Tennessee Board of Law Examiners

The Tennessee Board of Law Examiners oversees the admission process for attorneys in Tennessee, including reviewing applications, administering the bar examination, and determining applicants’ eligibility for licensure. The Board ensures that all candidates meet the standards set by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7.

APPLY FOR ADMISSION

First Time Bar Exam

Use the Application for First-Time Applicants if you have not previously completed a bar exam in Tennessee or if a previous application for exam or re-exam has expired.

Re-Examination Application

Use the Application for Re-Examination if you have taken the Uniform Bar Examination in Tennessee within the last 3 years.

Admission Without Examination

Admission by Comity allows experienced attorneys licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions to be admitted to practice law in Tennessee without taking the Tennessee bar exam.

Transfer UBE Score

Allows applicants to transfer their qualifying score from the Uniform Bar Exam taken in another jurisdiction.

Other Admissions

Includes registration for In-House Counsel, Military Servicemember Spouse, Supervised Practice, and Practice Pending Admission.

Announcements & Deadlines

MAY 22, 2026

Tennessee Supreme Court to Accept Transferred NextGen UBE Scores

On April 22, 2024, the Tennessee Supreme Court announced that the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) would replace the legacy UBE beginning with the July 2027 administration of the bar exam. Some jurisdictions will begin administering the NextGen UBE in July 2026, while others will wait until February or July of 2028. The Tennessee Supreme Court announced today that it will accept transferred NextGen UBE scores beginning with the July 2026 administration and will continue to accept legacy UBE scores that have not expired and that were earned on administrations of the legacy UBE through February 2028. By no later than August 31, 2026, the Tennessee Supreme Court will determine the minimum passing standard for the NextGen UBE for admission by examination in Tennessee or for NextGen UBE scores transferred to Tennessee.

DEC 01

BAR EXAM
FIRST TIME BAR EXAM
RE-EXAMINATION

Application Deadline (February 2027 Exam)

DEC 20

BAR EXAM
FIRST TIME BAR EXAM
RE-EXAMINATION

Final Deadline (February 2027 Exam)

FEB 01

BAR EXAM
FIRST TIME BAR EXAM
RE-EXAMINATION

Deadline to Withdraw from Exam with Refund

VIEW ALL

Rules Governing Admission

Admission to the Bar of Tennessee is governed by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 and Board Policies.

READ RULES

What We Do

Tennessee Supreme Court building exterior