Idaho Bar Exam Information

Anyone wishing to practice law in the state of Idaho must first be admitted to the Idaho State Bar Association. In order to join, recent law school graduates must pass the Bar Exam. The exam is generally administered twice a year at different locations statewide. Applicants must also successfully complete the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) to be eligible for admission.

Exam Dates:Feb 21-22, 2023 & July 25-26 2023
Exam Type:Two-Day Uniform Bar Exam
Location:Boise, Idaho & Moscow, Idaho
Application Fee:$600
On-Motion Application Fee:$1,000
Filing Deadline:October 1, 2022
Late Filing Deadline:November 15, 2022
Late Fee:$200

When is the 2023 Idaho Bar Exam?

The initial testing dates for the 2023 Idaho Bar Exam are scheduled for Feb 21st and 22nd. Updated scheduling information can be found on the Idaho State Bar Association’s exam webpage.

Applicants must attend full-day sessions on both days in order to complete the exam. Idaho has fully adopted the Universal Bar Exam (MBE) format created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. This test includes a multiple-choice portion as well as several essay questions and a practical performance test section.

Where is the Idaho Bar Exam Located?

The Idaho State Bar Exam will be administered in two different locations. In Boise, Idaho, the test will be administered at the Concordia University School of Law, 501 W. Front Street, Boise, ID 83702. In Moscow, Idaho, the exam will be hosted by the University of Idaho College of Law, 711 S. Rayburn Street, Moscow, ID 83844.

How much does the Idaho Bar Exam cost?

The student application fee for the Idaho Bar Exam is $600. There is an additional $200 late fee for applications received after October 1st, 2022. There is an additional $125 fee for any applicant who will be taking the exam using a laptop. Licensed attorneys coming from other states may sit for the Idaho State Bar Exam for an $800 fee.

What subjects are tested on the Idaho Bar Exam?

Subjects tested on the multiple-choice multistate bar exam include constitutional law, evidence, federal civil procedure, contracts, criminal law procedure, real property, and torts. The essay questions also include business associations, family law, trusts, and estates.

What is the format of the Idaho Bar Exam?

The Idaho Bar Association uses the Universal Bar Exam (UBE) to test applicants for admission. Made up of three individual sections, the UBE includes a 200-question multiple-choice test, a six-question essay portion, and a practical performance exam.

What is the minimum MPRE score needed to take the Idaho Bar exam?

The Idaho Bar Association requires applicants to receive a scaled score of at least 85 on the MPRE before practicing law in the state. This can either be done before taking the Bar exam or shortly thereafter.

How is the Idaho Bar Exam Graded?

The most heavily weighted part of the UBE is the multiple-choice questions. These make up 50% of the overall score. The essay questions make up 30% of the final score, with the performance test counting for the final 20%.

When are the Idaho Bar scores released?

Results of the Idaho Bar Exam are posted online approximately two months after the testing date. A list of successful applicants for each test is posted here.

Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?

Applicants from another jurisdiction or who have had previous unsuccessful attempts at passing the Idaho Bar Exam can have their MBE scores transferred, provided the MBE has been taken in the past 37 months.

What is the Idaho Reciprocity Agreement like?

The Idaho Bar Association admits qualified attorneys who are licensed to practice in states that also have a reciprocity agreement. The fee for applying for an Admission on Motion is $1,000,  and it takes between 60 and 90 days for applications to be reviewed.

How can I contact the Idaho State Bar?

The best way to contact the Idaho State Bar Association is by using the contact form located on their website. They can also be reached via phone at (208) 334-4500 or by mail addressed to PO Box 895, Boise, ID 83701.

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