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
Applicants for July 2013 who previously passed the substantive portion within 25 months of July 2013 and failed the PR portion in February 2013 will pay $300.
Applicants for July 2013 who previously failed the substantive portion and passed the PR portion within 25 months of July 2013 will pay either the full general or attorney application fee (see amounts above).
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.
Winter Bar Exam: February 26, 27 and 28, 2013
This exam will be administered in Tacoma, WA.
| Substantive Exam |
February 26 and 27, 2013 |
| Professional Responsibility Exam |
February 28, 2013 |
| Applications Accepted Beginning |
October 1, 2012 |
| Application Filing Deadline* |
October 29, 2012 (received by) |
| Late Filing Deadline** |
November 28, 2012 (received by) |
| ExamSoft (laptop) Registration |
January 11, 2013-February 8, 2013 |
| Exam Results Posted Online |
April 26, 2013 at 12:01 a.m. PDT |
| Pass List Posted for the Public |
April 27, 2013 |
**Late filing requires payment of a $300 late filing fee**
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**
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, or rate any bar review courses. The following information is provided as a convenience to the public and at the request of each course sponsor:
AmeriBar Bar Review
Alex Nakis, Director
(800) 529-2651
www.ameribar.com
support@ameribar.com
alex@ameribar.com
Complete self study bar review courses, unlimited essay critiques, 1-on-1 tutoring, and free MPRE course with unmatched customer service and results.
BARBRI Bar Review of Washington
3513 NE 45th, Ste 3E
Seattle, WA 98105
206-329-5250
Email: wa.bar@barbri.com
Website: www.barbri.com
Starting summer 2013: UBE & MPRE Live, Video & Home Study classes. Over 1,000,000 law students over the last 45 years have chosen BARBRI’s unmatched experience
Kaplan Bar Review
395 Hudson St
New York, NY 10014
(800) 523-0777
www.kaplanbarreview.com
Washington Regional Director: Christine Salib, Esq.
email: christine.salib@kaplan.com
Kaplan offers classroom courses in Seattle and Spokane as well as an on-demand course that allows applicants to study on their own. Kaplan's Complete Washington Bar Review Course prepares applicants for all sections of the UBE exam including the MBE, MEE, and MPT. We also offer a free MPRE course that can be accessed at www.kaplanbarreview.com/MPRE . For more information please contact the main office or the Washington Regional Director listed above.
Tesdahl's Bar Review
Attn. Ben Tesdahl
6231 N.W. Lupin Wy.
Vancouver, WA 98663
800-269-1455
Email: tesdahl@tesdahl.com
Website: www.tesdahl.com
Complete home study courses and professional responsibility courses
Rigos Bar Review
230 Skinner Building
1326 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-624-0716
Email: Jim@rigos.net
Website: www.BarReviewCourse.com
Live, part-live/part-self-study with tapes, and all self-study substantive and professional responsibility courses.
Themis Bar Review
Director of Washington: Joseph Miller
(888) 843-6476
www.ThemisBar.com
info@ThemisBar.com
joseph.miller@ThemisBar.com
Online bar review and MPRE prep courses with the best demonstrated results, unparalleled student support, and a sensible price
BarMax Bar Review
(855) 4-TESTMAX
getbarmax.com
info@getbarmax.com
BarMax , created by Harvard Law School alumni, is a leading comprehensive bar exam review course available on iPhone & iPad – all for just $999.