New York 1Bar Examination - Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the New York State bar exam and what types of questions does it
cover?
It is a two day bar exam, offered in February and July, and contains a New York portion, which
consists of five essay questions and 50 multiple choice questions and one multistate performance
test, MPT. The morning session has three essays and 50 multiple choice questions.
The afternoon session has two essay questions and the MPT.
2. What subjects are covered?
The New York portion is based on both procedural and substantive law. It may include the six
subject matters covered on the national Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).
Contracts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, Torts (including statutory
no-fault insurance provisions).
The second day of the examination includes the multistate portion, MBE, which consists of 200
multiple choice questions in two three hour sessions and is nationally administered.
3. What is the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam?
Each applicant must also take and pass a national ethics exam, the Multistate Professional
Responsibility exam, MPRE which is offered three times a year in March, August and November.
4. Should I take a commercial bar review course? Yes. There are several commercial bar
courses. Select the one best suited for your individual needs. ALS does endorse any particular
commercial bar programs.
5. Will Albany Law school offer any bar programs? Yes. We have bar mentors and will
be offering some classes for bar applicants. Information is updated each year and will be sent to
students. Please check Professor Klare’s website.
6. What are the Telephone and Fax Line numbers? The Board telephone number is
(518) 452-8700 and the toll free line is (800) 342-3335. The voice system operates 24
hours a day and the Board switchboard is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM
to 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
The Board receives faxes 24 hours a day on (518) 452-5729 using a Canon Laser Class
7000.
7. What are the dates and deadlines for the NY bar exam? The bar examination is
held twice a year, generally on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of July and February.
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Check the individual state in which you plan to sit for the exam. Information is not guaranteed, check the
bar exam website http://nybarexam.org.
Applications to take the bar examination must be postmarked no more than 120 days, nor
less than 90 days prior to the examination for which application is being made. There is
no provision for late filing for first time bar takers. Law students should contact the
Board for an application packet at least four months prior to the bar examination they
wish to take. Application materials are available from the New York State Board of Law
Examiners website: http://www.nybarexam.org/applicat.htm
In addition, the forms and publications contained on the website including the application
may also be obtained by writing the:
NYS Board of Law Examiners
Building 3 - Corporate Plaza
254 Washington Avenue Extension
Albany, NY 12203
or calling (518) 452-8700 or 800-342-3335 (N.Y.S. only) and utilizing the voice mail
application materials ordering system.