South Dakota

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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
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

May 1

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Nov. 1

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Bar Exam Application Filing Fees
Details
Score Portability
Accepts Legacy UBE Score
No
Accepts NextGen UBE Score
Yes
Minimum NextGen UBE Score
TBA
Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score
TBA
Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement
No
Accepts Transferred MBE Scores
Yes
Details
Character & Fitness Investigations

NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.

Character & Fitness Services for SD
MPRE Requirements
MPRE Required
Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score
85
MPRE Score Time Parameters
Details
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
Bar Exam
Legacy UBE
No
NextGen UBE
Yes
Date First Administration
Minimum Passing Score
TBA
NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement
TBA
Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam
Yes
Details

Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official test prep materials

Disclaimer

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