D.C. Bar Exam

D.C. Bar Exam Format

The District of Columbia bar exam is the legacy Uniform Bar Exam (“UBE”). It takes two days and consists of the Multistate Performance Test (“MPT”), the Multistate Essay Exam (“MEE”), and the Multistate Bar Exam (“MBE”). D.C.-specific law is not tested on the exam. D.C. plans to administer the NextGen UBE beginning February 2028 (legacy UBE through July 2027). Confirm current rules with the Committee on Admissions and NCBE.

MPT / MEE / MBE
Two MPTs, six MEE essays, and the standard MBE (standard UBE weights: MPT 20%, MEE 30%, MBE 50%).

MBE Score Transfer
D.C. does not accept standalone MBE scores transferred from other jurisdictions for the exam path (NCBE). Admission without examination based on prior practice or portable UBE score is covered on the D.C. reciprocity / admission without examination page.

UBE Score Transfer
D.C. accepts a portable legacy UBE score of 266 or greater, or a NextGen UBE score of 616 or greater (NextGen transfers accepted from July 2026 administrations), earned within five years.

D.C. Bar Exam Testing Schedule

Day 1 (Tuesday)
2 MPTs and 6 MEE essays

Day 2 (Wednesday)
Morning – MBE Part I (100 questions; 3 hours)
Afternoon – MBE Part II (100 questions; 3 hours)

D.C. Bar Exam Dates and Application

The exam is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. Applications, fees, and deadlines are on the D.C. Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions site.

Grading

Passing Score
The minimum legacy UBE passing score is 266. The NextGen cut score (when administered locally) is 616. Confirm current regrade / review procedures with the Committee.

Retaking the D.C. Bar Exam

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for a later administration. Confirm any attempt limits with the Committee.