Pennsylvania Bar Exam Information
As of July 2022 Pennsylvania has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) which includes essays and multiple-choice questions. The exam is comprised of three components: a Multistate Performance Test (MPT), a Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and a Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
| Exam Dates: | Feb 21-22, 2023 & July 25-26 2023 |
| Exam Type: | 2-day Uniform Bar Exam |
| Location: | Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA |
| Application Fee: | $650 |
| On-motion Application Fee: | $1,325 |
| Filing Deadline: | October 30 |
| Late Filing Deadline: | First: Nov 15 Second: Nov 30 Final: Dec 15 |
| Late Fee: | First: $800 Second: $1,100 Final: $1,500 |
When is the 2023 Pennsylvania Bar Exam?
The Feb 2023 Pennsylvania Bar Exam is scheduled for Feb 21-22. Up-to-date information can be found at the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners.
Where is the Pennsylvania Bar Exam located?
There are two locations that host the Pennsylvania Bar Exam. These are hosted in Pennsylvania’s two biggest cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh location:
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Philadelphia location:
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hotel information can be found here.
How much does the Pennsylvania Bar Exam cost?
Applicants who file on time will pay a fee of $650. There are three late deadlines, each incurring an increased fee. Those fees are $800, $1,100, and $1,500. Any application postmarked after the final deadline will not be considered for the Pennsylvania Bar Exam.
What subjects are tested on the Pennsylvania Bar Exam?
MBE Subjects:
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts/Sales
- Criminal Law/Procedure
- Evidence
- Federal Civil Procedure
- Real Property
- Torts
Pennsylvania Essay Subjects:
- Business Associations (Agency, Corporations, Partnerships)
- Commercial Transactions (Commercial Paper & Secured Transactions)
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts/Sales
- Criminal Law/Procedure
- Evidence
- Ohio Civil Procedure
- Ohio Legal Ethics
- Real/Personal Property
- Torts
- Wills
Multistate Performance Test:
“Closed universe” practical problem using instructions, factual data, cases, statutes and other reference material supplied by examiners.
What is the format for the Pennsylvania Bar Exam?
The Pennsylvania Bar Exam is a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) administered over two days. The Pennsylvania Bar Association has decided to fully implement the Multistate Uniform Bar Examination created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. There are three segments of the test including a multiple-choice exam, an essay section, and two 90-minute performance test questions.
What is the minimum MPRE score needed to take the Pennsylvania Bar Exam?
The minimum qualifying score to take the Pennsylvania Bar Exam is 75.
How is the Pennsylvania Bar Exam graded?
All of the tests from the first day are scored together and make up 55% of the final grade. The MBE section is worth 45% of the final grade. A score of 272 is needed to pass.
When are the Pennsylvania Bar scores released?
Results for the February sessions are released in April, while the results for the July sessions are released in October. Because the exam has been delayed in 2020, it is not yet known when the results will be released. Please refer to the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners for more information.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
No, Pennsylvania does not accept MBE transfers from other jurisdictions.
What is the Pennsylvania Reciprocity Agreement like?
Those from outside of Pennsylvania who wish to practice law in Pennsylvania will need to meet the following requirements:
- Possession of a JD
- Bar membership in a reciprocal state
- A minimum score of 75 on the MPRE
You can find a list of reciprocal states here.
How can I contact the Pennsylvania State Bar Association?
The Pennsylvania State Bar can be contacted via the contact form on their website, by phone call to (800) 932-0311, or by mail addressed to:
100 South Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101