Maryland Bar Exam Overview
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 weights 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.
2020 Filing Deadlines & Fees
When is the MD Bar Exam in 2020?
|
February 25-26, 2020 |
| Timely Filing: |
Dec 20, 2019 |
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
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 Test (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%
Required MPRE Score: 85
Results
Results for the February exam are typically released in late-April.
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
