Tennessee

Admission By UBE Transfer to Tennessee

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Understanding the UBE

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a standardized bar examination designed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). It is composed of three parts: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The UBE is administered over two days and is designed to test knowledge and skills that every lawyer should have before becoming licensed to practice law. The UBE score is portable, meaning it can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions, subject to each jurisdiction's specific rules and requirements.

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Minimum UBE Score Accepted in Tennessee

To be eligible for admission by transferred UBE score in Tennessee, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 270. It's crucial to understand that this score is a composite of all three components of the UBE and reflects a standardized benchmark for competency across participating jurisdictions.

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Time Limit for UBE Score Transfers

Tennessee mandates that the UBE score must be transferred within 36 months (3 years) of the date on which the exam was taken. Scores beyond this period are considered stale and not eligible for transfer. This time frame is critical for applicants to observe to ensure their scores remain valid for transfer purposes.

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Jurisdiction-Specific Component

In addition to the transferred UBE score, Tennessee requires applicants to complete an online course as its jurisdiction-specific component known as the Tennessee Law Course (TLC). The TLC is designed to ensure that all applicants have a foundational understanding of specific laws and procedural requirements unique to Tennessee. This online course must be completed successfully before an applicant can be admitted to practice.

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Process of Applying with a Transferred UBE Score

1. Application Submission: Applicants must begin by submitting an application for admission by transferred UBE score to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE). Detailed instructions and requirements can be found on their website: https://www.tnble.org/?page_id=243.
2. Completion of the Tennessee Law Course: Following the application submission, applicants are required to complete the Tennessee Law Course (TLC), an online course tailored to educate on Tennessee-specific laws.
3. Character and Fitness Review: As with all jurisdictions, Tennessee conducts a thorough review of an applicant's character and fitness to practice law. This process is vital to ensuring the integrity of the legal profession within the state.
4. Application Fees: The cost associated with transferring a UBE score to Tennessee can vary. Applicants should consult the TBLE website for the most current fee structure.

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Additional Resources:

• FAQ – Examination and Score Transfer – Tennessee Board of Law Examiners: https://www.tnble.org/?page_id=406
• Admission to Practice Law in Tennessee: https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/appellate-court-clerks-office/admission-practice-law
• Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE): https://www.tnble.org/
• NCBE Tennessee Jurisdiction: https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions/TN
• NCBE UBE Score Portability: https://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube/ube-score-portability