Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners
 

The Oklahoma Board
of Bar Examiners

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of the Certificate of Practice form and who should sign it?

    The Certificate of Practice form is an original document filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court as an attachment to the Report and Recommendation of Admission filed by the Board of Bar Examiners should your application be approved and recommended for admission to the Court. The form should be signed by a judge and two attorneys from your jurisdiction who can attest to your active and continuous practice of law for at least three of last five years preceding your application. The individuals signing the form should themselves be in good standing in your jurisdiction and have practiced at least the length of time to which they are attesting to have known you to be practicing.

    Does Oklahoma have reciprocity and/or admission on motion with any other jurisdictions for admission without examination?

    At present Oklahoma has reciprocity and/or admission on motion or admission without examination with the following jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

    I was admitted before the MPRE was required in my state. Do I have to take the MPRE for admission to Oklahoma?

    Yes. If your state requires the MPRE of Oklahoma attorneys applying for admission without examination to your state, you must supply a passing score (as is required in your state) on the MPRE for admission to Oklahoma.  

    What are the requirements for admission on motion?

    Rule Two of the Oklahoma Rules requires a person to be lawfully admitted to practice and in good standing on active status in a reciprocal state engaged in the actual and continuous practice of law for at least three years of the five years immediately preceding application for admission. The practice of law shall not be required to occur outside of Oklahoma providing that the practice of law within this state did not include work that, as undertaken, would constitute unauthorized practice of law. The person shall have graduated from an ABA approved law school.

    What is the passing score on the MPRE in Oklahoma and how long is my MPRE score valid?

    Oklahoma requires a minimum scaled score of 80. The score is valid for an unlimited time. If the reciprocal jurisdiction has a more stringent requirement for minimum score and/or time limit, the higher standard is applied.

  • Do I have to be present for the admission ceremony?

    Yes. This is an official session of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. If there are compelling reasons why you cannot be present, notify the Board’s administrative office in order to make alternative arrangements.

    How do I join the Oklahoma Bar Association?

    You are automatically a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association when you are admitted to the practice of law in Oklahoma. The OBA is the disciplinary arm of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. To remain in good standing you must pay the required annual dues and meet the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Requirements. There are no dues or MCLE requirements for the remainder of the calendar year in which you are admitted.

    Now that I have passed the bar exam, can I immediately begin the practice of law?

    No. You must take the Oath of Attorney and sign the Roll of Attorneys. Your name is then added to the official roster of the Oklahoma Bar Association, and a bar card and permanent identification number are issued.

    When is the admission ceremony?

    The admission ceremony is normally scheduled two weeks after the announcement of the results.

  • Can a convicted felon take the Oklahoma bar exam?

    Conviction of a felony is not an absolute bar to taking the Oklahoma bar exam, but it is a factor that will be considered in determining whether a person can prove by clear and convincing evidence that he/she possesses the requisite good character and fitness to qualify for admission to the Oklahoma bar. The Board considers the nature of the crime, how long ago it was committed, the punishment, and positive contributions to society since the conviction. A pardon or a restoration of the person’s civil rights is certainly a positive factor.

    Can I take the exam if I have filed for bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy is in itself not a disqualifying factor, but the Board will look at the apparent reasons for the bankruptcy to determine whether they may be disqualifying financial responsibility factors.

    I have a security clearance from my military duty. Do I have to complete the NCBE character report application?

    Yes

    If I have an unresolved character and fitness issue, may I take the exam before it is resolved?

    It depends. If the issue appears serious and is brought to the attention of the Board before the exam, the Board may determine that you are ineligible to take the exam unless and until the issue is resolved in your favor. Frequently investigations are still in progress as the exam date approaches. In many instances you will be permitted to take the exam; but even if you pass the exam, you still must resolve all character and fitness issues to the satisfaction of the Board before you can be licensed.

    Why is my credit of concern to the Board?

    A lawyer is regularly called upon to handle a client’s funds or to advise a client with respect to money management issues. A history of credit problems (delinquent credit card or other charge accounts, missed loan or rent payments, etc.) indicates an applicant’s apparent lack of financial responsibility.

    Why is my driving record of concern to the Board?

    Rule One, §1, of the Rules states that the applicant shall have good moral character, due respect for the law, and fitness to practice law. An applicant with a lengthy record of traffic violations and/or DUI and DWI charges may lack due respect for the law. Indications of substance abuse will be carefully reviewed.

  • Does the Board release sample answers for the essay questions?

    No

    Can I take the Oklahoma bar exam if I did not graduate from a law school which was approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time of my graduation?

    No. The Board has adopted the ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools. See Rule Four, §3.

    Can I use my laptop to take the essay portion of the exam?

    Yes. Simply mark the box on your exam application that you will be using your laptop for the essay portion of the exam. There is a fee of $125 payable to ExamSoft when you register your laptop. Additional information regarding system requirements and use of your laptop will be sent to each registered exam applicant in the Exam Information Packet which is typically emailed in mid-January for the February exam and in mid-June for the July exam.

    Does Oklahoma require the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (the “MPRE”)?

    Yes

    How long do I have to meet the MPRE requirement after passing the bar exam?

    Admission must be effected within one year after the date the bar exam results are released. Otherwise the exam is nullified.

    How many take the February exam?

    Approximately 200 apply for the February exam.

    How many take the July exam?

    Approximately 400 apply for the July exam.

    How many times may I take the Oklahoma bar exam?

    Unlimited number of times.

    How much does it cost to take the Oklahoma bar examination?

    The fee depends on your status (registered law student, non-registered law student, attorney, repeat applicant) when you apply. Go to Applications for the fee list or to Rule Seven in the Rules Governing Admission.

    I am licensed in another state but do not qualify for admission without examination. Is there an abbreviated “attorneys’ exam” which I can take in lieu of the regular bar exam?

    No

    I have been notified by the law school that I lack graduation requirements. What happens to the exam fee I paid?

    The fee will apply to the next scheduled bar exam. A new Exam Application form must be submitted by the application deadline.

    I have not taken or passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Am I allowed to take the bar exam?

    Yes. If successful on the bar exam, you will not be admitted to practice law until the MPRE requirement (scaled score of 80) has been met.

    I plan to take the MPRE immediately following the bar exam (after the February exam or after the July exam). Will the MPRE results be available in time for the admission ceremony?

    Possibly not.  There have been instances where the MPRE results have not be received prior to the Board’s filing the Recommendation for Admission with the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

    Is my application considered timely filed if it is postmarked by the filing deadline?

    No. The application must be received in the office by the deadline.

    Is there a drop box at the Oklahoma Bar Center?

    No

    Is there a late filing deadline?

    Yes. Late filing is allowed for two months after deadline with payment of additional fee. If filed within 30 days after the deadline, the late fee is $50. If filed during the second month after the deadline, the late fee is $150. See Rule 7 of the Rules Governing Admission.

    What are the exam dates?

    The Uniform Bar Exam is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. The MPT and MEE are given on Tuesday. The MBE is given on Wednesday.

    What is the deadline for filing an application to take the February bar exam?

    Six months prior to the exam date. The bar exam is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday in February. To simplify the calculation of the due date, the February exam deadline is September 1 of the year preceding and the July exam deadline is February 1. If a deadline falls on a non-business day (i.e., Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday), applications will be accepted until the close of business on the first day immediately following the deadline. Repeat applications are due December 15 for the February exam.

    What is the deadline for filing an application to take the July bar exam?

    Six months prior to the exam date. The bar exam is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday in July. Late filing allowed for two months after deadline with payment of additional fee. To simplify the calculation of the due date, the July exam deadline is February 1 of the current year. If a deadline falls on a non-business day (i.e., Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday), applications will be accepted until the close of business on the first day immediately following the deadline. Repeat applications are due May 15.

    What is the passing score on the MPRE in Oklahoma and how long is my MPRE score valid?

    Oklahoma requires a scaled score of 80 or higher on the MPRE.

    What subjects are tested on the Oklahoma bar exam?

    Oklahoma has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam. For information about topics on the UBE please visit www.ncbex.org.

    When and where is the MPRE given?

    The MPRE is given three times a year at various locations across the country. Use the MPRE link on the Resourses page of our website to access application deadlines, exam dates, and the application itself.

    Where are bar review courses given, how much do they cost, and which bar review course is the best?

    Oklahoma does not rate the bar review courses. Bar review courses frequently used in Oklahoma are Bar/Bri and PMBR. There are also companies that offer software review courses for the MBE. Check the bulletin boards at the law school for information.

    Where is the exam given?

    Oklahoma City only.  

  • Can I use a credit card to pay my fees?

    Yes, a credit card option is offered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and to the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners. We accept only Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

    Is my application considered timely filed if it is postmarked by the filing deadline?

    No. The application must be received in the office of the Board of Bar Examiners by 5:00 p.m. on October 15 of the second year of law school. If a deadline falls on a non-business day (i.e., Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday), applications will be accepted until the close of business on the first day immediately following the deadline.

    Is my registration an application for the bar exam?

    No. An application for a specific bar exam must be filed six months prior to the date of the exam you plan to take.

    What happens if I miss the October 15 registration deadline?

    You may file a nunc pro tunc application at any time during law school. The filing fee increases from $125 to $500.

    What is the licensed legal intern program?

    The Licensed Legal Internship Program established by the Oklahoma Supreme Court is primarily designed for third-year law students enrolled in Oklahoma law schools. It is a separate department of the Oklahoma Bar Association. With the limited license to practice law a legal intern is allowed to make court appearances in both civil and criminal matters. A supervising attorney appearance is required for many, but not all, court procedures. One of the main benefits of a Legal Intern license is the practical experience a student can obtain.

    Why should I register as a law student?

    Oklahoma has a two step process to apply for the Oklahoma bar examination:

    1. Register as a law student with the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners;

    2. File an application to take a specific bar examination.

    Registering by the October 15 of second year of law school deadline saves money ($125 as opposed to $500 for late registration) and allows time to settle any character and fitness issues before you have invested three years in law school only to be denied permission to take the bar exam after graduation. The registration also fulfills one requirement for participation in the Legal Intern program. You can file your law student registration application anytime after starting law school up to October 15th of your second year!

  • What is a UBE Score Transfer application?
    Those who have obtained a scaled score of 264 on a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) within the last three years may apply for admission based on that score.  All UBE Score Transfer applications require a character and fitness background investigation. [Note effective July 1, 2024, the minimum passing score in Oklahoma for the UBE shall be 260 if earned after July 1, 2024.]
    What if I don't qualify for UBE Score Transfer after my application is submitted?
    Persons who file a UBE application, but whose application is determined not eligible, may transfer the application to the next scheduled bar exam for the purpose of being admitted to practice law in Oklahoma or withdraw the application.  No refunds will be given.  A decision to transfer a UBE application to the bar exam or withdraw a UBE application must be submitted in writing no more than 30 days following the determination that a UBE application is not eligible.
    Can I send a copy of my UBE scores as proof of eligibility?
    UBE scores are transferred directly from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) to the Oklahoma Board of Bar Examiners through a secure communication link.  UBE scores may not be transferred until after the date upon which the scores were released in the jurisdiction where the UBE score was earned.  UBE scores may be transferred to Oklahoma prior to submitting an application; however, UBE scores must be received no more than 45 days after filing a UBE application in Oklahoma.  Each candidate is responsible for requesting a UBE score transfer from NCBE to Oklahoma.  The age of your transferred UBE score will be determined by the date you file your application.
    How do I transfer my UBE score?
    For instructions on transferring UBE scores, please refer to the NCBE website (https://ncbex.org/ncbe-exam-score-services/ube-score-services/).
    My UBE score includes a transferred MBE score from a different exam. Why is it invalid?
    Valid UBE scores are those wherein both the MBE and written portions (MEE and MPT) of the exam are taken during the same exam administration in a participating Uniform Bar Exam jurisdiction.  Scores combined from different administrations are not official UBE scores and will not be transferred by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
    I took the bar exam before the UBE was adopted but I took all the same test components (MBE, MEE and MPT). Is this a valid UBE score?
    No.  Valid UBE scores are those wherein both the MBE and written portions (MEE and MPT) of the exam are taken during the same exam administration in a participating Uniform Bar Exam jurisdiction.  Scores combined from different administrations are no official UBE scores and will not be transferred by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
    How long will it take to process my UBE Score Transfer application once it is submitted?

    All applications require a character and fitness background investigation.  Oklahoma utilizes the NCBE for that purpose and therefore all applications must be accompanied by a completed NCBE Questionnaire.  Application processing times vary with each application.  If the information provided is complete and accurate and all required documentation is received in a timely fashion, it will typically take approximately 16-24 weeks after your application has been accepted for processing.  To ensure the quickest processing of your application, provide complete and accurate information to all questions on both the Oklahoma UBE Score Transfer application and the NCBE Questionnaire.  Contact your references and employers and ask them to promptly respond to inquiries from the NCBE.  Provide accurate email addresses in order to expedite the reference and employment verification process.  Promptly respond to all requests for information received from the NCBE or this office.  

    When will Oklahoma begin administering the NextGen Bar Exam?
    Oklahoma will begin administering the NextGen Bar exam in July 2027. The February 2027 bar exam will be the last UBE exam Oklahoma.
  • Will Oklahoma administer the NextGen Bar exam?
    Oklahoma will administer the NextGen Bar exam beginning in July 2027. The February 2027 bar exam will be the last administration of the UBE exam in Oklahoma.