The Uniform Bar Exam

Uniform Bar Exam Format

The Uniform Bar Exam (“UBE”), is a two-day exam administered in the majority of U.S. states. The written component consists of the Multistate Essay Exam (“MEE”) and Multistate Performance Test (“MPT”). It is administered on Tuesday. The multiple choice component, called the Multistate Bar Exam (“MBE”), is given on Wednesday.

Tuesday

In the three-hour morning session, two MPT questions are administered, allowing an average of 90 minutes to answer each of them. In the three-hour afternoon session, six MEE questions are administered, allowing an average of 30 minutes to answer each essay question.

Wednesday

Wednesday is split into two three-hour sessions (morning and afternoon). In each of the three-hour sessions, 100 MBE questions are administered, allowing an average of approximately 1.8 minutes to answer each question.

Reciprocity or Score Portability

A Uniform Bar Score is a portable score. That means that the score can be transferred and used to apply for admission in another UBE jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction sets its own requirements for which scores it will accept. Usually, an applicant must achieve a certain score, and transfer that score within a specified amount of time.

UBE Subjects/Topics

The Uniform Bar Exam may test the following subjects:

MBE Subjects

  • Constitutional Law;
  • Contracts (including UCC Article 2 – Sales);
  • Criminal Law (including Criminal Procedure);
  • Evidence Law;
  • Federal Civil Procedure;
  • Real Property; and
  • Torts.

Essay Subjects

  • All MBE Subjects;
  • Business Associations
    • Agency;
    • Corporations;
    • LLCs;
    • Partnerships;
  • Secured Transactions – UCC Article 9;
  • Conflict of Laws;
  • Family Law;
  • Trusts and Decedent’s Estates
    • Trusts;
    • Wills and Estates.

Uniform Bar Exam Dates

The Uniform Bar Exam is usually held in February and July. The exam is usually on the last Tuesday and subsequent Wednesday of each month.

2024

  • February 27-28, 2024
  • July 30-31, 2024

Exam Results

The time to receive results varies greatly depending upon the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions provide results within 6 weeks. Other jurisdictions may take up to 15 weeks (or more).

UBE Scoring/Grading

The UBE is scored on a 400-point scale. Each administering state selects its own passing score requirement, which usually varies from 260-280 (approximately).  For example, a passing score on the Alabama bar exam is 260 out of 400. The same score is required in Missouri and New Mexico. For the sake of comparison, a passing score on the North Carolina bar exam is 270 out of 400.  The passing score on the New York bar exam is 266 out of 400. The MEE is weighted 30%, the MPT is weighted 20%, and the MBE is weighted 50%.

UBE Pass Rate/Stats

Uniform Bar Exam pass rates vary greatly depending upon the jurisdiction and date of administration. Pass rates have been as low as 30-35% and as high as 95%+.