Tennessee Bar Exam Overview
To become a lawyer in Tennessee, 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 270 or higher.
The Tennessee Bar Exam is a two-day exam consisting of three tests. The first day offers two 90 minute Multistate Performance Test questions, known as the MPT. It also includes six 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions. On the final day, the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is offered as a 200 question, multiple choice examination.
The Tennessee Bar Exam weights the days differently. The MBE is weighted at 50%, the MEE takes 30% of the weight, and finally, the MPT is 20% of the weight. The scores are all combined, and the applicant needs a total score of 270 out of 400.
The best way to prepare for the BAR exam in Tennessee is through studying material on the most popular law subjects. For the Tennessee 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 succeed on this test through practice examinations that are very similar to the content and test structure of the Tennessee Bar Exam. You can always find useful study material here at Test Max Prep.
The Tennessee Bar Exam occurs twice a year, held at varying locations. To apply, applicants should contact the Tennessee Board of Examiners to figure out the fees and application process.. You can contact the Tennessee Board of Examiners for more information about application requirements, test day expectations, and dates.
2020 Filing Deadlines & Fees
When is the TN Bar Exam in 2020?
|
February 25-26, 2020 |
July 28-29, 2020 |
Application Deadline: |
Dec 1, 2019 |
May 1, 2020 |
Late Deadline: |
Dec 20, 2019 |
May 20, 2020 |
How Much Does the TN Bar Exam Cost?
Regular Application fee: |
$575 |
Attorney Application fee: |
$575 |
Laptop Computer fee: |
$100 |
What is the TN Bar Exam Schedule Like?
The Tennessee Bar Exam is a 2-day exam administered twice a year.
Day |
AM |
PM |
Tue |
1 MPT 3 Essays (3 hours) |
6 Essays (3 hours) |
Wed |
100 MBE Questions (3 hours) |
100 MBE Questions (3 hours) |
What Subjects Are Tested On The TN Bar Exam?
MBE Subjects
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
Essay Subjects
- Agency
- Civil Procedure (State & Federal)
- Commercial Paper and Bulk Transfers
- Conflict of Laws
- Corporations
- Domestic Relations or Personal Status
- Partnerships
- Personal Property
- Professional Responsibility
- Restitution and Remedies
- Sales
- Secured Transactions
- Constitutional Law (State & Federal)
- Wills and Estates
- Contracts
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
TN Bar Exam Grading & Scoring Process
NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE.
A passing scaled score of 270 is required in Tennessee.
- MBE: 50%
- MEE: 30%
- MPT: 20%
Required MPRE Score: 75
Applicants must receive a passing score within 2 years of passing the Tennessee Bar Exam, unless licensed and in good standing in another U.S. state or territory; if so, then an MPRE score dated outside the 2-year period may be provided.
Results
Results for the February exam are typically released in mid-April.
Results for the July exam are typically released in early-October.
TN Bar Exam Reciprocity
Acceptance of MBE Score
Tennessee does not allow for the transfer of MBE scores form another jurisdiction.
Admission on Motion
Tennessee does allow for admission on motion.
Application for Admission on Motion fee: $1,100
How do I Contact the TN Bar?
Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
511 Union Street, Suite 525
Nashville, TN 37219
http://tnble.org
BLE.Administrator@tncourts.gov
Phone: 615-741-3234