Arizona Supreme Court Changes Bar Exam Passing Score

October 10, 2023

The minimum passing score for admission to practice law in Arizona has been changed by the Arizona Supreme Court through an administrative order – from 273 to 270. The modification will apply to those who sat for the July 2023 administration of the bar examination and the Arizona bar exam passing score changes bring the state in line with the national range of passing scores between 260 and 270.

What Do These Arizona Bar Exam Passing Score Changes Mean?

The changes mean 270 will be the minimum passing score going forward when it comes to admission to practice law in the state of Arizona. According to the Arizona Supreme Court Attorney Admissions website, that minimum score is necessary out of a possible 400 points.

In a news release, the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts stated, “The Court’s decision comes amid studies and decisions from other states, both regionally and nationally, to lower their minimum passing score on the examination.”

“Experts in test creation and administration have identified a range of scores that demonstrate minimum competency to practice law. Arizona’s score modification is more closely aligned with other jurisdictions, while remaining within the range demonstrating minimum competency to practice law.”

Ultimately, the change is quite simple: candidates who seek admission to the practice of law in Arizona through Uniform Bar Examination score transfer before the July 2023 test needed to achieve a minimum score of 273. However, beginning with the July 2023 test administration and for all administrations following it, candidates need to earn a score of 270 instead. 

About the Arizona Bar Exam

The bar exam is an event held over two days, twice a year, on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July across the country. 

Arizona is one of 41 jurisdictions that administer the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), according to the Arizona Supreme Court’s press release. “Participating states and jurisdictions will accept UBE score transfers that meet individual state and jurisdictions’ minimum score requirements for admission to practice law,” it noted. 

Candidates who took the Arizona bar exam in July 2023 are scheduled to learn if they passed on October 13 – this Friday. To learn more about admission to the Arizona State Bar, please visit the Arizona Supreme Court Attorney Admissions website. 

To get in touch with a member of the Phillips Law Group team admitted to practice in the State of Arizona, please feel free to contact us at 602-222-2222 today.