Massachusetts
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 July 2020 Bar Exam: Jurisdiction Information for more information.
The information provided on this page is drawn from the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements ("Guide"). 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. NOTE: The Guide is updated on an annual basis, while the website is updated throughout the year. The website supersedes the Guide where the two differ. (Website jurisdiction information last updated Aug 18, 2020.)
UBE Adoption
- UBE Adoption: Yes
- UBE First Administration Date: July 2018
- UBE Minimum Passing Score: 270
- UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5
Admission on Transferred UBE Score
- Admission on Transferred UBE Score: Yes
- Effective Date: March 2018
- Minimum Score: 270
- Maximum Score Age: 36 months, See Chart 5
- Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5
- UBE Score Services
Massachusetts 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: 85
- 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 Massachusetts:
- Attorney - Admission On Motion
Bar Admission Agency
Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners
John Adams Courthouse
One Pemberton Square, Suite 5-140
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 482-4466
Fax: (617) 542-5943
Email: bbeinfo@jud.state.ma.us
Visit Website
Bar Admission Guide
Information on bar
admission requirements
and directory of state
bar admission agencies