How much does it cost to take the bar exam?
How much does it cost to take the bar exam?
$100 – $1,000 Average bar exam registration cost
$2,000 – $7,000+ Average total cost to take the bar exam
Bar exam cost
The cost to take the bar exam ranges from $100 to $1,000 for registration fees alone, depending on whether your state or territory has adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) or relies on more state-specific exams. Each jurisdiction has its own unique set of testing requirements and associated fees.
After factoring in the extra expense for background checks, study materials, and ethics requirements, the total cost of the bar exam can reach $2,000 to $7,000+.
| Fees | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) | $600 – $1,000 |
| Bar exam registration fees (non-UBE states) | $100 – $1,000 |
| MPRE registration fee | $160 |
| Bar exam technology (Laptop) fee | $100 – $150 |
| Character & Fitness Investigation | $500 – $1,000 |
| Exam prep course | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
| Travel costs (lodging, meals, travel as needed) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Bar exam retake fee | $400 – $1,000 |
*The specific requirements and fees differ across states and jurisdictions.
Check the website of the state's bar admissions agency or board of law examiners in your intended jurisdiction to determine the exact bar requirements and fees.
Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) was introduced in 2011 as a comprehensive bar exam that is now used by 41 jurisdictions across the United States. The UBE is a two-day exam that costs $600 to $1,000 in registration & exam fees.
The UBE consists of three components developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE): the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) described in the following table.
| Test name | Weight | Exam format & description |
|---|---|---|
| Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) |
50% |
|
| Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) |
30% |
|
| Multistate Performance Test (MPT) |
20% |
|
*For most jurisdictions
Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) was first introduced in 1972 and features 200 multiple-choice questions. The MBE is used in both Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and non-UBE jurisdictions.
The MBE is the most heavily weighted and difficult bar component to pass, comprising 50% of a candidate’s total bar exam score in many states. In non-UBE jurisdictions, state-specific essay questions may carry more weight than the MBE.
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE)
In nearly all U.S. jurisdictions, bar exam candidates must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) to fulfill ethics and character fitness requirements for bar admission. The MPRE aims to measure the candidates' knowledge of the professional conduct standards for lawyers, not their personal ethical values.
The MPRE costs $160 and is a 60-question, 2-hour multiple-choice exam developed by the NCBE. You take the test separately, either before or after the bar exam, depending on your state's requirements.
Wisconsin and Puerto Rico do not require the MPRE for bar admission. Connecticut and New Jersey accept a passing score of a “C” or better from an ABA-approved Professional Responsibility course in place of a passing MPRE score.
Bar exam prep course
While not required, many candidates choose to enroll in commercial bar review courses to better prepare for the exam. Prices range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a 2-month course. Some classes cost as much as $10,000.
Additional bar exam costs
In addition to the registration fees and ethics requirements, there are numerous other costs associated with the bar exam process. Expenses such as technology fees, background investigations, and prep courses can result in a total financial investment of $2,000 to $7,000 or more to take the bar exam.
Laptop fee: Many states charge an additional fee, typically around $100 to $150, for candidates who wish to use a laptop computer rather than hand writing the essay component of the exam.
Character and Fitness Investigation: The state bar examiners conduct a thorough background check and fingerprinting for anyone applying for the bar. The cost for this investigation varies by jurisdiction, ranging between $500 to $1,000 for recent law school graduates.
Travel costs: Candidates may need to factor in $500 to $1,000 in expenses for lodging, meals, and transportation to the bar exam testing site if a local testing site is not available.
Bar exam retake fee: If a candidate fails the bar exam, they must pay an additional fee to retake the exam later. Costs range from $400 to $1,000 on average, depending on the jurisdiction.
How to save money on the bar exam
The bar exam is just one of the many expenses associated with the cost of law school and becoming a lawyer. With some strategic budgeting, you can save a significant amount on the overall cost of the exam:
Avoid bar exam loans: These loans come with very high-interest rates, so look for alternatives like employer support, scholarships, or budgeting your own savings.
Use free study resources: Bar exam prep courses cost $1,000 to $3,000 on average. Use free resources and study on your own to save thousands of dollars. If you do need the structure of an online course, look for the most affordable options.
Register early: Many bar applications have deadlines with significant fee differences. Early registration can save you a substantial amount.
Bar exam FAQs
What is the bar exam?
The bar exam is the final licensing requirement for becoming an attorney in the United States, testing a candidate's legal knowledge and skills to practice law competently and ethically.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is considered one of the most difficult tests a law graduate will ever take due to the expansive subject matter, the complexity of the questions, and the high-stakes, high-pressure testing environment.
How long is the bar exam?
The exact length and format of the bar exam vary by jurisdiction. In a majority of states, the exam is 12 hours spread over two days of testing, with 6 hours per day. Some states have additional components that increase the total testing to 2.5 or 3 days.
How many times can you take the bar exam?
In most states, there is no limit on the number of times you can take the bar exam. A small number of states have set an absolute limit, usually between 4 to 6 attempts. Once a candidate reaches the maximum number of tries allowed in those states, they can no longer take the bar exam there.
Can anyone take the bar exam?
In most states, only candidates who have completed the educational requirements to become a licensed attorney, either through a traditional JD program or an approved alternative legal training pathway, can take the bar exam. The exam is not open to the general public without a qualifying law degree or equivalent.
What is the difference between the bar exam and the LSAT?
The bar exam is the final step in becoming a practicing lawyer after graduating from law school. The bar exam tests a law school graduate’s legal knowledge and application skills. The exam costs, requirements, and scoring differ depending on the jurisdiction where you plan to practice law.
In contrast, the LSAT is the same in every state and serves as a type of entrance exam used for law school applications. The LSAT costs $467 in mandatory fees or up to $3,000, including exam prep course costs.
Questions to ask a bar exam tutor
Ask these questions to help you find a law school tutor near you who can help you prepare for the bar exam and increase your chances of passing the exam on your first try:
How long have you been tutoring students for the bar exam?
When did you take the bar exam yourself, and what was your score?
What is your overall approach to preparing students for the bar exam? Do you focus more on the written or multiple-choice portions?
Do you provide students with study materials and a customized study schedule?
Do you offer feedback and support on practice essays and other written assignments?
How many hours per week do you recommend students study for the bar exam?
Can you provide testimonials or references from past students you have worked with?
What is your pricing structure, and are there any additional costs beyond the hourly rate?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.