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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are our Frequently Asked Questions. Choose all or the specific topic you would like to see.

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Admission Without Examination
How long must I be a member of my reciprocal jurisdiction?

There is no minimum time requirement for being a member of a reciprocal jurisdiction. At the time of your application, you must be a member in good standing of the “highest court” of a reciprocal jurisdiction.

Does my membership have to be active in my reciprocal jurisdiction?

Your membership status may be active or inactive as long as you are in good standing in your reciprocal jurisdiction.

Is there a minimum bar membership requirement?

Yes, you must have been a member of “a” bar (reciprocal or not reciprocal) for a minimum of 5 years at the time of your application.

Can I submit my application prior to having been licensed for five years since it takes four to six months to process?

No, you must have met all of the minimum threshold requirements at the time your application is received.

What is meant by “qualified practice of law?”

Qualified law practice is the full-time practice of law in a jurisdiction where you are licensed to practice law or are authorized to practice law. Practice from an office located in a jurisdiction where you are not licensed (including Virginia), may be accepted as qualifying practice if you establish, by satisfactory evidence, that such practice is permitted by statute, rule, court order, or by written confirmation from the admitting or disciplinary authority of the jurisdiction where the practice occurred.

I am not licensed in the jurisdiction where I am working, what “satisfactory evidence” must I submit to establish that my practice is not the unauthorized practice of law?

If you are practicing, for example, federal law or immigration law in a jurisdiction where you are not licensed, you can submit the authority, UPL opinion, court order, rule, etc. from that jurisdiction that authorizes your practice.

What is meant by “minimum current practice?”

You must have been engaged in the full-time qualified practice of law for at least 3 of the last 5 years (36 of the last 60 months) immediately prior to submitting your application.

Does all of my minimum current or qualified practice of law have to be in my reciprocal jurisdiction?

No, it does not. Your minimum current and qualified law practice can be in your reciprocal jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction where you are/were licensed to practice law or engage in the authorized practice of law.

I have failed 3 or more bar exams, am I qualified for Admission Without Examination?

No. You can fail no more than 2 bar examinations EVER. If you have failed, in full or in part, 3 or more bar examinations in any jurisdiction or combination of jurisdictions, you do not qualify for Admission Without Examination. For example, if you sat for the bar examination on 3 different occasions and were unsuccessful in New York, each of those attempts is considered a fail, and you do not qualify for Admission Without Examination.

Is there a timeline for how long ago a failed bar examination prohibits me from being qualified for Admission Without Examination?

If you have failed, in full or in part, any bar examination in the last 5 years or if you have ever failed more than 2 bar examinations, you do not qualify for Admission Without Examination.

Can I apply for Admission Without Examination if I am suspended or have a disciplinary matter pending in another jurisdiction?

No. You cannot apply for Admission Without Examination until your membership has been reinstated or until any pending disciplinary matters have been resolved. You must submit with your application a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Discipline for each jurisdiction where you are or were licensed to practice law.

I hold a Virginia Corporate Counsel Certificate, Part I, do I qualify for Admission Without Examination?

You may use your Virginia Corporate Counsel, Part 1, admission to satisfy the qualified practice of law requirement. You must also satisfy all other minimum threshold requirements of Rule 1A:1 to qualify for Admission Without Examination.

What is considered the “full-time” practice of law?

For Admission Without Examination, the full-time practice of law is defined as a minimum of 32 hours per week. In addition, you must also demonstrate, through the documentation submitted with your application, that you have made such progress in the practice of law that it would be unreasonable to require you to take an examination to demonstrate current minimum competency.

Is document review work considered the practice of law?

For purposes of Admission Without Examination, the practice of law ordinarily shall not mean document review work.

Can I use recently completed Continuing Legal Education credits to satisfy the CLE requirement for my Admission Without Examination application?

No. There is a specific course (W. Scott Street, III Rule 1A:1 Reciprocity Course) that must be completed prior to applying for Admission Without Examination. Upon completion of the course, a Certificate of Attendance will be generated to submit with your application. The 1A:1 Reciprocity Course must have been completed no more than six (6) months prior to receipt of your application.


Bar Exam
How much does it cost to take the Virginia Bar Exam?

The current (as of January 2018) application fee is $475. In addition, each applicant must pay the character and fitness investigation fee in accordance with the character and fitness fee schedule.

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

The preceding December 15.

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

The preceding May 10.

Is there a late filing deadline?

No. The filing deadline is statutory.The Board does not have authority to waive or extend the filing deadline. If your application is not received in accordance with § 54.1-3925, your application will be returned to you.

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

See § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

If your application is not actually received in the Secretary's office by the filing deadline (May 10 for the July exam; December 15 for the February exam), it may be deemed to be timely filed only if it has been transmitted expense prepaid to the Office of the Secretary of the Board by Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service, or by a third party commercial carrier for Next-Day Delivery and the official receipt therefor issued by the United States Postal Service or by such third party commercial carrier, which shall be exhibited on demand of the Secretary, shows such transmission or mailing to the Secretary's office on or before the prescribed deadline.

Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service or Next-Day Delivery by a third party commercial carrier are the ONLY methods of transmission or mailing authorized by the statute. Thus, an application sent by any other form of mail, such as First Class mail, CANNOT be accepted if it is received after the filing deadline, even if it is postmarked before.

Applications for Examination and Character & Fitness Questionnaires should be filed no more than 90 days prior to the filing deadline, but must be filed by the statutory filing deadline in accordance with § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

As a first year law student, do I have to "pre-register" in Virginia?

No. Virginia does not require early law student registration. Applications for Examination and Character & Fitness Questionnaires should be filed no more than 90 days prior to the filing deadline, but must be filed by the statutory filing deadline in accordance with § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

Do I include information about my 3rd year practice program?

The Character & Fitness Questionnaire asks if you have participated in a third-year practice program. You should answer the related questions. You DO NOT need to include a copy of your third-year practice certificate or application.

Can I update any part of my application, including address, over the phone?

All application updates or changes MUST be in writing.

To amend an application or character and fitness form, click here to access the Amendment to an Application and/or Character & Fitness Form.

To submit a change of address, telephone or email, click here for the Change of Address form.

Can any part of my application be faxed or emailed?

No part of any application can be received by fax or email. If you have a change in status, correction or update to a complete application that is currently on file, you may mail or fax such change. Please reference your name and exam you have applied for on any update submitted.

How many times may I take the Virginia bar exam?

See § 54.1-3930 of the Code of Virginia. Although the Board has discretion to grant an applicant permission to take the exam more than five times under the criteria set forth in the statute, such permission is not routinely granted and very seldom after a sixth attempt.

What subjects are tested on the Virginia bar exam?

See Section I of the Rules of the Board.

Does the Board release sample answers for the essay questions?

Yes. The Board has past Essay Questions (click here) and select sample answers available on the website (click here).

Can I take the Virginia bar exam if I did not graduate from a law school 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. Thus, it is unlikely that a law school, which has been found not to comply with the Standards by the ABA would be approved by the Board. Click here for approved list.

I took the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) in another state. Can I transfer that score to Virginia?

No, Virginia requires an applicant to take both portions of the bar exam at the same administration in Virginia as a means of assessing the applicant's current competency.

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.

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

We keep no listing of the various bar review courses, and we have no idea which course is "best." You should check with your law school (or a law school in Virginia if you attended an out-of-state law school) for information on what courses may be offered, where they are offered, and the cost.

Does Virginia require the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (the "MPRE")?

Yes. The Board has required the MPRE since the July 1998 bar exam. Virginia lawyers have a long history of adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. It is important that each Virginia lawyer have a good working knowledge of the rules governing professional responsibility and ethical obligations. The MPRE requires a focus on these rules. Additionally, within the first year after a person is admitted to practice law in Virginia, he or she is required by the Virginia Supreme Court to complete a professionalism course conducted by the Virginia State Bar.

When and where is the MPRE given?

The MPRE is given in March, August, and November of each year at various locations across the country. The exam dates and filing deadlines are set out on the MPRE page.

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

Virginia requires a scaled score of 85 or higher on the MPRE. Your score can only be considered if you took the MPRE during the same calendar year in which you passed the general Virginia Bar Exam or within the two calendar years immediately prior thereto or within the two calendar years immediately following the year in which you passed the Virginia Bar Exam.

Can I be licensed before you receive my MPRE Score Report?

No. A valid passing MPRE score is a requirement that must be met before one can be licensed.


Character & Fitness
How soon may I submit my completed Character and Fitness Questionnaire?

Your Character & Fitness Questionnaire MUST be simultaneously submitted with your Application. Your Application and Character & Fitness Questionnaire should be filed NO MORE than 90 days prior to the filing deadline, but the absolute deadline for submission is May 10 for the July exam and December 15 for the February exam in accordance with § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

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

Most applicants who submit a timely filed application are permitted to sit for the bar exam. Frequently character and fitness investigations are still in progress as the exam date approaches. If you have any outstanding issues, you will be notified by your Character & Fitness Investigator before or after the bar exam. Failure to comply with any request by your investigator may result in a delay of processing your application or may necessitate a hearing before the Character & Fitness Committee. Should a matter appear extremely serious, it may be brought to the Board or the Character & Fitness Committee for action before the exam and a determination will be made if you are eligible to sit for the bar exam. All character and fitness issues must be resolved to the satisfaction of the Committee or the Board before an applicant who passes the exam can be licensed. See Section III: Character & Fitness Requirements of the Rules of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners (Rules).

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. The Board requires that credit problems be cleared before you can be licensed.

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

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

Can a convicted felon take the Virginia bar exam?

Conviction of a felony is not an absolute bar to taking the Virginia bar exam, but it is a factor which 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 Virginia bar. The Board's Character and Fitness Committee 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. For a listing of all the factors which are considered, see the Board's Rules.

What do I need to provide for a traffic violation?

Provide the charge and date, final disposition and date, court, county and state in which it was received.

How do I list my student loans if they have been consolidated?

Student loans from one lender (or servicer) can be consolidated into one line item. Disbursement dates may be listed as a period of time and the dollar amount may be listed as the total principal amount.

When providing student loan detail for the Character & Fitness Questionnaire, can I print and submit my student loan detail from my lender in lieu of filling out the chart on the questionnaire?

No. Each question on all applications must be completed by the applicant. It is not your Character & Fitness Investigator's responsibility to extract the information from any statements or reports.

How long is my Character & Fitness Questionnaire valid?

A Character & Fitness Questionnaire is valid for a four-year period from the date it was RECEIVED in our office.

If I reapply, do I have to complete a new Character & Fitness Questionnaire?

A new Character & Fitness Questionnaire is REQUIRED if your PRIOR Character & Fitness Questionnaire was RECEIVED more than four (4) years ago. If you submitted your Character & Fitness Questionnaire less than four (4) years ago, a Character & Fitness Update form is required with your application.

What kind of documentation do I need to submit if I need to update or make a change to my Character & Fitness Questionnaire?

Any correction, change or update to your Application or Character & Fitness Questionnaire must be made in writing and may be faxed or mailed to our office. To amend an application or character and fitness form, click here to access the Amendment to an Application and/or Character & Fitness Form.

When do I use the Character & Fitness Update Form?

If your previously filed Character & Fitness Questionnaire was received less than four (4) years prior, a Character & Fitness Update Form, with all attachments, is required to be submitted simultaneously with each new application, re-application, or carry forward application you file to sit for the Virginia Bar Exam. There is a $175 fee associated with processing the Character & Fitness Update form.

Where can I obtain a credit report?

A full* credit report is a required attachment with any Character & Fitness Questionnaire or Character & Fitness Update form.

You must obtain a full credit report from one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. Your credit report must be dated within 60 days of the date you submit your application materials.

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to give you a free credit report every 12 months if you ask for it.
To obtain your free credit report call 877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com

You may also request a credit report directly from one of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (charges may apply):

*A full credit report should include:

  • Creditor's name and address
  • Account numbers
  • Type of account
  • Payment history
  • Balance due
  • Outstanding debt
  • Age of the account
  • Any public record or collection items
How recent do my credit report and driving records need to be?

A credit report and driving record are required with all Character & Fitness Questionnaires and Character & Fitness Update Forms. All credit reports and driving records must be dated within 60 days of the date they are submitted to this office.

From which states do I need to provide a driving record?

A driving record is required from all states where you are currently licensed, as well as ALL other states where you have been licensed in the last five (5) years. Your driving records DO NOT need to be certified and can be ordered through a third-party servicer, such as drivingrecords.com.

Can any part of my Character & Fitness Questionnaire be faxed or emailed?

No part of an Application or Character & Fitness Questionnaire can be received by fax or email. Any correction, change or update to your Application or Character & Fitness Questionnaire must be made in writing and may be faxed or mailed to our office. To amend an application or character and fitness form, click here to access the Amendment to an Application and/or Character & Fitness Form.

How do I amend/update my application and/or Character & Fitness form?

Click here to access the Amendment to an Application and/or Character & Fitness Form

What sample of questions are asked on the Character & Fitness Questionnaire?

Click here for an example of the Character & Fitness Questionnaire.


Contact Information
Virginia Board of Bar Examiners

2201 W. Broad Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 367-0412 Phone (calls answered 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00)
(804) 367-0416 Fax
Office Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday
Closed on State Holidays

Virginia State Bar

Bank of America Building
1111 E. Main Street, Suite 700
Richmond, VA  23219-3565
(804) 775-0500
www.vsb.org

Supreme Court of Virginia

100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-2251
www.courts.state.va.us


Fees

All application fees for the Virginia Bar Exam must accompany the proper form of application. All fees must be paid by Certified Check, Cashier's Check, or Money Order ONLY. One check is acceptable. No personal or firm checks will be accepted. Checks must be made payable to "Virginia Board of Bar Examiners". See the Rules for more detailed information.

How much are the fees to apply for the Virginia Bar Exam?

Bar exam fees consist of both an Application and Character & Fitness fee. Both the Application and Character & Fitness must be filed simultaneously.

Application for Examination Fees
Application Type Fee
Original Application $475
Re-Application $475
Update of a Previously Filed Application
(for those who are eligible to carry forward from the previous exam)		 $175
Character & Fitness Fees
Character & Fitness Type Fee

Character & Fitness Questionnaire

 $475
Character & Fitness Update Form
(for applicants who are applying for the bar exam and have previously submitted a completed Character & Fitness Questionnaire less than four (4) years ago)		 $175
How much are the fees to apply for Admission Without Examination?
Admission Without Examination
Forms Fee
Application for Admission Without Examination and Character & Fitness Questionnaire. $2500
How much are the fees to apply for the Law Reader Program?
Law Reader Program Application
Forms Fee
Law Reader Program Application and Character & Fitness Questionnaire. $2500
How much are the fees to apply for the Military Legal Assistance Attorney?
Military Legal Assistance Attorney
Forms Fee
Military Legal Assistance Attorney Application and Character & Fitness Questionnaire. $250
How much are the fees to apply for the Military Spouse Provisional Admission?
Military Spouse Provisional Admission
Forms Fee
Military Spouse Provisional Admission Application & Character & Fitness Questionnaire. $400
How much are the fees to apply for a Foreign Legal Consultant?
Foreign Legal Consultant
Forms Fee
Foreign Legal Consultant Application Only (Character & Fitness fee paid directly to NCBE) $1500
How much are the fees to apply as a Virginia State Bar Reinstatement?
Virginia State Bar Reinstatement
Forms Fee
Virginia State Bar Reinstatement Application $300
What are the miscellaneous fees?
Miscellaneous Fees
Fee Type Fee
MBE Score Advisory Request
  • For those seeking a yes/no confirmation on whether their MBE score meets the requirements for a particular jurisdiction
 $30
MBE Score Transfer Request
  • For those wishing to transfer their MBE score to a particular jurisdiction
  • For those who sat concurrently in Virginia and another jurisdiction and desire their MBE score be transferred to such concurrent jurisdiction
 $50
Replacement Certificate $50
Incorrect Payment Fee $50

Forms Submission
How do I obtain an application to apply for the Virginia Bar Exam?

Forms for taking the Virginia Bar Exam are available Online. These forms can be found by clicking - Bar Exam - Applying for Exam - Application. The forms required will be determined by the answers you provide to various questions.

What steps do I take if I decide NOT to sit for the upcoming exam?

All applicants are entitled to carry forward their application for one (1) year. To carry forward your application, you must submit a Request to Carry Forward Form in accordance with Section VI of the Rules of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

How do I notify the Board I have decided NOT to take the upcoming exam I have applied for?

If you are scheduled to sit for the upcoming exam and have decided you do not wish to take the upcoming bar exam, please complete the Request to Carry Forward Form.

This form should be received in our office no later than the Wednesday prior to the bar exam.

Click here to download the form.

I did not sit for the previous bar exam and my application was carried forward. What do I do now?

To be eligible to sit for the upcoming bar exam, you MUST update your application on file in accordance with Section VI of the Rules of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. Approximately six (6) weeks prior to the upcoming filing deadline, you will receive an email containing a password and instructions on how to update your application materials.

How do I obtain an application to apply for Admission Without Examination?

Forms for Admission Without Examination are available Online. These forms can be found by clicking - Admission Without Examination - Application. The forms required will be determined by the answers you provide to various questions.

How do I obtain an application to apply for the Law Reader Program?

Forms for applying to the Law Reader Program are available on our website. The forms required are the Law Reader Application and a Character & Fitness Questionnaire (CFQ). The Law Reader Application and CFQ forms are PDF fillable forms and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the forms. These forms can be found by clicking - Law Reader Program - Application.

How do I obtain an application to apply for the Military Legal Assistance Program?

Forms for applying for the Military Legal Assistance Attorney Program (MLAAP) are available on our website. The forms required are the Military Legal Assistance application and a Character & Fitness Questionnaire (CFQ). The Military Legal Assistance application is a fillable PDF form. The Character & Fitness Questionnaire is available through a downloadable program called the Forms Wizard. The MLAAP & CFQ can be found by clicking - Miscellaneous - Other Applications - Military Legal Assistance.

How do I obtain an application to apply for a Foreign Legal Consultant Certificate?

The application for the Foreign Legal Consultant is available on our website. To apply you must complete the Foreign Legal Consultant application which is available on our website in a PDF fillable form. You must also simultaneously request the preparation of a Character Report from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). The Foreign Legal Consultant application, as well as a link to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, can be found by clicking - Miscellaneous - Other Applications - Foreign Legal Consultant.

How do I obtain an application to apply as a Virginia State Bar Reinstatement Candidate?

Forms to apply as a Virginia State Bar Reinstatement candidate are available on our website. The Virginia Reinstatement Candidate application is a fillable PDF form and can be found by clicking - Miscellaneous - Other Applications - Virginia Reinstatement Candidate.

How do I amend/update my application and/or Character & Fitness form?

Click here to access the Amendment to an Application and/or Character & Fitness Form

Do I need special software to complete the forms?

All forms to apply for the bar exam and for admission without examination are available through our Online forms program. No special software required, although Internet access is needed. Various PDF forms may be required and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the PDF forms.

How do I complete a PDF form?

All PDF application forms are fillable and can be completed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. PDF fillable forms must be completed and printed. There is no save function available for you to save your answers.

NOTE: MAC® users may have some problems trying to complete PDF forms with Preview. If so, please download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Will I need a printer?

Yes. All application forms must be printed, signed, notarized and delivered to the Office of the Secretary, Virginia Board of Bar Examiners, 2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23220.

Will I need an internet connection?

Yes. Our VBBE Online Forms are web-based and an internet connection is required. When using the online forms, additional information and forms will be available through various links, and an internet connection is also needed to access those links.

I am having problems with the VBBE Online Forms.

If you have any difficulties with VBBE Online Forms, click the "Contact Support" at the top left of any interview page, complete the information requested, and you will be contacted within 48 hours. If you prefer, you may contact our VBBE Online Forms Admin at (804) 367-0412.

••• IMPORTANT ••• Uploading of an application does NOT constitute timely filing your application.

Submitting an application using the VBBE Online Forms does NOT constitute timely filing your application with the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners in accordance with § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

If your PRINTED application is not actually received in the Secretary's office by the filing deadline (May 10 for the July exam; December 15 for the February exam), it may be deemed to be timely filed only if it has been transmitted expense prepaid to the Office of the Secretary of the Board by Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service, or by a third party commercial carrier for Next-Day Delivery, and the official receipt therefor issued by the United States Postal Service or by such third party commercial carrier, which shall be exhibited on demand of the Secretary, shows such transmission or mailing to the Secretary's office on or before the prescribed deadline.

Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service or Next-Day Delivery by a third party commercial carrier are the ONLY methods of transmission or mailing authorized by the statute. Thus, an application sent by any other form of mail, such as First Class mail, CANNOT be accepted if it is received after the filing deadline, even if it is postmarked before.

Application forms should be filed no more than 90 days prior to the filing deadline, but must be filed by the statutory filing deadline in accordance with § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia.

Send all applications to:
Office of the Secretary
Virginia Board of Bar Examiners
2201 W. Broad Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23220


Laptop Program
What is the Laptop Program?

The laptop program offers all timely filed bar exam applicants the option to use their laptop computers for the essay portion of the Virginia Bar Exam instead of handwriting the essay portion. In order to participate in the laptop program, one must timely register, pay the current fee (see below) and download special software during the time period allotted. All bar exam applicants who timely and properly register for the laptop program will be allowed to participate.

When can I register for the Laptop Program?

Laptop registration begins the second Wednesday of January for the February exam, and the second Wednesday of June for the July exam. The initial registration period extends for 10 days. Late registration, with increased fee, extends until the last day of the month such registration began.

What happens if I miss the Laptop Registration?

You will handwrite the essay portion of the Virginia Bar Exam.

What are the requirements my computer must meet?

Click here for the Extegrity Exam4 computer hardware and operating system requirements.

Must have a working USB port on your computer.

Must have 10 MB free hard disk space (a very small amount), and minimum 800x600 screen resolution.

Must be able to download the software from the Internet and install it on your laptop.

Must have a fully charged battery on the day of the exam.

What is the cost for the Laptop Program?

The cost for participating in the laptop program is $125 during the initial registration period. Late registration (available after the 10th day and until the end of the month registration began) is an additional $50.

The fee covers software licensing plus the additional administrative costs associated with administration of the Laptop Program.

How do I register and pay for the Laptop Program?

On the day laptop registration begins, a link will be posted on our website which will take you to the software provider's site for instructions on how to register, pay and download the software.

All payments must be made through Extegrity.

What happens if my computer crashes?

If your laptop crashes prior to the exam, you can obtain a new laptop and download the software onto your laptop up until the Friday before the bar exam.

If your computer has any type of hardware or software problem on the day of the exam, the software technical staff is authorized to make a reasonable effort to resolve it. However, if the problem cannot be resolved easily, or if there is a site power failure, you must be willing to continue taking the examination by handwriting your answers using a pen with dark blue or black ink. You will be permitted to continue handwriting your answers, beginning at the point where you were when your computer malfunctioned. After the session, every attempt will be made to retrieve your answer(s) from your hard drive. The laptop software is designed to protect your work, and it is very likely the data can be recovered, but it is not guaranteed. No extra exam time will be granted in the event your computer malfunctions.

What happens if I register for the Laptop Program and decide not to take the exam or decide instead to handwrite the exam?

Laptop fees are nonrefundable, nor may they be applied to a subsequent administration of the exam.

For those who now wish to handwrite, if you notify us no later than the Thursday prior to the exam, you will be moved to the room where the applicants will be handwriting the exam. If you notify us after the Thursday prior to the exam, or fail to notify us until the day of the exam, you will be seated in the room where the applicants will be using their laptops and you will be provided paper to handwrite your answers.

Why does the software require I take a practice exam?

Taking a practice exam is about making sure Exam4 runs as expected on your computer, and it gives you a chance to become familiar with the interface. The way to test the software is to follow the software vendor's instructions for taking a practice exam. There are no questions for a practice exam.

Is cut, copy & paste allowed?

Yes. Starting with the July 2010 exam, the cut, copy and paste features are no longer disabled.

What is the approximate timeline for laptop testing?

Laptop participants must arrive by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday to set up your laptop. Instructions will be given at approximately 8:45 a.m. and the morning session of the exam will begin around 9:00 and end around 12:00 noon. All laptop participants must stay until time has been called and your exams have been submitted.

Afternoon instructions will begin at approximately 1:45, and the afternoon session of the exam will begin around 2:00 and end around 5:00.

Do I need a floppy disk drive?

No. Your essay answers will be saved on a USB drive, which will be provided. You must have a working USB port on your computer in order to save your essays.

Will I have to pack up my laptop during lunch?

No. The laptop room will either be staffed at all times or locked. You will not need to pack up your equipment during lunch.

Will the essay questions be on the computer or in paper form?

The essay questions will be on paper. Only your answers will be typed into the computer.

Will the multiple choice answers be handwritten or on the computer?

The multiple choice questions are part of the afternoon essay exam. You will select your answers in the multiple choice section of the Exam4 software.

Will scratch paper and pencils be provided?

The front cover of your essay questions may be used for scratch paper. No additional paper will be provided unless you experience laptop problems and you need to handwrite your exam.

Does my extension cord need to be a 2 or 3-prong plug?

Either a 2 or 3-prong plug will be sufficient.

If my computer power cord is 10 feet long, do I need to bring an extension cord?

Yes, you must bring at least a 6-foot extension cord. Power outlets will be within approximately 6-8 feet of each seat. To ensure that no one has to step over a power cord that is suspended in the air, you must have sufficient extension cord length.

Is the MBE going to be taken on the laptop also?

No, the MBE will be a standardized test where you grid circles using a #2 pencil. You will be seated in your same seats on Wednesday for the MBE section.

May I carry my laptop in my carrying case or backpack?

No laptop carrying cases or backpacks will be allowed. Place your laptop, power cord and extension cord in a large clear plastic bag (Ziploc Big-Bags are available in your grocery store).

May I bring any laptop accessories?

No. These accessories are not allowed: An external keyboard, mouse, laptop sleeve/protector, adapters, etc.

Are there questions for the practice exam?

There are NO practice questions. The practice exam is for you to become acquainted with using the software, to make sure your computer passes the security check. Just make up an Exam ID and type anything in each answer section so you're comfortable typing your essay answers.

Must I remove all floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, etc. from any of the drives on my computer?

Yes. Violation of these instructions could result in disqualification of your exam.

Do I have to remove all bar exam study materials, including law school study materials, outlines, notes, etc. from my computer?

Yes, all study materials related to the bar exam, no matter what the source, must be removed from any drive on your computer. To keep these items for future use, you should copy all items to a USB or external hard drive before deleting.


MPRE Information
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination

Before being licensed to practice law in Virginia, an applicant must submit evidence to the Board that he or she has, within two calendar years of the time he or she passes the Virginia Bar Exam, achieved a scaled score of 85 or better on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination administered by the designee of the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

The MPRE is a sixty-question, two-hour, multiple choice test given in March, August, and November of each year at various locations across the country.

Test Date Regular Application Receipt Deadline Late Application Receipt Deadline
Link to dates Link to dates Link to dates

*For more information, go to the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) section of the National Conference of Bar Examiners' website. For additional contact information click here.


Other Applications
Other Applications

Scoring
When are the results of the Bar Exam released?

On the results page of this website you will find the date when we expect to be able to release the results of the most recent Bar Exam. A list of passing applicants will be posted on that page in alphabetical order at the same time formal notice is mailed to each person who has taken the examination. Please note that the expected release date may be delayed if persons telephone the Secretary's office to inquire about the release date, thus interrupting the processing and checking of examination scores.

How is the essay portion of the exam graded?

Immediately following the exam each examiner reads and assigns preliminary scores to a sample of the essay answers. The examiners then meet with professors from the approved Virginia law schools to discuss the essay questions and the answers proposed by the examiners. The law school representatives often suggest alternative approaches to answering some of the questions, which the examiners consider and adopt if appropriate. Following the meeting with the professors, the examiners reach a consensus on grading guidelines for each question. They then return to their respective offices where they and the graders working under their supervision assign raw scores to the exam answers in accordance with the grading guidelines. The raw scores are then submitted by applicant number to the Secretary's office, where the staff records them.

How is the multistate portion (MBE) of the Virginia exam scored?

Immediately following the exam the multistate answer sheets are sent to American College Testing, contractor for the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which scores the answer sheets in accordance with an answer key developed by the testing committees of the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The exam is then equated with a standard exam to attempt to ensure that an MBE given in one year is of the same degree of difficulty as one given in another. This results in a scaled score which is returned by applicant number to the Secretary's office. Virginia uses these scaled scores in combination with the scores on the essay/short answer portion of the exam to determine which applicants should be admitted to the Virginia bar.

Does Virginia have a minimum passing score on either portion of the exam?

No. Virginia combines your scores on both portions of the exam to determine whether you pass. Your MBE scaled score counts for 40% of your combined score and your essay/short answer scaled score counts for 60%. A total scaled score of 140 is considered the minimum passing score. You may score above 140 on one portion and below 140 on the other, but if the total scaled score is 140 or above, you will pass.

How are the scores on the essay and multistate portions of the exam combined to determine my score?
MBE Score

The MBE has 200 multiple choice questions, and an applicant's raw score is the number of questions answered correctly. Because questions asked at one administration of the MBE may prove to be, on the average, more difficult than those asked on some other administration, MBE raw scores are equated and converted to scaled scores to adjust for such differences. This procedure is designed so that it will be no harder or easier to earn a given MBE scaled score on one administration of the MBE than on any other administration of this part of the bar exam.

Essay Score

Each essay answer is graded on a 10-point scale, and each of the ten short answers is graded right or wrong. Each correct short answer is worth 1 point. Thus, the maximum essay raw score is 100 points: (10 points x 9 essay questions) + (1 point times 10 short answer questions).

As a group, the essay and short answer questions asked on one administration of the Virginia Bar Exam could be harder or easier than those asked at another time. To adjust for these differences, the essay raw scores are converted to the same scale of measurement as that used to report the MBE scaled scores. As a result of this step, the average essay scaled score in Virginia will be equal to the average MBE scaled score. This method is designed to permit the passing standard to remain as constant as possible from one exam to the next, so that an applicant is neither rewarded nor penalized for having taken one exam or another.

Minimum Passing Total Scaled Score

In the course of grading the essay questions over a number of past examinations, the Examiners have reached a consensus on the level of performance necessary for an applicant to demonstrate his or her minimum competency to practice law in Virginia. On the basis of this evaluation, the Board has determined that it is necessary for an applicant to achieve a total scaled score of 140 in order to pass the Virginia Bar Exam.

Total Scaled Score

The Board of Bar Examiners has determined that the essay scaled score should carry 60% of the weight of the examination and the multistate scaled score should be allocated 40%. Accordingly, the formula is:

Total Scaled Score = (.40 x MBE scaled score) + (.60 x essay scaled score).

If I pass the exam, why doesn't the Board tell me my exact score instead of just notifying me that I passed?

Since the exam is designed to measure minimum competency, it is not intended to rank the applicants who achieve higher than the minimum passing score. A high score on a minimum competency exam can be misleading and has no meaningful value. If you fail the exam, the Board will disclose your scores so that you can use the information in your efforts to prepare better for a future Virginia exam.

Can I have my exam answers re-graded if my score is close to passing?

This is done automatically. At the conclusion of the initial grading and combining of essay and MBE scores, the Board meets to regrade the essay and short answer papers of those applicants whose initial total scaled score is near but below the minimum passing score. The Board regrades the essay papers of approximately ten percent of those applicants whose initial total scaled score is near but below the minimum passing score of 140. The Board may determine that the overall quality of an applicant's answers may adequately demonstrate minimum competence, resulting in that applicant achieving the minimum passing score. After the regrading, all scores are final and not appealable. All grading is done anonymously.

I failed the exam. Can I talk with an examiner?

Many applicants, for one reason or another, may fail the exam on a first attempt but pass comfortably on the second. Frequently success requires only more serious study and preparation, and the Board members are unable to meet with applicants who have failed only once. However, after an applicant has failed on two or more occasions, the Secretary of the Board will, upon request, review the applicant's essay answers from the past exam and talk with the applicant to attempt to identify weaknesses which may become apparent from the previous answers. The Secretary will not review individual answers with an applicant or discuss or debate scores on those answers. Rather the purpose is to help an applicant identify, from a grader's perspective, areas needing improvement.

Only one conference per applicant is permitted. Please note that essay answers are retained only for one year from the date the examination was taken.

  • For those who have failed a July exam and a previous exam, requests for a conference must be received by November 15th.
  • For those who have failed a February exam and a previous exam, requests for a conference must be received by May 15th.

When making a request for a conference, please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, and an email address. Also include all exams on which you have been unsuccessful. You may mail your request, or you may fax it to 804-367-0416.


VBBE Online Forms
Will I need an internet connection?

Yes. To access VBBE Online forms, an active internet connection is required at all times. VBBE Online Forms can be accessed with any of the following browsers:

Windows: Internet Explorer 8+, Google Chrome 13+, Firefox 6+
Mac: Safari 5+, Google Chrome 13+, Firefox 6+

How do I access the VBBE Online Forms?

You access VBBE Online Forms from our website in STEP 3 on the Application Filing Instructions page.

New User Registration:

  • Register: Click "No Account? Register Now" to create an account, User ID and Password.


  • Enter Required Information: Provide your First and Last Name, Email, User ID and Password. Click the "Create" button.


  • Log In: Enter your User ID and Password then click the "Log In" button.

How do I access the VBBE Online Forms after registration?

Log In: Enter your User ID and Password and click "Log In" button.

How do I save my answers?

Your answers are automatically saved. 



Will I need a printer?

Yes. All application forms must be printed, signed, notarized and delivered to the Office of the Secretary, Virginia Board of Bar Examiners, 2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23220.

Where can I get help with the VBBE Online Forms?

For basic help with the interview system, select "Help" in the upper right corner of your interview. Throughout the VBBE Online forms you will see a light bulb .  By clicking on the , additional resource information is provided in regard to that question.


If you need additional assistance, please contact our VBBE Online Forms Admin at (804) 367-0412 or choose "Contact Support" at the top left of any interview page.

The trouble I am having using the VBBE Online Forms is not listed here.

If you need additional assistance, please contact our VBBE Online Forms Admin at (804) 367-0412 or choose "Contact Support" at the top left of any interview page.