Jurisdiction information summary for the Tennessee bar admission process.
Bar Admission Agency
Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
511 Union St., Ste. 525
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone:(615) 741-3234
Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees
| ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required | No (Details) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility | Yes (Details) |
Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines
See full deadline chart: Details
- July 2025: First filing deadline – May 1
- July 2025: Late filing deadline – May 20
- February 2026: First filing deadline – Dec. 1
- February 2026: Late filing deadline – Dec. 20
Bar Exam Application Filing Fees
See Tennessee bar exam application fee details on the jurisdiction charts: Details.
Score Portability
| Accepts Legacy UBE Score | Yes |
|---|---|
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 270 |
| Accepts NextGen UBE Score | Yes |
| Minimum NextGen UBE Score | TBA |
| Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score | TBA |
| Maximum Score Age | 3 years / 5 years (Details) |
| Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement (Score Transfer) | Yes |
| Accepts Transferred MBE Scores | No |
Character & Fitness Investigations
NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.
Learn more and access services here: Character & Fitness Services for TN .
MPRE Requirements
| MPRE Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| MPRE Minimum Passing Score | 82 |
| MPRE Score Time Parameters | Details |
Admission on Motion
| Rules Provide for Admission on Motion | Yes (Details) |
|---|---|
| Legal Education and Reciprocity Requirements | Details |
| Number of Years of Practice Required | 5 of past 7 |
Bar Exam
| Legacy UBE | Yes |
|---|---|
| Date Final Administration (Legacy UBE) | February 2027 |
| Minimum Passing Score (Legacy UBE) | 270 |
| Legacy UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | Yes (Details) |
| NextGen UBE | Yes |
| Date First Administration (NextGen UBE) | July 2027 |
| Minimum Passing Score (NextGen UBE) | TBA |
| NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | TBA |
| Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam | No |
Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official test prep materials.
Character & Fitness Investigations
Overview of NCBE character and fitness investigations for Tennessee bar applicants.
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.
To review the fees associated with NCBE character and fitness investigations, view the NCBE fee schedule.
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, and other sources 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.
Bar Admission Agency
Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
511 Union St., Ste. 525
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone:(615) 741-3234
Tennessee Fee Schedule
This information is for reference only. Your assigned fee and payment options are specified after submission of your online application.
Fee Categories
Your first law degree (JD or LLB) is anticipated to be awarded within one year or less and you have not been authorized to practice law.
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.
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.
A complete Category I, II, or III report was prepared by NCBE for a different jurisdiction.
A complete Category I, II, or III report was prepared by NCBE for the same jurisdiction.
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 a conjunction with this application.
Refunds
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.