Bar Exam Support Guide

The Application process consist of completing two applications: (1) the DC Bar Exam Application; and (2) the Character and Fitness Application, which is submitted to the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

The DC Bar Exam Application  must be completed online at the Committee on Admissions website.  Please note that the DC Bar Exam application may not be released until several weeks before the application deadline.

The Character and Fitness Application must be completed and submitted through the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.  Although this application is available now, you should consult the DC Bar Admissions rules on the timing and expiration of information included in the application.

** THIS PROCESS MAY BE CHANGED, WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE.  YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONTACT THE COMMITTEE ON ADMISSIONS TO CONFIRM THE PROCESS. **

Before you begin the application process, you should have, if applicable, the following documents (listed in order as found in the application):

1. A copy of your MPRE Score, if applicable
2. NCBE Character and Fitness Application, along with date of submission and NCBE Account Number
3. Certificate of Good Standing, if applicable (only applicable if a licensed attorney in another jurisdiction)
4. Provisional Law School Certification (to be completed by the Records Office, but submitted by the applicant)
5. Credit Report, if applicable (“Questions 23 and 24B:If you have answered YES to either of these questions, you MUST submit, along with your Character and Fitness Application, a current (within the past 60 days) credit report from one of the three major credit reporting agencies.”)
6. Request for Accommodations Form, if applicable, along with supporting documentation (this form must be used for either Medical or Testing Accommodations).

When saving these documents, please note that files cannot have any special characters in the name (+-!@#$%^&*).  If you attempt to upload a document with a special character in the file name you will receive a 404 error page.  Please rename the file and re-submit.

For a list of required documents, and step-by-step guide to completing the application, click here: DC Bar Application Process.

Traditionally, the exam has been held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW; Washington, DC 20001. Examinees receiving special accommodations may be asked to take the exam at the DC Court of Appeals, 430 E Street, NW; Washington, DC 20001.

The Convention Center is a large building, encompassing about three DC blocks.  To determine the most convenient hotels and restaurants, pick a spot that is closest to your exam room.  For a layout of the Convention Center, and to determine your Room Location, click here: DC Convention Center Floor Plans.

There are numerous hotels conveniently located to these testing sites.  Be sure to confirm the testing location.  If making a reservation prior to the release of the announcement of the official testing sites, you should take note of the hotels cancellation policy so as to avoid any unnecessary charges.

Be sure to check the test location for each administration of the exam. This information is subject to change.