NextGen UBE Notice
Iowa intends to first administer the NextGen bar exam in July 2027. Visit NCBE’s NextGen bar exam page to learn more about the new exam.
Exam Information
Iowa requires the following NCBE exams: MBE, MEE, MPT, and MPRE.
Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official preparation materials.
Bar Examination
| Legacy UBE | Yes |
|---|---|
| Final Legacy UBE Administration | February 2027 |
| Legacy UBE Minimum Passing Score | 266 |
| NextGen UBE | Yes |
| First NextGen UBE Administration | July 2027 |
Eligibility and Application Deadlines
| ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility | No |
| July 2025 Examination | First filing deadline: April 1 |
| February 2026 Examination | First filing deadline: November 1 |
Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines and Fees
Score Portability
| Accepts Legacy UBE Score | Yes |
|---|---|
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 266 |
| Accepts NextGen UBE Score | Yes |
| Minimum NextGen UBE Score | TBA |
| Maximum Score Age | 2 years / 5 years — View details |
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
| MPRE Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Minimum Passing Score | 80 |
| Time Parameters | View details |
Admission on Motion
| Rules Provide for Admission on Motion | Yes — View details |
|---|---|
| Legal Education and Reciprocity Requirements | View details |
| Number of Years of Practice Required | 5 of past 7 |
Bar Admission Agency
Iowa Board of Law Examiners, Office of Professional Regulation
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 348-4670
Fax: (515) 348-4698
Website: www.iowacourts.gov
Character & Fitness Investigations
NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.
Process Overview
Submission
Requirements, deadlines, and processing times vary among jurisdictions. Application processes are determined solely by the jurisdiction to which you are applying. Contact your jurisdiction for specific application instructions and deadlines.
Application and Fee
Completing and submitting a character and fitness application is only part of the bar application process.
Character Report Application Fee Increased on October 1, 2026
Character Report Application fees increased on October 1, 2026. The updated fees are included below.
This information is for reference only. Your assigned fee and payment options are specified after submission of your online application.
| Fee Category | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| III | $625 | Your first law degree (JD or LLB) was obtained in the United States and awarded more than one year ago or you have been authorized to practice law only in the United States. |
| IV | $975 | Your first law degree (JD or LLB) was not obtained in the United States (regardless of whether a subsequent US law degree was conferred) or you have ever been authorized to practice law in a foreign country. |
Supplemental Conditions
You may be eligible for a reduced fee if NCBE has completed a character report for you in the last four years. Completion of a new application is required.
| Fee Category | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| V | $275 | A complete Category I, II, or III report was prepared by NCBE for a different jurisdiction. |
| VI | $135 | A complete Category I, II, or III report was prepared by NCBE for the same jurisdiction. |
| VII | $500 | A complete category IV report was prepared by NCBE for any jurisdiction. |
In addition to the processing fee, NCBE reserves the right to pass along the cost of obtaining records in conjunction with this application.
Refunds: If you request a refund for any reason after submitting your payment, an administrative fee will be retained. Refund of payment may be granted only in limited circumstances. Once NCBE has generated correspondence on your application, the entire fee payment is non-refundable.
How to Apply
Please visit your jurisdiction’s website for submission instructions. If your jurisdiction requires you to complete an NCBE application, it can be accessed from your NCBE Account.
Submit all requested documentation with the application. Incomplete or inaccurate responses will cause delay.
Processing by NCBE
NCBE may contact the schools, employers, courts, etc., identified in your application to gather relevant information. A prompt response to any inquiries from NCBE staff is required to prevent delays.
The jurisdiction to which you are applying may also contact you and others to gather information. If NCBE conducts an investigation, you may log in to your NCBE Account to view status updates and you should monitor your email, NCBE Account, and text messages in case our investigators need additional information.
Final Review
The jurisdiction will review your application materials and, in some instances, NCBE’s investigation report, and may require you to provide additional information or explanation or to appear for a personal interview.
NCBE makes no determinations or recommendations regarding who is eligible or ineligible to practice law. Jurisdictions make this determination.
Disclaimer
Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, NCBE strongly advises consulting the jurisdiction’s bar admission agency directly for the most current information.