Maryland Bar Exam Information

To become a lawyer in Maryland, one must hold a degree from an accredited four-year university, make a passing score on the LSAT exam and complete an accredited law school program, and finally, complete the BAR exam with a passing score of 406 or higher.

Maryland uses the two-day Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), which includes two MPT essay questions and six MEE questions. The first day of the exam is the essay portion of the test. The second day consists of a 200 question, multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination.

The Maryland Bar Exam weighs the day one essay portion of the test more heavily than the other parts combined. The essays make up 58 percent of the test, whereas the MBE is only worth 33 percent and the MPT is only 8.7 percent. Test-takers must make a minimum score of 406 to pass.

The best way to prepare for the bar exam in Maryland is through studying material on the most common law subjects. For the Maryland Bar Exam specifically, the essay questions are likely to cover agency, commercial transactions, family law, and other topics (see below). The MBE questions include civil law, criminal law, and more.

Many find success through practice tests that closely resemble the content and test structure of the Maryland Bar Exam. You can find useful study material here at Test Max Prep.

The Maryland Bar Exam occurs twice a year, held at varying locations. To apply, applicants must complete the admission application and an original petition to take the bar exam in Maryland specifically. You can contact the Maryland Board of Examiners for more information about application requirements, test day expectations, and dates.

2021 Filing Deadlines & Fees

When Is the MD Bar Exam in 2021?

	July 27-28, 2021	February 22-23, 2022
Timely Filing:	May 1, 2021	December 20, 2021

How Much Does the MD Bar Exam Cost?

Character Questionnaire fee:	$350
Application fee:	$400
Laptop Computer fee:	$180.00

Applicants must complete both an application for admission and an original petition to take the bar exam in Maryland. Also required are a "Notice of Intent" (due May 20, 2021) and a character questionnaire (due March 1, 2021.)

What is the MD Bar Exam Schedule Like?

The Maryland Bar Exam is a 2-day exam administered twice a year.

Day	AM	PM
Tue	2 Performance Tests (3 hours)	6 Essays on any subject (3 hours)
Wed	100 MBE Questions (3 hours)	100 MBE Questions (3 hours)

What Subjects Are Tested On The MD Bar Exam?

MBE Subjects

• Civil Procedure
• Constitutional Law
• Contracts
• Criminal Law & Procedure
• Evidence
• Real Property
• Torts

Essay Subjects

• Agency
• Commercial Transactions
• Business Associations
• Family Law
• MD Civil Procedure
• Professional Responsibility
• Civil Procedure
• Constitutional Law
• Contracts
• Criminal Law & Procedure
• Evidence
• Real Property
• Torts

MD Bar Exam Grading & Scoring Process

A passing score of 266 is required in Maryland or a 133 on the MBE's 200-point scale.

• MBE: 50%
• MEE: 30%
• MPT: 20%

Maryland bar students are required to pass a conduct exam called the MPRE with a score of at least 85.

Results

Results for the February exam are typically released in late April, while results for the July exam are typically released in early November.

MD Bar Exam Reciprocity

MBE Score Transfer

Maryland does allow for the transfer of MBE Scores from a concurrent exam only.

Admission on Motion

Maryland allows for admission on motion.

How do I Contact the MD Bar?

Maryland Board of Law Examiners

2011-F Commerce Park Drive

Annapolis, MD 21401

www.mdcourts.gov/ble

Phone: 410-260-3640

Fax: 613-387-9349