Ohio Bar Admissions & Examination Calendar for Law Students

Overview
The Ohio Bar Examination is administered twice annually, in February and July, under the oversight of the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Office of Bar Admissions.

Registration Process: Two Essential Steps

Register as a Candidate – “Registration Application”
- Deadline (timely): November 15 of your 2L year.
- Late Deadline:
  - For February exam: August 15 prior (e.g., August 15, 2025, for Feb 2026).
  - For July exam: January 15 prior (e.g., January 15, 2025, for July 2025).
Apply to Take the Bar Exam – “Bar Application”
- July exam:
  - Timely deadline: April 1 (e.g., April 1, 2025)
  - Late deadline: May 10 (e.g., May 10, 2025).
- February exam:
  - Timely deadline: November 1
  - Late deadline: December 10.

Upcoming Exam Calendar Highlights

July 2025 Bar Exam
- Exam dates: July 29–30, 2025.
- Application deadlines:
  - Register by January 15, 2025 (late).
  - Bar Application: timely by April 1, 2025; late by May 10, 2025.
- Results & Admissions:
  - Results released October 24, 2025, at 8 a.m..
  - Admissions Ceremony: November 17, 2025.
February 2026 Bar Exam
- Exam dates: February 24–25, 2026.
- Registration late deadline: August 15, 2025.
- Bar Application deadlines: timely by November 1, 2025; late by December 10, 2025.

Additional Key Information for Applicants

All applications must be submitted through the Bar Admissions Portal — paper applications are not accepted.
Applicants must complete character and fitness reviews, including:
- Certified documents (Dean’s Certificate, transcript, etc.),
- NCBE Character Questionnaire,
- Photo ID,
- Authorization & release forms.
Approval notifications, exam details, and results are communicated via the portal, typically:
- About three weeks before the exam for admission status and exam logistics.

What to Remember:

Mark your calendar early — the 2L November 15 registration deadline is critical to avoid fees and complications.
Prepare all required materials in advance, including Dean’s certificates, NCBE filings, and payment of fees.
Monitor the Bar Admissions Portal closely, especially around the three-week window before your exam.
View results and next steps online, and plan to attend or stream your Admissions Ceremony.

Want more resources?

For information regarding fees, please visit: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/admission-to-the-practice-of-law-in-ohio/office-of-bar-admissions/admissions-fee-schedule/

For information regarding important Bar Admissions dates, please visit: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/admission-to-the-practice-of-law-in-ohio/office-of-bar-admissions/important-dates/

To view frequently asked questions regarding the Bar Exam, please visit: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/admission-to-the-practice-of-law-in-ohio/ohio-bar-examination/bar-examination-faqs/

If you have any questions regarding your Character and Fitness Interview, do not hesitate to contact The CBA’s Bar Admissions Clerk, Emily Sollars, at emily@cbalaw.org.

For general inquiries regarding the Bar Admissions process, please contact the Office of Bar Admissions at baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov or 614-387-9340.