Washington D.C. is one of the smaller jurisdictions when it comes to number of applicants taking the bar exam each year. Each year, the state sees 494 students taking the exam, with 218 passing. The state also has one of the lowest average pass rates, when compared to other states at just 44%. You can find information on how individuals have performed on the bar exam in recent years, along with data obtained from the American Bar Association on individual school performance.
Quick FAQ on the Washington D.C. Bar Exam
When is the Washington D.C. Bar Exam Administered?
The bar exam is administered the last Tuesday and Wednesday of the month for February and July.
Who Administers the Washington D.C. Bar Exam:
Committee on Admissions
When are Results Released for the Washington D.C. Bar Exam:
The Washington D.C. Bar exam results are released as follows:
The District of Columbia Bar Examination is administered twice per year. Applicants who sit for the February bar examination will typically be notified in writing of the results of their examination by mid-May. Applicants who sit for the July bar examination will typically be notified in writing of the results of their examination by mid-November. (Source)
Latest Bar Exam Releases
February Bar Exam Statistics and Trends for Washington D.C.
The February Bar Exam averages 261 people taking the exam, with 118 people passing. In recent years the number of people taking the exam has increased, and the overall pass rate has declined.
July Bar Exam Statistics and Trends for Washington D.C.
The July Bar Exam averages 245 people taking the exam, with 105 people passing. This is at odds with what other states see, where the majority of students take the July exam. It is likely due to students or applicants taking other state bar exams first, and choosing to then add the D.C. jurisdiction. In recent years the number of people taking the exam has seen large gains, but this has not corresponded to an increase in the number of people passing.
School Statistics and Trends for Washington D.C.
The American Bar Association each year collects information on schools that have taken ‘s bar exam. While this information is not broken down by February/July session, you can see how schools generally perform in the state. There are quite a few ABA accredited schools in D.C., but very few who consistently send students to the bar exam after graduation.
- Washington College of Law, American University
- Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America
- University of District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law
- Georgetown University Law Center
- Howard University School of Law
- George Washington University Law School
Only University of District of Columbia sending students to the bar exam each year.
