Pennsylvania Bar Exam News & Format Changes

Bar Exam Project wiki article. Part of the Pennsylvania Bar Exam cluster.

A living timeline of PA BLE rule changes and announcements that affect Pennsylvania bar applicants.

One-line summary

Pennsylvania is expected to transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The legacy UBE remains the format through July 2027. The MPRE 75 minimum is unchanged.

NextGen UBE status in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is expected to transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The legacy UBE remains the format through July 2027.

Score acceptance: no formal NextGen score acceptance announced.

Cut score and MPRE stability

Pennsylvania cut score: 272 (on the 400 scale). MPRE minimum: 75.

Fee schedule

PA BLE fees for 2026: $650 base application fee, with escalating late fees. February 2026 deadlines: October 30, 2025 (timely), Nov 15, Nov 30, Dec 15, 2025 (escalating late deadlines). July 2026 deadlines: April 30, 2026 (timely).

What this means for your study plan

• Verify which exam format applies to your administration.
• For current format prep: standard commercial bar prep covers everything tested.
• Free MBE practice: MBEmax Free MBE Quiz; subject-specific drills: MBEmax browse subjects.

Sources

• Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners (PA BLE) — https://www.pabarexam.org/.
• NCBE jurisdiction page — ncbex.org/jurisdictions/PA.