Regular Admissions FAQ

Question:

How do I obtain an Application Packet?

Answer:

The application package and information booklet may be downloaded from the Court's website under forms download. However, if someone who would like a hard copy of the copy application, please contact the Office of Bar Admissions or submit a written request to the following address:

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 Multistate Bar Exam coincides with the national date published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and the date of the Essay exam will be the day following the Multistate Bar Exam. To view the exam dates and deadlines, click here.

Question:

Where are the exams given?

Answer:

The MBE and Essay Exams are administered on the island of St. Thomas

Question:

What are the application deadlines?

Answer:

Effective March 1, 2014, as amended, pursuant to VISCR 204(c)(1) the application filing dates, are:

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

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 exam schedules, click here.

Question:

What subjects are tested on the Virgin Islands Bar Exam?

Answer:

The twelve (12) subjects areas that are tested on the bar exam are:

Agency, Civil Procedure, Commercial Paper, Conflict of Laws, Corporations, Criminal Procedure, Domestic Relations, Partnership, Sales, Secured Transactions, Trusts, Wills

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 five years old.

Question:

The required scaled score on the MBE is 133 and the required scaled score on the MPRE is 75.

Answer:

An applicant electing to transfer his/her MBE score may download and complete the MBE Score Transfer, Score Release, Score Advisory Request Form, or you may obtain this information in the current MBE Information Booklet. All completed request forms and fees should be mailed to:

An applicant electing to transfer his/her MPRE scores should prepare a written request including his/her name, date of birth, social security number, address and the date that the test was taken. The request should also include the applicant's signature and should indicate that the scores should be transferred to the Virgin Islands Committee of Bar Examiners. The request should be directed to:

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 written bar examination, each applicant must receive a minimum combined score of 70% or more on the MBE and Essay portions of the examination, and a minimum scaled score of 75 on the MPRE.

For purposes of the MBE, a scaled score of 133 is equivalent to 70%. An applicant, whose combined score in the MBE and Essay does not amount to 70%, may take the exam for the failed portion. However, an applicant who passes one portion may retake that portion simultaneously with the retaking of the failed portion in order to obtain the benefits, if any, of combining the MBE and Essay scores.

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:

Does the Virgin Islands have reciprocity with any state, territory, district or commonwealth?

Answer:

No

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.