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Michigan Law Schools

MBE (Multi-State Bar Examination)

If an applicant has taken the Multi-state portion of the exam in another state, is there provision for transfer of the score? If the other state accepts transfer of MBE scores written in Michigan, a passing MBE score obtained within three years may transfer from that state. The applicant is still required to sit for the essay portion of the Michigan examination and must achieve a passing score as determined by a combination of the scores of the two portions of the examination. See MCL 600.934(3).

Transferring MBE score to Michigan from another jurisdiction:

You may transfer the scaled MBE score you achieved in another jurisdiction during the immediately preceding three years. The other jurisdiction must certify to the BLE:

  • the date you took the MBE
  • that you passed the entire bar examination of which that MBE was a part
  • the MBE scaled score you achieved
  • that the jurisdiction that administered that MBE affords a reciprocal transfer right to Michigan residents seeking admission to the bar of that jurisdiction

You are responsible for having information from another jurisdiction certified to the BLE. Use Form F-2 for this purpose. You must also notify the BLE, by letter to the Board, of your intent to transfer your MBE score, no later than May 15 for the July examination and December 15 for the February examination. This written notice of intent to transfer an MBE score is a necessary precondition to perfect your right to transfer your MBE score to Michigan. Additional information may be found at the NCBE website.

Transferring MBE score from Michigan to another jurisdiction:

The State Board of Law Examiners and the National Conference of Bar Examiners hold MBE scores. The State Board of Law Examiners will respond to a written request to transfer your results to another jurisdiction.

State Board of Law Examiners
P.O. Box 30052
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-4453

MPRE (Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination)

Does it matter where or when an applicant has taken the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination? No.

Prior to admission by examination, an applicant must successfully pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Beginning with the July 2009 Michigan bar examination, applicants taking the bar examination as first-time takers must receive a scaled score of 85 on the MPRE to be certified by the Board. An applicant need not have graduated from law school in order to take the MPRE and the MPRE may be taken an unlimited number of times.

The MPRE is administered by NCBE. To find out about testing dates and locations, submit requests for testing accommodations, register to take the exam, or request an official MPRE score report, visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners, MPRE Application Department at (608) 280-8550.

Request a Copy of Your Character & Fitness Application or File

Applicants who completed their applications at https://barapp.michbar.org/ can obtain a copy of their Affidavit of Personal History by logging back into the applicant portal.

Complete Character & Fitness files may be obtained by CURRENT applicants by submitting this request form and fee, Please click here for information.

A certified copy of the Affidavit of Personal History (often used when applying to another State Bar) may be ordered by applicants or members who sat for the Michigan Bar Exam. Please click here for information.

Please contact Character & Fitness for additional assistance (517) 346-6346.