South Dakota Bar Exam Information
Learn about the South Dakota Bar Exam format, subjects tested, dates, and requirements.
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Dates, Cost & Location
| Exam Type: | 2-day exam |
|---|---|
| Dates: | July 29-30, 2025 |
| Bar Exam Fee: | $300 |
| On-Motion Application Fee: | $450 |
The South Dakota Bar Exam is a 2-day exam. Day 1 consists of five 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions and one Indian Law question (ILQ), then two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test (MPT) questions. Day 2 is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a 200-question, multiple-choice exam.
What subjects will you be tested on?
Agency, Civil Procedure, Commercial Paper, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Corporations, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Federal Civil Procedure, Indian Law, Partnerships, Real Property, Sales, Secured Transactions, Torts, Trusts and Future Interests, Wills and Estates.
What’s the minimum score for MPRE?
A scaled score of 85 on the MPRE is required for admission. Previous scores achieved within 28 months prior to the exam are accepted. Need to sign up for MPRE? Learn about registration, testing policies, and more on our MPRE Registration Guide.
How is the exam scored?
MBE and written scores are scaled, combined, and averaged to determine if a passing score was achieved. An average of 75% or higher on the combined MPT, MEE, and Indian Law portion and a scaled score of at least 133 on the MBE portion are required.
When are the results released?
Typically released 6-8 weeks after the exam.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
Board may accept MBE scores if taken within 2 years prior to next scheduled exam and if score equals or exceeds South Dakota passing score (scaled score of 135 or more) as of date of application and if applicant passed other jurisdiction’s exam.
What about reciprocity across states?
South Dakota allows out-of-state attorneys to be admitted to practice law without taking an exam if they meet eligibility requirements, have practiced law as their principal occupation for three of the last five years in a state that allows South Dakota attorneys substantially similar admission without examination.
What are the application deadlines and fees?
Please visit the South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners website for details on application deadlines and fees, as well as for more information on other topics.
Contact information
Web: http://ujs.sd.gov
Tel: (605) 773-4898
