The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a standardized test designed to assess whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in the United States. It was created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) to be uniformly administered, resulting in a portable score that can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions—making it easier for a lawyer to practice in multiple states or jurisdictions. There are expiry dates for scores of typically 3 to 5 years, so an applicant’s score is no longer portable past its expiration date.
Missouri, Alabama and North Dakota were the first states to adopt the UBE in 2011. Currently, 41 jurisdictions administer the UBE every February and July. This includes 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beginning with the July 2026 bar exam, however, the assessment of legal competency in the U.S. will take on a transformation, as some jurisdictions adopt the next generation of the Uniform Bar Exam (NextGen UBE). Learn more about the upcoming changes.
The NCBE maintains an updated list of participating jurisdictions, so be sure to check their website for the latest information.
Why Was the UBE Created?
Historically, each state had its own bar exam, tailored to its unique laws. However, as legal work increasingly crosses state lines, the UBE was introduced to address the need for a more standardized approach. Today, the UBE reflects the growing similarities among state laws while still allowing jurisdictions to set their own passing scores and additional requirements.
Intro to the UBE
The UBE is currently composed of three sections:
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): A 200-question multiple-choice test covering seven key legal subjects.
- Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): Six essay questions designed to test your ability to analyze legal issues.
- Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Two practical tasks that assess your lawyering skills using provided case materials.
The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)
The Multistate Bar Examination is a six-hour exam developed by the NCBE and administered on the last Wednesday in February and July of each year. The MBE counts for 50 percent of your total UBE score. Of the 200 questions on the MBE, 175 questions are scored; those questions are distributed evenly across each of the seven MBE subject areas:
- Civil Procedure,
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
The remaining unscored 25 questions are used by the NCBE to test potential future MBE questions. Your MBE score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, and points are not subtracted for incorrect answers. So, it’s in your best interest to answer every question on the MBE, even if you’re guessing.
Learn more about the Multistate Bar Examination.
The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
Jurisdictions administering the UBE use the Multistate Essay Examination. The MEE is also utilized by several non-UBE jurisdictions. The MEE consists of six 30-minute questions. It's administered on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year. The MEE counts for 30 percent of your UBE score.
The MEE subjects tested include all the MBE subjects plus:
- Business Associations (including Agency and Partnership)
- Conflict of Laws
- Decedents’ Estates
- Family Law
- Secured Transactions
- Trusts
Beginning in July 2026, Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, and Secured Transactions will no longer be tested on the MEE, although these subjects may appear on the MPT.
Learn more about the Multistate Essay Examination.
The Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
The Multistate Performance Test is the third component of the UBE. The MPT is used even in jurisdictions that haven’t adopted the UBE. Each MPT includes a File and a Library. The File consists of documents containing all the facts of a fictitious case. The Library may contain cases, statutes, regulations, or rules. You are given an assignment in a memorandum and are expected to utilize the resources provided to perform the assigned task. Unlike other components of the UBE, the MPT is not a test of substantive knowledge. Thus, there is no material you’ll need to memorize for the MPT. It’s all about practice. The MPT consists of two 90-minute items and counts for 20 percent of your UBE score.
Learn more about the Multistate Performance Test.
What Will Be Different with the NextGen UBE?
Much like the UBE, the NextGen UBE will continue to assess the ability to apply fundamental legal principles to hypothetical scenarios and to competently perform legal analysis and legal writing tasks. NextGen will, however, also test your ability to select appropriate lawyering strategies given specific circumstances, like weighing the ethical implications of strategic choices.
Unlike the UBE format, the NextGen UBE will also integrate various question types in each of its exam segments:
- Multiple-choice questions delivering between four and six answer options and up to two correct answers.
- Two integrated question sets combining multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions based on a common fact scenario. In addition to testing legal concepts, some integrated sets will focus on drafting or editing a legal document, client counseling, or dispute resolution.
- A 60-minute performance task that mirrors real-world legal practice.
The NextGen bar exam will initially test foundational knowledge in 8 subjects:
- Business Associations (including Agency and Partnership)
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
- Family Law (starting in July 2028)
Note: Additional subjects will be included in performance test tasks or in questions assessing foundational skills, but foundational knowledge in those subjects is not required. Reference materials or a library with appropriate legal resources will be provided.
NextGen will also test the following foundational skills:
- Client counseling and advising
- Client relationship management
- Investigation and evaluation
- Issue spotting and analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Negotiation and dispute resolution
Preparing for the UBE
Preparation is key to passing the UBE. The topics tested on the exam are widely available, so there should be few surprises on test day for the properly prepared. Here are some tips for success:
- Study the Material: Focus on the most frequently tested subjects, such as Constitutional Law, Contracts, and Torts.
- Practice: Simulate the exam environment with full-length practice tests to build endurance and familiarity. The BARBRI Simulated Exam is a great way to mimic the timing, structure, and intensity of the actual test.
- Pay Attention to Time Management: Treat studying like a full-time job, with set hours and regular breaks to avoid burnout. BARBRI’s proprietary Personal Study Plan (PSP) allows you to create a flexible custom calendar.
How Hard is the UBE?
The UBE is challenging, but with proper preparation, it’s entirely manageable. Thousands of law school graduates pass the UBE every year. The key is to start early, stay consistent, and use reliable resources like BARBRI. More students pass with BARBRI than with all other bar prep providers combined.
Passing the UBE
Understanding bar exam scoring structure is an important step toward building your successful bar exam strategy. UBE scoring is based on a 400-point scale with each jurisdiction setting its own minimum-passing score. Minimum-passing scores range from 260-272.
NextGen UBE scoring is based on a single number on a scale from 500 to 750. Each jurisdiction establishes its own passing score within this range derived from the exam’s three distinct question types, each carrying a different weight.
The NCBE maintains an updated list of the minimum-passing UBE score in each state.
When Should I Start Studying for the Bar Exam?
It’s generally recommended that you start studying at least 10 weeks before the bar exam. If you’re not able to study full-time, you’ll likely need to start studying even sooner.
The Uniform Bar Exam is a critical part of the journey for aspiring lawyers, offering flexibility and portability in an increasingly interconnected legal world. By understanding its structure and dedicating time to preparation, you can confidently tackle the UBE and take the next step in your legal career.
Learn more about preparing for the bar exam with BARBRI Bar Review.
Explore study strategies for the UBE and NextGen UBE.
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