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Bar Exam Resources

The Uniform Bar Exam

Uniform Bar ExaminationThe Uniform Bar Exam is a standardized bar examination developed by the 

 

✔️ The UBE has been adopted and is currently administered by 41 jurisdictions, including New York.

✔️ The UBE is designed to test the knowledge and skills every lawyer needs to practice law, regardless of the specific state.

✔️ The UBE consists of three components:

Multistate Performance Test (MPT) – Two 90-minute practical writing tasks (Day 1 - AM Session)

  • The MPT tests an examinee’s ability to use fundamental lawyering skills in a realistic situation and complete a research and writing task that a beginning lawyer should be able to accomplish. 
  • Jurisdictions that administer the UBE weight the MPT component 20%

Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) – Six 30-minute essay questions (Day 1 - PM Session)

  • The MEE tests the examinee’s ability to:

(1) identify legal issues raised by a hypothetical factual situation;

(2) separate material which is relevant from that which is not;

(3) present a reasoned analysis of the relevant issues in a clear, concise, and well-organized composition; and

(4) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental legal principles relevant to the probable solution of the issues raised by the factual situation,

while demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively in writing.

  • Each jurisdiction grades the MEE (applicants' essay answers).
  • Jurisdictions that administer the UBE weight the MEE component 30%.
  • MEE Subject Matter Outline (specs of the MEE's doctrinal coverage).

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) – 200 multiple-choice questions (Day 2 - AM and PM Sessions)

  • The MBE assesses the extent to which an examinee can apply fundamental legal principles and legal reasoning to analyze given fact patterns in a six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice examination.
  • The MBE utilizes a scantron answer sheet [and #2 pencil] and is scored by NCBE.
  • Jurisdictions that administer the UBE weight the MBE component 50%.
  • MBE Subject Matter Outline (specs of the MBE's doctrinal coverage).

Examinees who take the UBE earn a portable score that can be transferred to seek admission in other UBE jurisdictions. 

Minimum Passing UBE Score
 Jurisdiction
260 Alabama, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah
264 Indiana
266 Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Virgin Islands, Washington
268 Michigan
270 Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming

✔️ Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, you are strongly advised to consult the jurisdiction’s bar admission agency directly for the most current information. 

If you have questions about the UBE or how to prepare, please reach out to the Bar Success Team! Schedule an Appointment

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Ilyse Wofse                                                                  Anna Belle Hoots                                                    Monica Kipiniak    

Assistant Dean for Bar Success                                  Associate Director of Bar Success.                        Coordinator of Bar Prep Initiatives