NextGen Exam Notice: Iowa intends to first administer the NextGen bar exam in July 2027.
Exam Information: Iowa requires MBE, MEE, MPT, and MPRE.
Bar Admission Agency
| Agency | Iowa Board of Law Examiners, Office of Professional Regulation |
|---|---|
| Address | Iowa Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319 |
| Phone | (515) 348-4670 |
| Fax | (515) 348-4698 |
Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees
| ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility | No |
| July 2025 First Filing Deadline | April 1 |
| February 2026 First Filing Deadline | Nov. 1 |
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 |
Character & Fitness Investigations
NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.
MPRE Requirements
| MPRE Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| MPRE Minimum Passing Score | 80 |
Admission on Motion
| Rules Provide for Admission on Motion | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Years of Practice Required | 5 of past 7 |
Bar Exam
| Legacy UBE | Yes |
|---|---|
| Date Final Administration | February 2027 |
| NextGen UBE | Yes |
| Date First Administration | July 2027 |
Disclaimer: Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, consult the jurisdiction directly for current information.