Confirm the exam route
Build the character-and-fitness file early
Seek qualified legal advice for consequential uncertainty.
Preserve a source and submission record
Save filed applications, attachments, confirmations, correspondence, and amendments. Track fingerprints, education certification, MPRE reporting, local requirements, and post-passage steps separately.
Pennsylvania's February 2027 logistics
The February 2027 Pennsylvania exam is in person on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24, 2027, in both Pittsburgh and Lancaster. The timely filing deadline is October 30, 2026, and it is also the deadline for nonstandard testing accommodation requests. The late deadline is November 30, 2026 and the final deadline is December 15, 2026. A late computer-based-testing deadline of January 6, 2027 is the last chance to ask to type the MPT and MEE.
The application fee steps up with each deadline: $800 timely, $1,125 late and $1,450 final. The Board offers no refunds or transfers of applications or fees, and it refuses a check that arrives after the final deadline whatever its postmark. Plan the exam decision before the first deadline, not the last.
NextGen timing and reciprocity
Pennsylvania's minimum qualifying score for the NextGen UBE is 620, and the Board says Pennsylvania will administer the NextGen UBE in July 2028. A candidate who is unsure whether a score came from the legacy or NextGen format is told to check the UBE transcript.
Rule 204 governs reciprocity, and the Board lists 43 reciprocal jurisdictions and 11 that are not reciprocal, including California, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, the Northern Mariana Islands, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and South Carolina.
Common questions
When is the February 2027 Pennsylvania bar exam?+
Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24, 2027, in person in Pittsburgh and Lancaster.
What are the Pennsylvania filing deadlines for February 2027?+
October 30, 2026 is timely, November 30 is late and December 15 is final. The timely date is also the deadline for nonstandard testing requests.
How much does the Pennsylvania application cost?+
$800 if timely, $1,125 if late and $1,450 at the final deadline. Pennsylvania does not refund or transfer application fees.
Can I type the Pennsylvania essays?+
Yes, if you ask by the late computer-based-testing deadline of January 6, 2027, which is the last chance to request a laptop for the MPT and MEE.
What is Pennsylvania's NextGen score?+
620 is the minimum qualifying NextGen UBE score, and Pennsylvania says it will administer the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
Does Pennsylvania have reciprocity with California?+
No. California is one of 11 jurisdictions the Board lists without reciprocity, along with Delaware, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, the Northern Mariana Islands, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and South Carolina.
When is the July Pennsylvania filing deadline?+
March 31 is timely, April 30 is late and May 15 is final, at the same $800, $1,125 and $1,450 fees.
What payment does Pennsylvania accept?+
A credit card at online filing, or a certified check, cashier's check, corporate check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
What to do next
- 1
Confirm exam version and filing deadline.
- 2
Start the disclosure inventory.
- 3
Order records and reconcile prior disclosures.
- 4
Track MPRE and score-transfer requirements.
- 5
Preserve every submission confirmation.