Iowa

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Iowa has announced that it intends to first administer the NextGen bar exam in July 2027. Visit https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen to learn more about the new exam. 

Iowa requires the following NCBE exams: MBE, MEE, MPT, and MPRE. Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store to purchase the Bar Exam Everything Value Pack which includes MBE, MEE, and MPT study aids; and MPRE study aids to help prepare for Iowa exams. 

Bar Admission Agency
Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees
ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required
Yes
Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility
No
Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines
Details

April 1

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Nov. 1

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Bar Exam Application Filing Fees
Details
UBE Adoption
UBE Adoption
Yes
UBE First Administration Date
UBE Minimum Passing Score
266
UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component
No
Character & Fitness Investigations

NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.

Character & Fitness Services for IA
Admission on Earned or Transferred Bar Exam Score
UBE Minimum Score
266
Non-UBE Minimum Score - Admission on Transferred UBE Score
Yes
Effective Date
Maximum Score Age
2 years/5 years
Details
UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component
No
MPRE Requirements
MPRE Required
Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score
80
MPRE Score Time Parameters
Details
Bar Exam Components
Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
Yes
Accepts Transferred MBE Scores
No
Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
Yes
Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
Yes
Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam
No

Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official test prep materials

Admission on Motion
Rules Provide for Admission on Motion
Yes
Details
Legal Education and Reciprocity Requirements
Details
Number of Years of Practice Required
5 of past 7

Disclaimer

Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, NCBE strongly advises consulting the jurisdiction's bar admission agency directly for the most current information.