Montana Bar Exam Information

The Montana Bar Exam is administered over the course of two days, twice a year. Montana administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The exam consists of four sections pertaining to federal and Montana specific laws. In order to qualify for the exam, applicants must have a JD degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Applicants may transfer jurisdiction if they have scored a 266 or higher from a qualified UBE exam in the past three years or less.

Exam Dates:Feb 21-22, 2023 & July 25-26 2023
Exam Type:2-day Uniform Bar Exam
Location:Missoula, MT
Application Fee:$155 with Character and Fitness Application
On-Motion Application Fee:$410
Filing Deadline:October 1st for February exam, March 15th for July exam
Late Filing Deadline:N/A – by petition only
Late Fee:$100

When is the 2023 Montana Bar Exam?

The upcoming dates for the Montana Bar Exam are Feb 21-22nd, 2023, and Jul 25-26th, 2023. Up to date information can be found at the State Bar of Montana website.

In order to register for the exam, applicants must submit their application no later than March 15th for the July Exam, and October 1st for the February Exam.

Where is the Montana Bar Exam Located?

The 2023 Montana Bar Exam location has yet to be announced.

How much does the Montana Exam cost?

The application fee for students applying for the Montana Bar Exam is $155. The application fee for attorney applicants is $410. There is a separate Uniform Bar Exam fee that applies to all applicants, which is $300.

There are no late filing provisions under the rules. A late applicant must petition the Montana Supreme Court for permission to submit a late application. If the court grants permission, there is a $100 fee.

What subjects are tested on the Montana Bar Exam?

The subjects applicants are tested on the Montana Bar Exam are as follows:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Contracts/Sales
  • Criminal Law/Procedure
  • Evidence
  • Real Property
  • Torts
  • Agency
  • Commercial Paper
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Corporations
  • Family Law
  • Federal Civil Procedure
  • Partnerships
  • Secured Transactions
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • All MBE subjects

What is the format of the Montana Bar Exam like?

Montana administers the Uniform Bar Exam, which takes place over two days. On the first day, applicants complete the written portion of the exam, including 6 Multistate Essay Exam questions with 30 minutes provided for each, and then Multistate Performance Test questions with 90 minutes given. The second day is the Multistate Bar Exam, which consists of 200 multiple choice questions.

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

A score of no less than 80 on the MPRE is required to sit the Montana Bar Exam.

How is the Montana Bar Exam Graded?

The Multistate Essay Exam is weighted to equal 30% of the total exam score, and the Multistate Performance Test is weighted at 20% of the total exam score. The Multistate Bar Exam is weighted at 50% of the total exam score. The scores from the Multistate Essay Exam will be combined with those from the Multistate Performance Test, scaled to the Multistate Bar Exam, and then combined with the Multistate Bar Exam score. Successful applicants must receive a total scaled score of 270 or higher.

When are the Montana scores released?

Results are released within 8 weeks of the exam.

Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?

A scaled MPRE score of 80 or better earned within three years of the application date is required for admission to the Montana Bar. Applicants may transfer a scaled UBE score of 266 or higher from a qualified UBE exam to Montana earned within three years of the application date. To earn a qualifying UBE score, the MBE, MPT and MEE must be taken in a UBE jurisdiction and uniformly administered, graded, and scored as a UBE exam.

What is the Montana Reciprocity Agreement like?

Montana does not currently offer reciprocity; however qualified attorneys are able to apply for Admission on Motion.

How can I contact the Montana State Bar?

The State Bar of Montana can be contacted using through the contact form on their website, by calling (406) 442-7660, or via mail addressed to:
John Mudd
Executive Director
33 S. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 1B
P.O. Box 577
Helena, MT 59624

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