Bar Exam Application
The WSBA requires applicants for the bar exam to file their applications electronically using the Online Admissions System. Applications for the Washington Bar Exam are to be completed and filed online by the application filing deadline. You are required to have an email address in order to access the online application site. Email will be the WSBA's primary communication method with you. In addition to filing the application, you will be able to update your contact information, track the progress of your application, and receive important information about your application. Prior versions of the application will NOT be accepted. This Sample Application has the questions that will be included in the online application. This hard-copy sample application is for preparation purposes only and will not be accepted for applying for the exam.
In addition to filing the application and paying the application fee online, you must deliver, or have postmarked, to the WSBA Admissions Office by the application filing deadline:
- 3 original signed and notarized Authorization & Releases;
- 2 original Good Moral Character Certificates;
- all supporting documentation not uploaded with the application;
- 1 original Certificate of Good Standing from each jurisdiction if admitted to practice elsewhere; and
- the application fee and payment form if paying by check.
All documents filed with the WSBA must include your Applicant ID Number. It is preferable that documents and files attached to the application be in PDF format. Please format files so that they are as small as possible.
Additional information is provided in our Application Instructions for Admission.
Application Fees
Student Applicants (not admitted in any jurisdiction): $585
U.S. or Foreign Jurisdiction-Licensed Attorneys: $620 + NCBE investigation fee
Late-Filing Fee (Non-refundable): $300
All attorney applicants must submit a separate investigation fee directly to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, using the form provided on the online application site.
Application Deadlines and Exam Dates
The Bar examination is administered twice a year: in the winter during the last week of February and in the summer during the last week of July.
Note: Washington strongly favors resolution of all character and fitness issues prior to sitting for the bar exam. Applicants with unresolved character and fitness issues may not be permitted to sit for the exam. Therefore, applicants who answer yes to questions 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 20A, 21, 24, and/or 25 on the application or disclose any information that may raise an issue of character or fitness are strongly encouraged to file their applications early in the registration period.
Summer Bar Exam July 30-31, 2013
This exam will be administered in Tacoma, WA and will be Washington's first administration of the Uniform Bar Exam.
MPT/MEE |
July 30, 2013 |
MBE |
July 31, 2013 |
Applications Accepted Beginning |
March 1, 2013
|
Application Filing Deadline |
April 1, 2013 (received by)
|
Late Filing Deadline** |
May 1, 2013 (received by)
|
ExamSoft (laptop) Registration |
June 7, 2013 – July 12, 2013 |
Exam Results Posted Online |
T.B.D. |
Pass List Posted |
T.B.D. |
**Late filing requires payment of a $300 late filing fee**
Winter Bar Exam: February 25 & 26, 2014
This exam will be administered in Tacoma, WA.
MPT/MEE |
February 25, 2014 |
MBE |
February 26, 2014 |
Applications Accepted Beginning |
September 1, 2013 |
Application Filing Deadline* |
October 28, 2013 (received by) |
Late Filing Deadline** |
November 27, 2013 (received by) |
ExamSoft (laptop) Registration |
T.B.D |
Exam Results Posted Online |
T.B.D. |
Pass List Posted for the Public |
T.B.D |
**Late filing requires payment of a $300 late filing fee**
Bar Exam Location
The bar exam is held in Tacoma, WA, at the
Tacoma Convention Center.
ADA Accommodation Requests
If you have a medical, physical, or cognitive disability, you may request that the bar examination be administered under reasonable special conditions to accommodate your needs. You must make your request via the online admissions application site no less than 40 days prior to the first day of the examination and you must support your request with medical documentation.
Special Requests
Standard tables and chairs are provided at the bar exam. Additional items such as pillows, chairs, or special foods or medication that you need to take into the exam room must be requested online at least 18 days in advance of the bar exam and be supported with a doctor's statement. See also the Bar Exam Security Policy.
Application Addendum
If you need to update or change any answer on your application, you must notify the WSBA Admissions office using the online supplemental information tool.
What to Expect at the Exam Site
Registration
- The WSBA Admissions Office does not issue advance admission tickets. You will be required to show a valid picture ID at the time of registration to obtain a seating card.
Meal and Beverage Planning
- You have one hour to get lunch, eat, and return to your seat for the next exam session.
- Coffee, tea and water are provided at the exam site.
- You are not permitted to bring outside beverages into the testing rooms.
Attire
Smoking
- You cannot smoke inside the exam site buildings.
Items for Sale
Bar Exam Security Policy
The Bar Exam Security Policy provides important information about examination day do's and don'ts. Review these policies before the examination dates; they are strictly enforced.
If you do bring prohibited items to the exam, you will be asked to leave those items at your own risk in a non-secure area designated by the WSBA and the testing facility.
Hotel Information
The following hotels have given special rates to applicants taking the Washington State Bar Examination. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible, as space is limited. When making your reservations, you must mention that you are a Washington State Bar Exam applicant.
Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway Plaza
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-238-8000
Courtyard Tacoma Downtown Hotel
1515 Commerce St.
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-591-9100
Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel
2611 East E St.
Tacoma, WA 98421
253-272-7737
La Quinta Tacoma Hotel
1425 East 27th St.
Tacoma, WA 98421
253-383-0146
Bar Review Courses
The Washington State Bar Association does not endorse, approve, recommend, or rate any bar review courses. Please do not contact us for information or names of course providers.
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