Vermont Bar Exam Information
The Bar Exam in Vermont is administered over a two-day span and is offered twice a year. To qualify to take the Bar Exam in Vermont, you will either need to successfully graduate from an approved law school, an unapproved law school if you meet the equivalency requirements, or successfully complete the Law Office Study Program. You will also need to have scored at least an 80 on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Vermont is one of only four states that allows law hopefuls to take the Bar Exam without going to law school.
| Exam Dates: | Feb 21-22, 2023 & July 25-26 2023 |
| Exam Type: | 2-Day Universal Bar Exam (UBE) |
| Location: | Burlington, VT |
| Application Fee: | $300 |
| On-Motion Application Fee: | $800 |
| Filing Deadline: | Dec 1st, 2022 |
| Late Filing Deadline: | None available |
| Late Fee: | NA |
When is the 2023 Vermont Bar Exam?
The first 2023 Vermont Bar Exam was scheduled to take place on Feb 21-22. You can find up to date information at the Vermont Judiciary.
Where is the Vermont Bar Exam located?
The 2023 Vermont Bar Exam will be held at the Hilton located at 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401, overlooking Lake Champlain. There is garage parking and streetside parking available.
How much does the Vermont Bar Exam cost?
The application fee for the 2023 Vermont Bar exam is $300. Each application includes a $50 non-refundable administrative fee. Those who apply late will be subject to an additional $50 fee.
What subjects are tested on the Vermont Bar Exam?
Subjects tested on the Vermont Bar Exam include civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law and procedure, evidence, real property, and torts. The essay portion will test business associations, civil procedure, conflict of laws, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law and procedure, evidence, family law, real property, torts, trusts, and wills.
What is the format of the Vermont Bar Exam?
The Vermont Bar Exam is a two-day test. The first day will be the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) in the morning and the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) in the afternoon. The second day is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), which is a 200 question multiple-choice test.
What is the minimum MPRE score needed to take the Vermont Bar Exam?
The minimum score needed on the MPRE to take the Vermont Bar Exam is 80.
How is the Vermont Bar Exam Graded?
The Vermont Bar Exam is graded out of 400, with a minimum score of 270 to pass. The MPT accounts for 20% of the score, the MEE accounts for 30% and the MBE accounts for 50% of the score.
When are the Vermont Bar scores released?
Because the test has been moved back to September from the original July dates, it is not known when the scores will be released. Typically, they’re released about two months after the test date.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
Yes. As long as you have a scaled MBE score of 135 or higher and you have taken the test within the previous four administrations, Vermont allows for MBE transfers.
What is the Vermont Reciprocity Agreement like?
Vermont offers reciprocity to attorneys who have practiced law for five of the last ten years. Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire have a special reciprocity agreement that allows attorneys to practice in any of the three mentioned states. This agreement has been in place since 2005.
How can I contact the Vermont Bar Association?
Mailing address:
Vermont Bar Association
PO Box 100
Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: (802) 223-2020
Email: info@vtbar.org
Useful links:
- Vermont Judiciary – Information regarding application and admission to the Vermont Bar Exam
- Vermont Bar Association – Information about the Vermont Bar