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Virginia Bar Exam News & Format Changes
Bar Exam Project wiki article. Part of the Virginia Bar Exam cluster.
A living timeline of VBBE rule changes and announcements that affect Virginia bar applicants.
One-line summary
Virginia is expected to transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The current Virginia-specific format remains through July 2027. Virginia bar passing scores expire 5 years from the date of the exam. The MPRE 85 minimum is unchanged.
NextGen UBE status in Virginia
Virginia is expected to transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The current Virginia-specific format remains through July 2027. Virginia bar passing scores expire 5 years from the date of the exam.
Score acceptance: TBD.
Cut score and MPRE stability
Virginia cut score: 140 (on the 200 scale). MPRE minimum: 85.
Fee schedule
VBBE fees for 2026: $575 application fee, $575 Character & Fitness Questionnaire, $125 laptop program fee. February 2026 deadlines: December 15, 2025. July 2026 deadlines: May 11, 2026 (statutory May 10 falls on Sunday).
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
- Virginia Board of Bar Examiners (VBBE) — https://barexam.virginia.gov/.
- NCBE jurisdiction page — ncbex.org/jurisdictions/VA.