Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar - Bar Examination Instructions - July 28-29, 2026

Sep 18, 2026

Instructions for examinees registered for the July 2026 Illinois Bar Examination, detailing the two-day testing format and required arrival procedures. The schedule covers multistate performance tests and the multistate essay examination on day one, and the multistate bar examination on day two, including metal detector screening timelines and seat readiness deadlines. It explains registration/check-in at the assigned site, required identification and admission badge use, and extensive rules on what to bring, including laptop requirements, permitted materials, and clear-bag inspection procedures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Day One - Tuesday, July 28

Multistate Performance Tests (MPT)

Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)

Day Two - Wednesday, July 29

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

Preparing for the Exam

Registration / Check In

What to Bring

Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar Bar Examination Instructions JULY 28-29, 2026 Recipients of these instructions are registered for the July 2026 Illinois Bar Examination. DAY ONE – Tuesday, July 28 consists of two Multistate Performance Tests (MPT) and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) . The questions will be in paper booklets. The test site will open at 7:15 a.m. Please report to your assigned venue and seat. Be aware that you must pass through metal detectors. Plan accordingly. You must be in your assigned seat, ready to begin, by 8:30 a.m. Paper test booklets containing the exam questions and instructions will be at your seat. DO NOT MOVE, HANDLE, OR LOOK AT THEM UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. DAY TWO – Wednesday, July 29 consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) . The questions will be in paper booklets. The test site will open at 7:30 a.m. Please report to your assigned venue and seat. You must pass through metal detectors and be in your assigned seat, ready to begin, by 8:30 a.m. Paper test booklets containing the exam questions and instructions will be at your seat. DO NOT MOVE, HANDLE, OR LOOK AT THEM UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. 8:30a 9:00aNoon 12:15p 1:05p 1:30- 4:30p 4:45p 7:30a 8:30a 9:00aNoon 12:15p 1:00p 1:30p- 4:30p Examinees in their seats for instructions & attendance; laptop users have their equipment set up and ready to go Multistate Performance Tests Lunch Break ~ 50 minutes Examinees pass metal detection and in their seats for instructions and attendance; laptop users have their equipment checked and are ready to go Multistate Essay Examination Dismissal Wednesday – July 29 Doors open for metal detection Examinees in their seats for instructions and attendance Multistate Bar Examination AM Lunch Break ~ 45 minutes Examinees pass metal detection and in their seats for instructions and attendance Multistate Bar Examination PM DETAILED SCHEDULE Tuesday – July 28 7:15a Doors open for metal detection and check-in. 4:45 Dismissal PREPARING FOR THE EXAM The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar (IBABor Board) provides these instructions so that you will be prepared for a successful bar examination. After reading them, please take some time to plan your day at the exam to ensure that it goes smoothly. REGISTRATION/CHECK IN Registration occurs at your assigned test site. Your Notice of Eligibility indicates the test site to which you should report; you need not register or report to any other place. You will pass metal detection, proceed to the location to deposit all items that will not be allowed in the test room in the areas provided (this location will depend upon the venue to which you are assigned – please follow the signs upon arrival), and then proceed immediately to your seat for check in. Your section proctor will check you in at your assigned seat by checking your valid photo ID atthe beginning of each test session. UIC Credit Union 1 Arena: If you are assigned to test at this location and are being dropped off, you will need to be dropped off on Racine Avenue. No drop-offs are allowed on Harrison Street. WHAT TO BRING We ask that you limit what you bring to the test site to your Photo ID (required) and personal necessities. Photo ID – Without exception, you must present a valid photo ID at the beginning of each test session. We will accept: valid passport; valid state driver’s license or valid state identification card. When you arrive at your seat you will place your photo ID on your table for your proctor to view. Your applicant badge will be on the table, and that will serve as your admission ticket to the bar exam for both days. Items permitted in the test room– No item of outerwear or gear, such as coats, jackets, gloves, hats, umbrella, etc., may be brought into the test room. Scarves are also not permitted. Nothing may be brought into the test room except these items: 1. IBAB-issued Photo I

FAQs

What time must examinees be ready in their assigned seat on each day?

Day one requires being ready to begin by 8:30 a.m., and day two also requires being ready to begin by 8:30 a.m.

What is the required identification and how is check-in handled?

A valid photo ID is required at the beginning of each test session, and the IBAB-issued photo ID badge serves as the admission ticket for both days. The section proctor checks you in at your assigned seat by verifying your valid photo ID.

Which items are permitted in the test room, and how are items inspected?

Examinees must limit items to permitted essentials such as the photo ID badge, photo ID, laptop equipment (if applicable), and limited stationery and supplies. Most items (except laptop equipment) must be displayed in a clear plastic bag, which a proctor inspects at the seat before you place it under your seat.

Sep 18, 2026

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