Official Government Website
On June 1, 2023, the Idaho Supreme Court entered an Order amending Idaho Bar Commission Rule 217 and the Bar Examination Grading Standards and Procedures to lower the Idaho Bar Examination Passing Score to 67.5% of the highest possible scaled score, or 270. These amendments are effective for the July 2023 bar exam and all exams thereafter. A link to the Court’s press release announcing these changes can be found here.
The Bar Exam is given twice a year, the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. Deadlines for timely filing are October 1 for the February exam and March 1 for the July exam. Late deadlines are November 15 for the February exam and April 15 for the July exam.
February 2024
February 27-28 – Boise, Idaho – Boise Centre
July 2024
July 30-31 – Boise, Idaho – University of Idaho College of Law
Moscow, Idaho – University of Idaho College of Law
Apply to take the Idaho Bar Exam using the Idaho State Bar Admissions Application. Click HERE for the application, instructions on how to complete the application, and other required forms.
Questions about the application process? Contact Maureen Ryan Braley, Associate Director, or Belinda Brown, Admissions Analyst, at (208) 334-4500.
February 2024 Application:
Timely Deadline – October 1, 2023
Late Deadline – November 15, 2023
Reasonable Accommodations Forms due November 15, 2023
Reexamination Forms (for applicants unsuccessful on July 2023 exam) due November 15, 2023
July 2024 Application:
Timely Deadline – March 1, 2024
Late Deadline – April 15, 2024
Reasonable Accommodations Forms due April 15, 2024
Reexamination Forms (for applicants unsuccessful on February 2024 exam) due May 15, 2024
Application:
Student: $600.00
Late Fee: $200.00
Attorney: $800.00
Late Fee: $200.00
Late fees will be assessed on any application received by the Idaho Bar after the timely deadline.
Laptop: $125.00
Unsuccessful Form: $200.00 – $300.00 (Idaho Bar Commission Rule 218)
Deferral: $100.00
Idaho administers the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). The National Conference of Bar Examiners prepares the UBE. For a list of topics tested on the UBE, go to ncbex.org.
It is important that you keep your mailing and email addresses up to date with the Idaho State Bar so we can make sure you receive important information. Please contact Belinda Brown to update your address.
Will there be storage for personal belongings, including menstruation products?
Yes, storage space is available for personal belongings outside of the testing room or you may store menstruation products in a clear bag at your exam table.
Will I have access to menstruation products during the exam?
Yes. You can access your personal belongings during breaks and, if needed, during the exam in the presence of a proctor.
Will I be able to use the restroom during the exam sessions?
Yes. You may use the restroom as often as needed during the exam. No additional time will be granted for restroom breaks during an exam session.
What do I do if these policies do not address my specific needs?
Please contact the Admissions Department.
Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) Scores
Score Transfers: The Idaho State Bar will accept transferred MBE scores earned in another jurisdiction or from a previous unsuccessful attempt at the Idaho Bar Exam. The MBE must have been taken within 37 months prior to the date of the Idaho bar examination for which an applicant is applying. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the other jurisdiction and request the score be transferred to the Idaho State Bar office. Idaho recommends that only MBE scaled scores of 136 or higher be transferred. (Idaho Bar Commission Rule 217(c)).
MBE Exemption for Attorneys: An attorney applicant for the Idaho Bar Exam is exempt from having to take the MBE if the attorney applicant has been actively practicing law for at least three of the last five years.
Please note that if you transfer an MBE score or elect to use the MBE exemption and sit only for the essay portion of the Idaho Bar Exam, you will not earn a UBE score.
Score Requests: Applicants taking the MBE in Idaho may obtain MBE scores by mailing or emailing a written request to Maureen Ryan Braley, Associate Director. Requests must include the date of the exam and a current address. Idaho does not release individual essay scores to successful applicants.
Transfer of MBE Scores to Other Jurisdictions: The Idaho State Bar will transfer your MBE score to admitting authorities in other jurisdictions. To request your score to be transferred, please submit a written request including the following information:
- Name and address of the admitting agency;
- The date you took the MBE in Idaho (i.e. February 2017 exam);
- Your name and current address;
- And indicate whether you would like a copy of the transfer notice sent to you.
Essay Examination
The essay examination consists of the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The MEE is six questions administered in a three-hour session on Tuesday morning. The MPT is administered on Tuesday afternoon and consists of two questions in a three-hour session. Past MEE and MPT questions are available from the National Conference of Bar Examiners at https://www.ncbex.org.
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
Prior to taking the bar exam or within the next two Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination administrations after successfully completing the bar exam, an applicant must take the MPRE and receive a minimum scaled score of 85. Idaho Bar Commission Rule 202(b). For MPRE application packets and further information, contact the National Conference of Bar Examiners and register online at www.ncbex.org.
Bar Examination Scoring and Grading Standards
- Bar Examination Scoring information available in PDF format.
- Grading Standards available in PDF format.
Qualifications for Admission – Idaho Bar Commission Rule 202
Qualifications. Before receiving permission to take the bar examination and for admission to practice law in Idaho, the Applicant must:
- Be at least eighteen years of age;
- Be lawfully admitted to this country;
- Have, or will have received, a juris doctorate or bachelor of laws degree or an equivalent basic law degree from an Approved Law School. Submission of a law school transcript in a form satisfactory to the Board shall be considered compliance with this Rule;
- Have demonstrated the essential eligibility requirements to practice law pursuant to Rule 201 and have met all requirements in the Admission Rules; and
- Be a person of good moral character.