.39%

Texas Southern University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 75.12%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 46.95%

Texas Tech University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.61%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 79.51%

University of Toledo

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.57%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 65.96%

Touro University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 79.07%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 56.44%

Tulane University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 88.24%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 74.7%

University of Tulsa

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.43%

University at Buffalo – SUNY

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 91.55%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 71.85%

University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.03%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 52.27%

University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.21%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 54.02%

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.23%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.54%

UNT Dallas College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 83.13%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 60.75%

University of Utah

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 100%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 94.17%

Vanderbilt University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 96.63%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.05%

Vermont Law School

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 77.69%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 53.57%

Villanova University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 93.17%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 80.9%

University of Virginia

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.36%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 95.36%

Wake Forest University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.1%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.84%

Washburn University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 89.89%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 76.92%

Washington and Lee University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 94.7%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 90.27%

Washington University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.21%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 92.34%

University of Washington

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.18%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 89.4%

Wayne State University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.68%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 84.07%

West Virginia University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 90.2%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 59.18%

Western Michigan University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 61%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 36%

Western New England University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 83.33%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 67.36%

Western State College of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 77.01%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 46.67%

Widener University – Delaware

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 84.56%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 51.65%

Widener University – Commonwealth

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 87.88%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 47.87%

Willamette University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.08%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 72.22%

William and Mary School of Law

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 97.73%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 93.90%

University of Wisconsin

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 99.32%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 99.1%

University of Wyoming

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 95.08%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 61.43%

Yale University

Overall bar passage (2020-2022): 98.96%

First time bar passage (2022 only): 95.77%

Taking the next steps to take the bar exam

If you are a law student preparing to take the bar exam, we are here to provide all the information you need to invest in your test taking. Take a look at our guide to the bar exam, which includes information about bar exam applications, state-specific information (including the California bar exam and the New York bar exam), and most importantly, how to pass the bar exam.

For information about the educational path to becoming a lawyer, visit our lawyer education guide here. If you’re curious about how you can fit law school into your life, consult our article “How long is law school?”

For a guide to lawyer requirements by state, visit our index here.

FAQs

How many lawyers pass the bar each year?

Though the bar is a notoriously challenging test, the pass rate is strong enough to be heartening to those planning on taking the test. According to the ABA, of lawyers who have taken the bar exam in the past two years (between 2020 and 2022, in data accessed in August 2023), 91.47% have ultimately passed the bar, though some may have taken the exam twice. Of first-time test takers, 78.01% passed the bar.

Do bar examination requirements vary by state?

Yes, bar examination requirements do vary by state in the United States. Each state has its own bar admission authority and sets its own specific requirements for individuals seeking to become licensed attorneys. These variations can include differences in the format and content of the bar exam itself, the passing score required, the number of times the exam can be taken, and the eligibility criteria for taking the exam. Additionally, some states may allow for admission on motion, which means that lawyers who are already licensed in one state may be able to practice in another state without taking that state’s bar exam, provided they meet certain criteria.

It’s important for individuals who are considering practicing law to research and understand the specific bar examination requirements of the state they intend to practice in, as these requirements can significantly impact the licensing process.

What does the bar examination cost to take?

The cost of the bar examination can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction or state where the examination is being administered. On average, candidates should expect to pay several hundred to over a thousand dollars in fees to take the bar exam.

The fees associated with the bar examination typically include various components such as the application fee, examination fee, laptop fee (if applicable), character and fitness investigation fee, and any potential late registration fees. Additionally, some jurisdictions might require candidates to pay for background checks, fingerprinting, or other administrative costs.

Do you need to have a law degree to take the bar exam?

While many states do require a law degree from an accredited law school as a prerequisite to be eligible for the bar exam, not all states have this requirement. Some states do allow individuals who have not attended law school to take the bar exam. This route typically requires several years of supervised legal study and work. If you’re considering taking the bar exam without attending law school, it’s recommended to thoroughly research the requirements and consult with the relevant state bar authorities for accurate and up-to-date information.

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