Idaho NextGen Bar Exam: Dates, Passing Score & Requirements
- Exam today
- Administers the NextGen bar exam now
- First NextGen administration
- July 2026
- February 23–24, 2027
- NextGen passing score
- 616
- on the 500–750 scale
- Legacy UBE cut score
- 266
- until the switch (400-point scale)
- MPRE
- Required
Idaho specifics: First wave.
Idaho is one of the 10 first-wave jurisdictions that adopted the NextGen bar exam for its debut on July 28–29, 2026. If you are testing in Idaho, the NextGen format — three 3-hour sessions mixing multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets, and performance tasks — is already your exam.
The announced passing score is 616 on the 500–750 scale — NCBE's recommended range is 610–620, so Idaho sits in the middle of that band.
The next administration in Idaho runs February 23–24, 2027.
Adoption status sourced from NCBE’s decisions-by-jurisdiction page, NCBE’s Idaho listing and its 2026 Comprehensive Guide (Charts 7 and 17), checked on September 20, 2026. Registration windows, fees, and character & fitness requirements are set by the Idaho State Bar — always confirm deadlines with them directly.
Idaho deadlines, fees and requirements
Taken from NCBE’s Idaho listing and its 2026 Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements, checked on September 20, 2026. Boards change these without notice, so treat the board’s own site as the final word.
Application deadlines
- February 2027 exam (NextGen UBE)
- First filing deadline Oct. 1; late filing deadline Nov. 15.
- July 2026 exam (for reference)
- First filing deadline March 1; late filing deadline April 15. July 2027 deadlines usually follow the same pattern; the board publishes them.
Fees
- First-time takers
- $600
- Attorneys
- $800
- Repeaters
- $200 / $300
- Laptop
- $125
As listed in NCBE’s 2026 Comprehensive Guide (Chart 7). Where more than one amount appears, the tier depends on filing date or applicant category. NCBE also charges a separate $149 technology fee for the NextGen UBE, paid through the NCBE account.
Bar exam fee for repeaters is $200 for the first 3 exams; $300 for each subsequent one.
Score portability
- Transferred NextGen UBE scores: Yes from July 2026, minimum 616.
- Transferred legacy UBE scores: Yes (minimum 266); the legacy UBE runs in Idaho through February 2026.
- Maximum score age: 37 months.
State requirement, MPRE and the board
Jurisdiction-specific requirement for NextGen admission: No.
MPRE: required, minimum score 85.
Idaho State Bar. 525 W. Jefferson P.O. Box 895 Boise, ID 83701 Phone: (208) 334-4500 Fax: (208) 334-2764
Preparing for the NextGen format
The NextGen exam tests 8 foundational subjects through three item types — standalone MCQs (including 6-option select-two), integrated question sets, and performance tasks. BARGO covers all three with exam-format practice, honest availability per subject, and a free diagnostic to find your baseline.
Idaho FAQs
Quick answers
When does Idaho first offer the NextGen bar exam?
July 2026 — the administration runs February 23–24, 2027. Registration windows are set by the Idaho State Bar, so confirm deadlines with them directly.
What is the NextGen bar exam passing score in Idaho?
616 on the 500–750 scale.
Do I need the MPRE for admission in Idaho?
Yes — Idaho requires the MPRE.
When is the application deadline for the February 2027 bar exam in Idaho?
Oct. 1, with a late filing deadline of Nov. 15, per NCBE's listing for Idaho. The February 2027 sitting in Idaho is the NextGen UBE. Confirm the exact date and cut-off time with the Idaho State Bar before relying on it.
How much does the Idaho bar exam cost?
NCBE's 2026 Comprehensive Guide lists $600 for first-time takers, $800 for attorneys and $200 / $300 for repeaters, plus $125 to use a laptop. Where more than one amount is listed, the tier depends on filing date or applicant category. Fees change, so the board's own schedule is authoritative.
Does Idaho accept transferred NextGen UBE scores?
Yes, from July 2026, at a minimum transferred score of 616. Scores must be no older than 37 months.
Also first offering NextGen in July 2026
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