Regular Admissions FAQ

Question:

How do I obtain an Application?

Answer:

 To complete the Application for Regular Admission to the Virgin Islands Bar click here.  In accordance with VISCR all responses to the application questions must be type written.

Question:

When are the examinations given?

Answer:

The date of the Uniform Bar Examination coincides with the national date published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, .  To view the exam dates, click here.

Question:

Where are the exams given?

Answer:

The Virgin Islands Bar Examination is administered on the island of St. Thomas.

Question:

What are the application deadlines?

Answer:

Pursuant to VISCR 204(c)(1) the application filing dates, are:

February Examination:
First deadline-December 1^st
Late deadline-January  2nd

July Examination:
First deadline-May 1^st
Late deadline-June 1^st

Question:

How much does it cost to take the Virgin Islands Bar Exam?

Answer:

To view the schedule of bar application fees click here.

Question:

Can I transfer my MBE and/or MPRE scores obtained in another jurisdiction?

Answer:

Yes. MBE and MPRE scores obtained in another United States jurisdiction may be accepted by the committee, provided that the minimum passing score required by the Virgin Islands Bar has been achieved, is certified in writing by the other jurisdiction, and provided that the scores certified are no more than three years old.

Question:

How can I transfer my MPRE and MBE scaled score?

Answer:

Applicants electing to transfer their MPRE and MBE scaled score to this jurisdiction may visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.  For more information and instructions for requesting NCBE Exam Score Services please click here. 

Question:

Does the Committee of Bar Examiners recommend any bar review course or study materials?

Answer:

The Virgin Islands Committee of Bar Examiners does not endorse, approve, or rate any bar review courses or materials.

Question:

Does the Committee release sample questions and answers?

Answer:

No.

Question:

How is the grading of the examination conducted?

Answer:

Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 204(f),  in order to pass the Virgin Islands Bar Examination, each applicant must receive a minimum combined score of 266 on the UBE components. A minimum scaled score of 75 shall be required to pass the MPRE. When calculating a combined score for the UBE, the MBE, MEE, and MPT shall be weighed as provided for by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

No applicant shall be given access to the answers the applicant submitted during the Virgin Islands Bar Examination, or any component therefore. The results reported for the examination are final, and no applicant shall be allowed to seek regrading or any other review of the results of the examination. 

An applicant's scores cannot be combined unless both the MBE and the Essay portions are taken during the same scheduled examination period.

Question:

Does the Virgin Islands have admission by waiver or comity?

Answer:

No. All applicants, regardless of the number of years of practice or the number of bar exams previously taken, are required to sit for the Virgin Islands Bar Exam. However, applicants may elect to transfer their MBE and/or MPRE scores in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 204(f).

Question:

I obtained my Juris Doctorate degree from a law school that was not accredited by the American Bar Association. Can I apply for admission to the Virgin Islands?

Answer:

No. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 204(d)(5), each applicant for regular admission must be a graduate of an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association.

Question:

Do law students have to pre-register with the Office of Bar Admissions?

Answer:

No, the Virgin Islands does not require early law student registration. Please note that, in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 204(d), all applicants are required to be a graduate of an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association, prior to completing and submitting an Application for Admission to the Virgin Islands Bar.

Question:

May I apply now if I have been suspended for disciplinary reasons or disbarred in another jurisdiction?

Answer:

Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 204(c)(6), no application to the Virgin Islands Bar may be filed by anyone who has been disbarred, suspended or sanctioned, without reinstatement or exoneration, or who is under pending disciplinary action by the Bar of any state, district or territory of the United States or any foreign jurisdiction, or any Federal Court.