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 30-31, 2024 |
| 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, 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, Commercial Paper, Conflict of Laws, Corporations, Family Law, Federal Civil Procedure, Partnerships, Sales, Secured Transactions, Trusts & Future Interests, Wills & Estates, Indian Law (Basic principles of federal Indian Law, including but not limited to Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction, the Indian Civil Rights Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act -- tribal laws or customary laws are not tested), Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
What’s the minimum score for MPRE?
A scaled score of 85 on the MPRE is required for admission. Previous scores achieved within 25 months 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?
Results are released 8-10 weeks after the bar exam.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
South Dakota may in its discretion accept MBE scaled scores of 130 or higher if the MBE was taken within 25 months prior to the next bar exam and the applicant passed the exam in the other jurisdiction.
What about reciprocity across states?
See SDCL 16-16-12.1, 12.2.
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
