Nebraska Bar Exam Information

Nebraska uses the two-day Universal Bar Exam (UBE) which consists of consists of three components: Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).

Applications must be received by Nov 1, 2022, to avoid paying a late filing fee. A late filing fee of $150 applies until Dec 1, 2022, after which no further applications are accepted.

Exam Dates:Feb 21-22, 2023 & July 25-26 2023
Exam Type:Two-day UBE exam with multiple choice and long-form questions
Location:Lincoln, Nebraska
Application Fee:$515 / $615
On-Motion Application Fee:$950
Filing Deadline:Nov 1, 2022
Late Filing Deadline:Dec 1, 2022
Late Fee:$150

When is the 2023 Nebraska Bar Exam?

The Nebraska State Bar Exam is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Feb 21st, and Wednesday, Feb 22nd, 2023. Visit the Supreme Court of Nebraska website for updated information.

Where is the Nebraska Bar Exam Located?

The Nebraska Bar Exam will be held at a location to be announced in Lincoln, Nebraska.

How much does the Nebraska Bar Exam cost?

The standard application fee for the Nebraska Bar exam is $515, and applicants without a passing MPRE score will pay $615.

A late exam application fee of $150 applies for applications received between Nov 2nd and Dec 1, 2022. No applications received after Dec 1, 2022 will be accepted.

Other additional fees may include, but are not limited to:

  • A one-time reapplication fee for the immediate next exam: $250
  • On Motion application fee: $950
  • Copy of application fee: $35
  • MBE score request fee: $50.00 (payable to NCBE)
  • Laptop fee (optional): $100

What subjects are tested on the Nebraska Bar Exam?

The Nebraska State Bar Exam tests on the following subjects:

MBE Subjects:

Constitutional Law
Contracts/Sales
Criminal Law/Procedure
Evidence
Real Property
Torts

MEE/Nebraska Essay Subjects:

Agency
Commercial Paper
Conflict of Laws
Corporations
Family Law
Federal Civil Procedure
Partnerships
Secured Transactions
Trusts & Future Interests
Wills
Plus all MBE subjects

Multistate Performance Test:

“Closed universe” practical problem using instructions, factual data, cases, statutes and other reference material supplied by examiners.

What is the format of the Nebraska Bar Exam like?

The Nebraska State Bar Exam follows a two-day Universal Bar Exam (UBE) format:

Day 1:

Morning: two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test (MPT) questions

Afternoon: six 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions

Day 2:

Morning: 100 multiple-choice Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) questions

Afternoon: 100 multiple-choice Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) questions

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

Nebraska requires a scaled MPRE score of 85 for admission. Applicants without a passing MPRE may be able to sit the exam through the payment of an additional fee.

How is the Nebraska Bar Exam Graded?

The MPT and MEE component of the exam are weighted to the MBE component:

  • MBE = 50%
  • MPT = 20%
  • MEE = 30%

Applicants must acquire a total score of 270 to pass the exam.

When are the Nebraska Bar scores released?

The Nebraska Bar Exam scores are usually released in mid-September. However, if the exam is postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of the scores may also be delayed.

Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?

Nebraska doesn’t accept MBE scores from other jurisdictions.

What is the Nebraska Reciprocity Agreement like?

Nebraska provides reciprocity if the applicant under the following circumstances:

  • The applicant has previously passed an equivalent examination (MBE, MEE, MPRE).
  • The applicant has been practicing law in good standing for 5 of the past 7 years immediately prior to the application.

How can I contact the Nebraska State Bar?

Nebraska State Bar Commission of the Nebraska Supreme Court
3806 Normal Blvd.
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506-5241
Telephone: (402) 471-3092
nsc.attyadmissions@nebraska.gov

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