Bar Admission Agency
Office of Bar Admissions, Supreme Court of Ohio
65 S. Front St., 5th Fl.
Columbus, OH 43215-3431
Phone: (614) 387-9340
Fax: (614) 387-9349
Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees
| ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required | ✓ Yes |
| Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility | ✓ Yes |
| Foreign Legal Education | Additional education at an ABA-approved law school; determination of educational equivalency |
| July 2026: First filing deadline | April 1 |
| July 2026: Late filing deadline | May 10 |
| February 2027: First filing deadline | Nov. 1 |
| February 2027: Late filing deadline | Dec. 10 |
| First-time Taker Fee | $452 |
| Attorney Fee | $452 |
| Repeater Fee | $452 |
| Laptop Fee | $121 |
Score Portability
| Accepts Legacy UBE Score | ✓ Yes |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 270 |
| Accepts NextGen UBE Score | ✓ Yes |
| Minimum NextGen UBE Score | 620 |
| Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score | November 1, 2026 |
| Maximum Score Age | 5 years |
| Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | ✓ Yes |
| Accepts Transferred MBE Scores | ✕ No |
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.
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.
MPRE Requirements
| MPRE Required | ✓ Yes |
| MPRE Minimum Passing Score | 85 |
| Time Parameters | ✕ No |
Admission on Motion
| Rules Provide for Admission on Motion | ✓ Yes |
| Number of Years of Practice Required | 5 of past 7 |
| Admission on Motion Fee | $1,500 (plus C&F fee) |
| Definition of Practice Includes | Law teaching, government agency, military, in-house corporate, judicial court of record |
Bar Exam
| NextGen UBE | ✓ Yes |
| Date First Administration | July 2028 |
| Minimum Passing Score | 620 |
| Legacy UBE | ✓ Yes |
| Date Final Administration | February 2028 |
| Legacy UBE Minimum Passing Score | 270 |
| Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam | ✕ No |