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.
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 Mar 25, 2021.)
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
- The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): Yes
- The Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Yes
- Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam: No
MPRE Requirements
- MPRE Required: Yes
- MPRE Minimum Passing Score: 80
- MPRE Score Time Parameters: See Chart 6
- MPRE Score Services
Character and Fitness Investigations
NCBE provides character and fitness services for the following applicant types in Iowa:
- Attorney
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
Visit Website
Bar Admission Online Guide
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