Every law student confronts the same question: Is passing the bar exam hard? The short answer is yes.
It's a demanding test of knowledge, endurance, and mental fortitude. The stakes are high, the volume of material is immense, and the exam-day experience is intense. But you are not the first to face it, and with the right strategy, you will conquer it.
BARBRI has prepared over 1.4 million students for success. Now, we’re ready to guide you through what to expect and how to prepare effectively.
What Makes the Bar Exam So Difficult?
The difficulty of the bar exam stems from a combination of factors that, when taken together, create a rather significant hurdle. Understanding the challenge is the first step in overcoming it.
It’s a High-Stakes Exam
For the vast majority of law graduates, there is no alternative path to licensure. A lucky few might be able to become licensed through another means, but for most the bar exam is a prerequisite to practice U.S. law. The stakes are high, so the exam can be a source of huge pressure.
The Immense Scope of Material
The sheer volume of law you must know is staggering. No matter which bar exam you take, it will cover a good portion of what you learned in law school, and likely a few subjects you’ve never studied before. Except for the performance test task, the governing law will not be supplied. The exam is crafted on the assumption that you already know the relevant law the moment you walk into the exam room. This expectation places a premium on effective memorization and recall under pressure.
A Significant Time Commitment
Preparing for the bar exam is a full-time job. A dedicated, full-time study plan typically requires 10+ weeks of focused effort. If you choose a part-time schedule, that commitment is spread over a longer period. Whether you select full- or part-time study, preparing for the exam takes valuable time away from other aspects of life, including paid work and caretaking responsibilities.
Pressured Exam Conditions
The bar exam is typically a multiday affair. Endurance is critical. You must maintain focus and move quickly to stay on pace. Each section has its own time constraints, requiring you to manage every minute efficiently to maximize your score.
What Are the Components of the Bar Exam?
While the specific format varies by jurisdiction, most bar exams to date consist of a multiple-choice section (the Multistate Bar Examination, or MBE), an essay component, and a performance test task. The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is the standard in most states and will see updates with the NextGen UBE starting with its administration in some jurisdictions in July 2026.
Unlike previous formats, the NextGen UBE will integrate various question types, including multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets combining multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions, and a 60-minute performance test task.
Whether you plan to sit for the UBE, the NextGen UBE, or a state-specific (non-UBE) version, it is a marathon of focus and endurance. Success on the bar exam doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of a deliberate, strategic, and proven approach. Here are tips to help you pass your jurisdiction’s bar exam.
How to Prepare for the Bar Exam
1. Select the Right Bar Prep Course
This is the most critical decision you will make in your bar prep journey. Not all courses are created equal. You need a program with a long track record of success.
Does the course use licensed questions from past exams? Will you receive personalized feedback on your essays from experienced attorney graders? BARBRI has perfected its method and continued innovating over decades, incorporating proven learning science to ensure you study efficiently and effectively.
2. Plan Your Study Schedule for Success
Before bar prep begins, preview your program’s study schedule. Consider where and when you’ll accomplish the tasks in your study schedule. BARBRI’s customizable calendar and Personal Study Plan makes it easy to accommodate your personal needs, manage expectations, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Harness the Power of Active Learning
Passive learning—like simply reading outlines or watching lectures—creates a false sense of confidence. The only way to truly master the material is through active recall. This is the foundation of the BARBRI method. We enable you to engage with the material through practice.
It may sound strange, but testing yourself on the material you study produces a memory-boosting effect known as the testing effect. Retrieving information from memory enhances retention. Take practice tests early and often. Work through tons of multiple-choice questions, write out full practice essays, and complete practice performance test tasks under timed conditions. This is how you build the knowledge and skills needed to excel on exam day.
4. Persevere When the Going Gets Tough
Bar prep is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s very common to hit a wall midway through preparation. When that happens, remember that progress is key.
- Break down large goals. Instead of memorizing Evidence, focus on a smaller task like memorizing the hearsay exceptions.
- Take meaningful breaks. Step away to exercise, connect with family, or enjoy a hobby. A refreshed mind learns more effectively.
- Prioritize your tasks. Tackle high-energy tasks like practice tests and essays when you are fresh. Save lower-energy activities like reviewing outlines for when you are more tired.
When preparing for the bar exam, the resources you choose will play a key role in defining your success. BARBRI has you covered. We’ll equip you with the best tools and a proven strategy, so you walk into the bar exam with the confidence that you are ready for anything.
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