BAR EXAM OVERVIEW-OHIO - The Basics - Exam Schedule, Scoring & Fees

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Logic

Ohio bar exam overview covering core requirements, exam structure, and key deadlines for February and July administrations. Details include the two-and-a-half-day format with MPT and essay questions on Day One and Day Three, plus the MBE 200-question multiple-choice exam on Day Two. Scoring explains MBE as one-third and written as two-thirds, with 405 required to pass. Admission requires an MPRE scaled score of 85, registration steps, filing and fee timelines, and additional obligations such as substance abuse instruction proof.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

The Basics

Exam Schedule

Character & Fitness

General Bar Examination Format

Scoring

MPRE

Application

Additional Fees

Other Requirements

BAR EXAM OVERVIEW-OHIO The Basics Office of Bar Admissions Supreme Court of Ohio 65 South Front Street, 5th floor Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-387-9340 Fax: 614-387-9349 [Email:](Email: baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov)[ baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov](Email: baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov) Website 2017 filing deadlines February 21-23 exam • November 1 = timely July 25-27 exam • April 3 = timely Character & Fitness Visit the bar admission agency’s website for full details. Begin compiling the necessary information early, as it can be a time-consuming process. General Bar Examination The examination is administered over two and a half days in the format listed below. Day One: Two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test (MPT) questions and six essay questions. Day Two: Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a 200-question multiplechoice exam Day Three: Six essay questions Scoring The MBE is weighted 1/3 of the total score and the written portion (essays and MPT) is weighted 2/3 of the total score. A total score of 405 is required to pass. MPRE A scaled score of 85 on the MPRE is required for admission. Application Applicants must first register as candidates for admission to the practice of law before applying to take the bar exam. The timely deadline for the application to register is November 15 of your 2L year. The fee is $225. If you file after that, it is $315. The timely deadline for the bar exam application is November 1 for the February exam and April 3 for the July exam. The timely fee is $358. Additional Fees | Late fee (Nov. 2-Dec. 12 for Feb. exam) | $100 | | --- | --- | | Late fee (April 4-May 10 for July exam) | $100 | | Laptop fee | $121 | Other Ohio requires that all applicants complete at least one hour of substance abuse instruction and submit documented proof. This overview is not an exhaustive list of jurisdiction rules and policies. Information can change at any time. You are strongly encouraged to consult the jurisdiction’s bar admissions agency website for the most complete and current information.

FAQs

What is the Ohio bar exam format and timeline?

The exam runs over two and a half days. Day One includes two 90-minute MPT questions and six essay questions; Day Two includes the 200-question MBE; Day Three includes six essay questions.

How is the Ohio bar exam scored and what score is needed to pass?

The MBE is weighted one-third of the total score, while the written portion (essays and MPT) is weighted two-thirds. A total score of 405 is required to pass.

What are the MPRE and application requirements for admission?

A scaled score of 85 on the MPRE is required for admission. Applicants must first register as candidates for admission to the practice of law before applying to take the bar exam, with specified timely deadlines and fees.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Logic