BARBRI Bar Review FAQs

The bar exam is a required examination for bar admission in virtually every U.S. jurisdiction. The format of the exam depends on when and where you take it. 

The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE): The current UBE is a two-day exam comprised of three components: a multiple-choice component (MBE), an essay component (MEE), and a performance test (MPT) that requires candidates to complete realistic legal tasks such as drafting legal documents or analyzing a client's case scenario. The legacy UBE will continue to be offered through February 2028 in jurisdictions that have not yet transitioned to the NextGen format. 

The NextGen Uniform Bar Exam (UBE): Beginning in July 2026, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) is launching the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam — a fundamental shift in how future attorneys are assessed. The NextGen UBE moves away from rote memorization toward a practice-oriented approach, testing the actual skills and substantive knowledge a newly licensed attorney needs on day one. The exam is administered on a laptop over one and a half days (three 3-hour sessions) and features new question types, including issue-spotting multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets that place you in realistic lawyering scenarios, and longer performance tasks. Six states (plus Guam, Palau, Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands) will administer the NextGen exam starting in July 2026, with additional jurisdictions opting in for 2027 or 2028. 

Although a growing number of jurisdictions are adopting the NextGen UBE, some states continue to administer their own state-specific exams. Each jurisdiction has the ability to adopt the NextGen UBE, maintain a state-specific exam, or pursue alternative licensure pathways. Learn more about NextGen and which states are adopting it. 

The MBE is short for Multistate Bar Exam, a 200-question multiple choice exam that is administered in many US Bar jurisdictions, excluding Louisiana and jurisdictions testing the NextGen UBE. 

Generally, yes. In the United States, typically, you do need to graduate from law school in order to take the bar exam. Each state has its own requirements for eligibility to sit for the bar exam, but completing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is a common prerequisite. Some states may allow a combination of law school education and additional legal study or apprenticeship under certain circumstances, but these paths are less common and usually have specific requirements.

In California, Virginia, and Washington, you can take the bar exam without going to law school through a structured apprenticeship program known as a bar apprentice.

The bar exam is one of the most challenging tests you'll face in your legal and academic career. It requires fortitude and drive, a keen understanding of the a broad array of key legal topics, and regular, simulated practice. Despite its difficulty, with thorough preparation and dedication, many candidates successfully pass the bar exam each year. Preparation typically includes taking bar review courses, practicing under timed conditions, and utilizing study aids and resources.

It depends. Some states have retaker caps between 3 and 5 within a certain amount of time. Others require extended waiting periods. When in doubt, look at the State Bar Admission websites for the latest information in your jurisdiction.

Studying for the bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. First, be prepared to dedicate a sufficient amount of time for study -- at least 10 weeks of focused study. Second, it's important to treat studying for the bar exam like a job by having a set of daily assignments to complete as part of a structured schedule of study. Third, it's important that you review all of the bar-tested subjects, master the broad legal principles -- not necessarily all of the details-- and develop the necessary problem-solving and writing skills. Finally, having a sufficient bank of practice multiple-choice and essay questions is critical to your success.

With BARBRI, we provide you with a personalized and highly structured study plan that provides a comprehensive review of all bar tested material in a approachable and engaging way along with all of the practice questions and essays you need for success. With BARBRI you can rest assured that you have everything you need to pass the bar exam on your first try.

To become a lawyer in almost every US jurisdiction, you must have the required education and pass the bar exam in that jurisdiction. For most states, you must have earned your Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and have earned your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. The bar exam is administered by each state and typically tests applicants' understanding of legal subjects and their overall competency to practice law.

The subjects tested on the bar exam depend on which version of the exam your jurisdiction administers. 

Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) Subjects: The UBE tests the following subjects across its MBE, MEE, and MPT components: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. As of July 2026, the following subjects are no longer on the MEE: Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, and Secured Transactions. 

NextGen Bar Exam Subjects: The NextGen UBE narrows the focus to eight core foundational subject areas: 

• Business Associations 
• Civil Procedure 
• Constitutional Law 
• Contracts 
• Criminal Law  
• Evidence 
• Real Property 
• Torts 

From July 2026 to February 2028, Family Law and Trusts and Estates will still appear on the exam, but only within performance tasks and integrated question sets — and legal resources will be provided, so you won't need to memorize those rules. Starting in July 2028, Family Law joins the core foundational subjects and will be tested the same way as the other eight areas.  

Professional Responsibility: The NextGen UBE also integrates select Model Rules of Professional Conduct directly into client-advising scenarios on the exam. This does not replace the MPRE, which remains a separate requirement in most jurisdictions. 

For a complete breakdown of tested topics, review the NCBE Content Scope Outline and learn how BARBRI prepares you for both formats at BARBRI NextGen: What's Changing in 2026.  

The bar exam pass rate varies by jurisdiction. You can find a detailed report on the bar exam results by jurisdiction from the NCBE. 

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) is launching a new U.S. bar exam — popularly known as the NextGen bar exam — in July 2026. Six states (plus Guam, Palau, Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands) have adopted the NextGen bar exam for 2026, and many other jurisdictions have opted in, starting in either 2027 or 2028. Other states continue to evaluate their options, including the adoption of NextGen or alternative exams and pathways. Learn more about NextGen. 

There is no particular visa required to travel to the United States to sit for a U.S. bar exam. Traveling on a normal tourist visa is sufficient.

The format of the bar exam depends on which exam your jurisdiction administers.  

Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) Format: The current UBE is a two-day exam held on the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday of every February and July. It consists of three separately timed components: 

• MBE (Multistate Bar Examination): 200 multiple-choice questions administered across two 3-hour sessions (100 questions each), covering seven core subject areas. 
• MEE (Multistate Essay Examination): Six 30-minute essay questions testing your ability to identify legal issues and apply the law to a given fact pattern. 
• MPT (Multistate Performance Test): Two 90-minute tasks requiring you to complete a realistic legal assignment — such as drafting a memo or client letter — using a provided case file and legal library. 

A few non-UBE states still administer a 2½- or 3-day exam with their own state-specific components. 

NextGen Bar Exam Format: The NextGen UBE, debuting in select jurisdictions in July 2026, is a shorter, fully digital exam administered on a laptop over one and a half days. It consists of three 3-hour sessions (Tuesday morning, Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday morning) for a total of nine hours of testing. Each session includes all three question types: 

• Standalone Multiple-Choice Questions (~40 per session): Short fact patterns followed by four to six answer choices, with one or more correct answers. These questions emphasize issue spotting over rule recall, and you can earn partial credit for selecting at least one correct answer. 
• Integrated Question Sets (2 per session): The signature feature of the NextGen exam. You're placed in a realistic lawyering scenario — such as reviewing client interview notes, police reports, or deposition excerpts alongside statutes and case law — and answer a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. New facts or legal resources may be introduced as you progress, testing your ability to synthesize information across multiple subjects. 
• Performance Task (1 per session): Similar to the legacy MPT, you receive a case file and legal library and must complete a task a beginning lawyer should be able to perform — but now integrated into each session rather than tested separately. 

Some jurisdictions may use a portion of Wednesday afternoon to test state-specific components. 

Whether you'll be taking the legacy UBE, the NextGen exam, or a state-specific exam, some universal truths cover almost all bar exams. Check out this video to learn these "universal truths" and more about the bar exam. 

Generally, any qualified lawyer in good standing anywhere in the world is eligible to sit the California Bar Exam. So long as the attorney can produce a certificate of good standing and a home jurisdiction practice certificate, the California Bar Exam is available. In addition, an international law student may become eligible for the California Bar by completing a one-year LL.M. at a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or accredited by the state of California. In practice, this means completing an LL.M. in the United States. Equally, an online LL.M. from a U.S. law school is also eligible for the California Bar Exam.

Learn more about the California Bar Exam.

The California Bar Examination is given twice each year. The exam is given over two days and consists of the following parts:

• Day 1 consists of five one-hour essay questions and one 90-minute Performance Test
• Day 2 consists of The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a 200 multiple-choice question exam.

Learn more about the California Bar Exam.

Preparing for the California bar exam requires a strategic and focused approach.

First, consider enrolling early enough in a complete review course to ensure you have time for a structured and highly personalized study plan, a comprehensive approach to reviewing all of the law you'll need to know and the practice materials you will need to effectively prepare. BARBRI is the most selected comprehensive bar review course on the market for a reason -- we provide students with the most personalized review experience providing the most effective and efficient course on the market.

Passing the California bar exam requires a highly focused and strategic study plan. Learn more about BARBRI's Bar prep course options, supplements, and tutoring support here.

The Florida bar exam is widely considered one of the most difficult in the country for several reasons. First, it tests both the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) rules and all Florida-specific rules for those MBE subjects. Second, the Florida portion of the exam tests heavily on Florida-specific legal intricacies, leaving less room for error. Third, it includes both an essay and multiple-choice section. Finally, Florida has more subjects than many other jurisdictions.

Learn more about the Florida Bar Exam.

To be eligible for the New York Bar Exam, international applicants must have completed a three-year or four-year full-time, on-campus, qualifying common law degree. For example, an English/Irish law degree is accepted by the New York Board of Law Examiners. The curriculum needs to be on campus and amount to 166 European Credit Transfer System credits.

If an applicant outside the U.S. has completed a civil law degree, they will need to have completed a one-year, full-time LL.M. in the United States at an ABA-accredited law school. The LL.M. must fulfill certain classes, subjects, and credits to be eligible for the bar exam.

However, law degrees from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are not accepted. To cure the deficiency, applicants will also need to complete a one-year LL.M. in the United States to be eligible for the New York Bar Exam.

Learn more about the New York state Bar Exam.

Learn more about U.S. bar exam eligibility and requirements for international students and professionals for UBE jurisdictions other than New York.

Candidates who have completed a two-year accelerated LL.B. in the UK or a dual-modular degree (Law with Politics, Law with French, for example) may have difficulties securing eligibility. With accelerated degrees, candidates must have completed the degree in three years.

We have found that those applicants who have completed a postgraduate common law qualification (such as a UK LL.M., LPC/BPTC), may then file a persuasive eligibility application to be eligible for the New York Bar Exam. Dual-modular degrees are difficult because the law modules must meet 166 European Credit Transfer System credits. Again, those applicants who have completed a postgraduate common law qualification, such as a UK LL.M. or LPC/BPTC, may be eligible for the New York Bar Exam.

Learn more about the New York state Bar Exam.

Unfortunately, those candidates are not eligible for the New York Bar Exam. The New York Board of Law Examiners has a ruling whereby applicants who have completed the GDL and the LPC or the BPTC must first qualify as solicitors or barristers by way of a training contract or pupillage. The applicant must then complete a one-year LL.M. in the United States at an accredited law school to be eligible for the New York Bar Exam.

The New York Bar Exam has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam, which many states have adopted to date. The UBE is a standardized bar exam created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). It is designed to test knowledge and skills that every lawyer should have before becoming licensed to practice law.

The Uniform Bar Examination provides a standardized bar exam, and examinees who take the UBE earn a portable score that can be transferred to seek admission in other UBE jurisdictions. However, foreign applicants without a U.S. law school education (without a J.D. gained over three years of U.S. law school) cannot waive into another UBE state and qualify there.

California is a state-specific bar exam which means that once you qualify in California, you can only practice as an attorney in California.

Yes, is the short answer; however, the reality is United States immigration law is tough. For those who wish to relocate to New York and practice after New York qualification (and for California after California qualification), a firm or employer is required to sponsor their work visa.

The best bar prep course is the one that works for you, and with you, to shore up where you need extra practice and reduce the number of hours you spend studying topics you already know by heart.

All BARBRI Bar Review courses offer the most customizable bar prep course with the greatest number of success stories. BARBRI's course provides learners with a dynamic, engaging, and highly effective preparation program that leverages research-based learning science and instructional design, data, and best-in-class faculty to provide learners with the best chance of passing the exam.

Like all major bar preparation courses, BARBRI Bar Review uses a combination of retired NCBE-licensed questions and authored questions. BARBRI is unique in that it provides students with authored questions drafted by the most experienced team of bar preparation experts in the industry. All of BARBRI's questions are drafted based on the framework provided by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) as well as from former NCBE employees employed by BARBRI. BARBRI recognizes the importance of providing learners with a comprehensive approach to MBE preparation. Using a mix of released and authored questions is the best strategy for learners to effectively master all the topics, in the myriad ways those topics may be tested. 

When polled, about 25% of our students say our questions are easier than the retired NCBE questions, 25% say that they are more difficult, and about 50% state they're spot on. 

NextGen Bar Exam Prep: BARBRI's NextGen course also incorporates official NCBE-licensed content to ensure you're practicing with materials that mirror the real exam. Our course integrates three NextGen NCBE-licensed question sets, providing regular opportunities to practice with authentic NextGen-style questions and sharpen your skills. You'll also complete one full NCBE question set on the official exam platform, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the testing interface and avoid any surprises on test day. 

Whether you're preparing for the UBE or the NextGen bar exam, BARBRI ensures you're working with realistic, exam-aligned practice materials. 

Yes, you can complete 100% of your BARBRI US Bar Review course online anywhere in the world as long as you have a strong, stable internet connection.

Absolutely! We highly recommend it. 

Beginning around September for the following winter and summer BARBRI Bar Review  course, you can start working ahead with BARBRI Early Start. Early Start allows you to build key bar exam skills and knowledge early. Early Start is entirely self-directed and designed to fit into your schedule. 

Investing just 24 total study hours with Early Start before you start your BARBRI Bar Review course statistically increases your chances of passing the bar exam the first time. Just Sign in to your account to get started. 

Yes, you can submit questions throughout your course through your Personal Study Plan. Course Assistant is available for quick, on-demand help with substantive law questions. If your question requires additional review, it will be answered by a BARBRI attorney, typically within 48 hours via email. 

BARBRI Bar Prep 

• For Premium and Elite courses, your Personal Study Plan (PSP) will be available: 
• Mid-October for the February exam 
• Mid-March for the July exam. 
• For Essentials, you will gain access to your Personal Study Plan (PSP) in 
• Mid-December for the February exam 
• Mid-May for the July exam 

Once you have access, you will be able to see all assignments available to you for the entire course. The earlier you begin your preparation, the fewer hours per week you will need to study, while a more consolidated schedule will require approximately 40 hours per week to complete your PSP. Each week, you may study the specific days, hours per day, and times of day that work best for your schedule. 

BARBRI Extended Bar 

Preparing for a February bar exam? 

• 6-month course starts in September with access to Foundations in U.S. Law in July 
• 10-month course starts in May with access to Foundations in U.S. Law in February 

Preparing for a July bar exam? 

• 6-month course starts in February with access to Foundations in U.S. Law in December 
• 10-month course starts in October with access to Foundations in U.S. Law in July 

Students should expect to spend on average between 20-25 hours per week for the 6-month course or 10-15 hours per week for the 10-month course studying. Each week, you may study the specific days, hours per day, and times of day that work best for your schedule. 

BARBRI gives unlimited graded essays to our Premium, Elite, and Extended Bar Review students. Learn more about what’s included in each tier here.  

Yes! With BARBRI Premium, Elite, and Extended Bar Review, unlimited essay grading is included at no extra charge. Learn more about BARBRI bar review essay tools here. 

Yes, BARBRI Extended U.S. Bar Prep is designed to prepare students to pass the bar in all UBE jurisdictions as well as California.

Yes. Through our unique, proprietary Personalized Study Plan, you can modify your course schedule at any time, adjust your start date, and select the days you'd like to study and specific days you need to take off.

We recommend that you complete the course on a computer or a laptop. Google Chrome is our suggested internet browser. If you are using a Mac, please download Google Chrome or Safari for the best experience. If you are using a PC, please download Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best experience.

Click here for other technical requirements and troubleshooting tips.

You may also download the BARBRI Study Plan App to watch lectures (streaming or swipe to download) and work practice questions on iOS and Android.

It is possible to defer your course to a later date. For assistance, please email service@BARBRI.com or call 888-322-7274

The BARBRI Guarantee offers you peace of mind if you take a BARBRI Bar Prep course and do not pass. Please see the specific BARBRI course option that you select during enrollment for completion requirements and additional details. 

Learn more about the BARBRI Guarantee. 

Visit: https://www.barbri.com/terms-conditions   

BARBRI Bar Review offers multiple tiers of products so students can get the tools they need to score more points on the bar exam and customize their level of support according to their needs. 

Our most popular package, Premium, is equivalent in price to Themis but outperforms in quality and personalization. 

Learn more about the cost of BARBRI Bar Review and what's included in each tier here. 

If you have a BARBRI Bar Prep account, you can sign in to your account and review the Orders Page to see your current balance and payment options.

BARBRI Bar Review Premium and Elite: 

• July Bar Review course balances must be paid or on a payment plan by April 15. 
• February Bar Review course balances must be paid or on a payment plan by November 15. 

BARBRI Extended Bar Review 

• For the 10-month course, tuition must be paid or on a payment plan by October 1 for the July course or May 1 for the February course. 
• For the 6-month course, tuition must be paid or on a payment plan by February 1 for the July course or September 1 for the February course. 

BARBRI accepts American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and Visa. We also offer custom monthly installment plans or financing options through Affirm. 

Learn more about pricing and payment options here. 

BARBRI has a direct billing relationship with over 600 law firms. You can specify the employer that you'd like us to invoice during enrollment. Once you have requested that BARBRI directly bill a law firm for your bar review course, the selected firm will receive an invoice for your balance due. 

If your firm provides a stipend, check out using the Self Pay option. You can then generate an invoice to submit for reimbursement. 

Don’t see your firm? Contact us! With relationships across more than 1,000 firms, we’ll help you find the right course. 

Learn more about BARBRI Firm Pay products. 

Yes! If you are an alumnus of a previous BARBRI Bar Review course seeking to pass your next U.S. bar exam in another jurisdiction, we have options and special pricing for you. Visit our alumni scholarship page to learn more. 

Yes! if you are an alumnus of a previous BARBRI Bar Review course seeking to pass your next U.S. bar exam in another jurisdiction, we have options and special pricing for you. Visit our alumni scholarship page to learn more.

No matter which bar exam you're preparing for — the UBE, the NextGen UBE, or a state-specific exam — BARBRI provides you with the hard copy study materials designed for your course and jurisdiction. 

The specific materials you receive will vary based on your state and the BARBRI Bar Review option you select during enrollment. When your materials arrive, carefully compare the contents to the checklist included with your shipment to ensure everything is accounted for. 

Yes, you can request international shipment of your BARBRI books. When you confirm your shipping address, you will be able to designate an international address and provide payment for the shipping costs.

When enrolled in a BARBRI Bar Prep course, BARBRI books are shipped within the U.S. by UPS ground service or couriered via FedEx International Priority outside of the U.S. Shipping costs are included in the course price. They are typically not taxed at customs.

Depending on the course you purchased, BARBRI Bar Review hard copy books are typically available in September for the February course and in February for the July course. You will be notified via email when books are available for order.

Please visit our West Academic website

Returning your BARBRI hard copy books is optional; however, you must return them to receive any refundable material deposit* you paid at the time of enrollment, if applicable.

Your box of hard-copy books will include a checklist and material return form that you will use to determine which materials need to be returned.

Materials can be returned in any condition, along with the completed Material Return Form, all in one package. The package must be postmarked no later than 30 days after your jurisdiction's bar exam results are released.

*Extended Bar Review courses do not include a refundable material deposit.

No matter where you are in the world, BARBRI is here to assist you.

Visit our contact page or

In the United States:

• email: service@barbri.com
• call +1 (888) 322-7274 | Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM CT (Monday – Friday)

In the United Kingdom:

• For new course enquiries, please request a call.

• For enroled student enquiries, please email ukstudentservices@barbri.com or call+44 (0) 2038550162 | Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM GMT (Monday - Friday)

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