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FAQ – First Time Bar Exam

First Time Bar Exam Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some FAQ relating to first-time bar exam and re-examination applications. Please also see FAQ for All Applicants.

What is the minimum passing score for NM admission?

A scaled UBE score of 260.

What is the minimum passing MPRE score for NM admission?

A scaled score of 80.

Do I have to fill out a new application to retake the bar exam if I have already applied and taken the exam in New Mexico?

Yes. A new application is required for each administration of the bar exam.

How will I know if I’ve been approved to sit for the exam?

You will receive a message indicating that you are approved to sit for the exam via the online portal.  Please note that you may not receive this message until approximately one month before the exam. 

What is the fee for taking the exam?

The fee to take the exam is $750.  Please note there is an additional $500 late fee after May 1st for the July exam and November 1st for the February exam.

What is the fee for retaking the exam?

The fee to retake the exam is either $500.00 or $750.00.  The reduced $500.00 fee applies only to an applicant who has only ever taken the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) one time, regardless of the state where the applicant took the exam.  Please note there is an additional $500.00 late fee after May 1st for the July exam and November 1st for the February exam.

What information is needed for me to be approved to sit for the bar exam?

To be eligible to sit, all applicants must have submitted: all necessary fees, a full NCBE character and fitness application, all necessary releases, a full and complete credit report, all transcripts and law school certification forms, three character and fitness references, Certificates of Good Standing (if applicable), and Disciplinary histories (if applicable).

When will I be approved to sit and is there a deadline?

You will be approved to sit not later than thirty (30) days before the exam. All applicants must be qualified to sit not later than thirty (30) days before the exam or the application will be deemed abandoned. To be eligible to sit, all applicants must have submitted: all necessary fees, a full NCBE character and fitness application, all necessary releases, a full and complete credit report, all transcripts and law school certification forms, three character and fitness references, Certificates of Good Standing (if applicable), and Disciplinary histories (if applicable).

How many times can I take the exam if I have failed?

There are no limits on the number of times you can retake the exam after failing the New Mexico bar exam.

Do I have to resubmit all documents such as my transcript, law school certification form, and redo my fingerprints if I am retaking the exam?

No. Please review the “Steps after Application Acceptance” for information on what documents need to be resubmitted for re-examination.   

When should I submit my fingerprints?

You can get fingerprinted prior to submitting your application. You have one year from the time you submit your application to us to get fingerprinted. Instructions on the fingerprint process are on our website.  Your file will not be reviewed for character and fitness until your criminal background check is received by us.

What happens if I have applied to take the bar exam and due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to take the exam?

Please note there are no refunds or deferrals of application fees.

If I have not taken the required NM Law Class, how do I register? Is there a fee for the class?

The NM Law Class is available online and can be taken on the day and time or your choosing.  There is no fee to take the class. Please review the NM Law Class page on our website for additional information. 

What content will be tested on the Uniform Bar Exam?

The Uniform Bar Exam is comprised of 200 Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) multiple-choice questions, six Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions, and two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) items. A complete description of the subject matter tested on each segment of the Uniform Bar Exam (MBE, MEE, MPT) is available at www.ncbex.org/exams/.

Is my file reviewed by the character and fitness committee before or after the bar exam?

Bar exam applications will be reviewed for character and fitness before, during, and after the exam. After results are made public, those examinees who have passed will be contacted with regard to any character and fitness related issues. All efforts will be made to conduct interviews prior to the swearing-in ceremony to allow eligible applicants to be sworn-in expeditiously. Unsuccessful examinees with character and fitness issues will not be contacted or interviewed.

Is there a limit to the number of examinees New Mexico will allow to sit for the exam?

Yes. We allow up to 250 examinees per exam, regardless of the deadline date.  The examinee limit is not likely to affect the February exam.  For the July exam, if we reach the limit of 250 examinees, the application link will no longer be active and we will post a link to add yourself to the waitlist in the event another applicant withdraws.  The waitlist is first come, first served.  No examinee will be allowed to apply after June 1st of each year for the July exam, and no one will be moved from the waitlist to the approved examinee list after June 1st.  All late fee deadlines apply regardless of whether an applicant was waitlisted or not and is based on the date an application is filed.

Can I take the exam in New Mexico to transfer my score to another state?

New Mexico does not allow courtesy seating.  The Board and New Mexico Supreme Court expect that, if you take the exam in New Mexico, you are intending on being licensed in New Mexico.  Nothing prevents you, however, from transferring that score to another UBE state, depending on that state’s rules and regulations. 

If I pass the exam in New Mexico, can I take the exam again in New Mexico to get a higher score for another state?

No. We do not allow courtesy seating.

Exam Day Administration Questions

What happens if I arrive late to a portion of the bar exam?

An applicant who arrives late for any exam period shall not be allowed to sit for the remainder of the exam.

Can I bring my cell phone into the building and leave it with staff/proctors?

No. Bringing your cell phone, or any other prohibited item, may result in the item being confiscated and the applicant may be called before the Board’s character and fitness committee.

Can an external keyboard or mouse be used?

Yes. You are allowed to bring one mouse and/or one keyboard.  Any approved items that are brought into the exam room may be inspected by our proctors or security.

May I use earplugs?

The Board of Bar Examiners will provide earplugs for every examinee.

May I wear a head covering?

Examinees are not permitted to wear a head covering during the exam session except for religious or medical reasons. Religious headwear and other religiously necessary items are permitted during the exam. In the lead-up to the examination date, we ask examinees to let us know that they will be wearing such items so we can notify the proctors by emailing info@nmexam.org.

May I eat or drink during the exam?

You are allowed to bring one beverage in a clear container with a sealable lid. Food is not permitted in the exam room.

Will technical support be available for laptop users?

Yes.  Our exam software provider will have technical assistance available on-site during each exam session.

What happens if my computer crashes or malfunctions during the exam?

Examsoft’s technicians will attempt to restart your computer or the program.  If necessary, you will be asked to complete your exam by handwriting.

How will I schedule my Lyft/Uber to or from the exam if I do not have my cell phone?

Applicants who are taking Lyft/Uber should schedule transportation before leaving for the testing site. Alternatively, applicants can order and arrange for a cab at the conclusion of each exam day.

Post Examination Questions

When will I know my results?

Results will be received after the NCBE and the NMBBE complete the grading process. Results are normally posted around two months after the exam. Please do not call or email or ask other people to call or email to inquire as to the status of your results. Results will be communicated when they are complete.

How will I know whether I passed?

We send you a message in the online portal with information on whether you have passed and your score(s). The pass list will also be posted on our website here: nmexam.org/services-resources/bar-exam-results/

If I pass the exam, when will I be licensed?

We do not give a timeline for completion of any applicant’s licensure because the applicant must complete any necessary steps to conclude the character and fitness evaluation and the Supreme Court must approve the applicant for swearing-in and the signing of the Roll of Attorneys.

What are the final steps to become a licensed attorney after I pass the exam?

You will fill out a New Attorney Form, and your name will be sent to the New Mexico Supreme Court. Currently, the Supreme Court anticipates requiring all examinees to attend an in-person swearing-in ceremony. At the swearing-in ceremony, you will take the Attorney’s Oath and sign the Roll of Attorneys.

When will I get my wall license and/or State Bar Number?

When possible, we distribute wall licenses during the swearing-in ceremony.  If your license is not ready for the ceremony, it will be mailed to you. Your state bar number is assigned by the New Mexico State Bar. Please do not contact this office or the Supreme Court clerk’s office seeking an update on the issuance of the licenses and/or state bar numbers. We cannot arrange to expedite your licensure.