What is the Bar Exam?
To practice law in a given state, a law school graduate must apply for bar admission to the state's board of bar examiners. In many states, this board is an agency of the state's highest court, but occasionally the board is connected more closely to the state's bar association. The criteria for eligibility to take the bar examination or to qualify for bar admission are set by each state.
The Uniform Bar Exam (“UBE”) is offered in 36 different states/jurisdictions, including Arizona. The UBE is a two-day exam composed of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), six Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) essay questions, and two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) tasks. The UBE is uniformly administered, graded, and scored, which results in a portable score that can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions.
In addition to applying and taking a state bar exam, a law school graduate must also complete a Character and Fitness application, which varies by each jurisdiction.
The sites listed below will provide information about admissions and examinations, as well as requirements and deadlines. Note that some states require specific courses and/or exams such as the MPRE before sitting for the bar exam, thus we strongly recommend that you ascertain the requirements for each state you are considering well in advance of your third year of law school.
For bar questions, including where and when to take the bar exam, please contact Frankie Shinn-Eckberg, Senior Director of Academic Services and Student Life, at frankie.shinn-eckberg@asu.edu.
3L Bar Program
The 3L Bar Program allows students to take the Arizona bar exam in the last semester of their 3L year (i.e., before graduation).
Please read this Summary and complete the Application. Contact Josh Abbott, Director of Student Advising, for instructions on submitting completed forms.