Iowa

IMPORTANT: Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, you are strongly advised to consult the jurisdiction's bar admission agency directly for the most current information. Note that many jurisdictions are making emergency changes to rules, policies, and exam administrations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit NCBE COVID-19 Updates for more information.

Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements Cover

The information provided on this page is drawn from the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements. Links are provided to specific charts in the Guide; each chart is followed by jurisdiction-specific supplemental remarks. Please consult both the chart and its remarks for complete information. (Information last updated Apr 11, 2022.)

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

  • ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required: Yes
  • Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility: No
  • Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines: See Chart 7
  • Bar Exam Application Fees: See Chart 7

UBE Adoption

  • UBE Adoption: Yes
  • UBE First Administration Date: February 2016
  • UBE Minimum Passing Score: 266
  • UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component: No

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: Yes
  • Effective Date: December 2015
  • Minimum Score: 266
  • Maximum Score Age: 2 years/5 years, See Chart 5
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Component: No
  • UBE Score Services

Iowa Bar Exam Components

  • The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): Yes
    • Accepts Transferred MBE Scores: No
  • The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): Yes
  • The Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Yes
  • Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam: No

MPRE Requirements

Character and Fitness Investigations

NCBE provides character and fitness services for the following applicant types in Iowa:

  • Attorney
View Character and Fitness Services for Iowa

Admission on Motion

  • Admission on Motion: Yes See Chart 14 and Chart 15
  • Number of Years of Practice Required: 5 of past 7

Change Jurisdiction

Bar Admission Agency
Iowa Board of Law Examiners
Office of Professional Regulation

Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone: (515) 348-4670

Fax: (515) 348-4698

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Bar Admission Online Guide

Jurisdiction-specific bar admission requirements 
and directory of state bar admission agencies.