South Dakota

South Dakota has announced that it intends to administer the NextGen bar exam in July 2027. Visit https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen to learn more about the new exam.

South Dakota requires the following NCBE exams: MBE, MEE, MPT, and MPRE. Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store to purchase the Bar Exam Everything Value Pack which includes MBE, MEE, and MPT study aids; and MPRE study aids to help prepare for South Dakota exams.

Bar Admission Agency

South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners

500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: (605) 773-4898
Fax: (605) 773-8479

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Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required

Yes

Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility

Yes

Details

Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines

Details

July 2025: First filing deadline

May 1

July 2025: Late filing deadline

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February 2026: First filing deadline

Nov. 1

February 2026: Late filing deadline

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Bar Exam Application Filing Fees

Details

UBE Adoption

Character & Fitness Investigations

NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.

Character & Fitness Services for SD

Admission on Earned or Transferred Bar Exam Score

Non-UBE Minimum Score - Admission on Transferred UBE Score

MPRE Requirements

MPRE Required

Yes

MPRE Minimum Passing Score

MPRE Score Time Parameters

Details

Bar Exam Components

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

Yes

Accepts Transferred MBE Scores

Yes

Details

Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)

Yes

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

Yes

Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam

Yes

Details

Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official test prep materials

Admission on Motion

Rules Provide for Admission on Motion

Yes

Details

Legal Education and Reciprocity Requirements

Details

Number of Years of Practice Required

3 of past 5

Disclaimer

Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, NCBE strongly advises consulting the jurisdiction's bar admission agency directly for the most current information.