Bar Examination

Examination components

Three components over two days.

The UBE comprises three NCBE components. Components are equally weighted in the calculation of the final UBE score.

Multistate Performance Test

Two 90-minute practical tasks. Candidates receive a file of case documents and a law library, and produce a lawyering work product.

2 tasks · 3 hrs · 20% weight

Multistate Essay Examination

Six 30-minute essay questions across the full range of doctrinal subjects. Graded by state jurists and practitioners under a uniform protocol.

6 essays · 3 hrs · 30% weight

Multistate Bar Examination

200 multiple-choice questions across seven subject areas, administered in two three-hour blocks. Statistically scaled and equated by NCBE.

200 questions · 6 hrs · 50% weight
Tested subjects

Substantive coverage

All fifteen UBE subjects may appear on the written components. The MBE is limited to seven subjects.

CodeSubjectTested on
01Civil ProcedureMBE · MEE
02Constitutional LawMBE · MEE
03Contracts & SalesMBE · MEE
04Criminal Law & ProcedureMBE · MEE
05EvidenceMBE · MEE
06Real PropertyMBE · MEE
07TortsMBE · MEE
08Business AssociationsMEE only
09Conflict of LawsMEE only
10Family LawMEE only
11Trusts & EstatesMEE only
12Secured TransactionsMEE only

MBE subjects also tested on the essay component. MPT tasks may implicate any substantive area, though candidates are not expected to bring outside knowledge to the performance task.

Two-day schedule

Test-day overview

Day 1 · Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026

Written components. Candidates type responses in the NCBE examination software on their personal laptops.

  1. 7:30 amCheck-in

    Check-in opens

    Photo ID, admission ticket, and permitted materials verified at the door.

  2. 9:00 amMPT

    MPT begins

    Two 90-minute performance tasks, one book of materials.

  3. 12:00 pmRecess

    Lunch recess

    Candidates must remain on-site; food service is provided.

  4. 1:30 pmMEE

    MEE begins

    Six 30-minute essay questions, answered in order.

  5. 4:30 pmClose

    Day 1 ends

    Answer files uploaded and verified before dismissal.

Day 2 · Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Multistate Bar Examination. 200 multiple-choice questions, scored by NCBE.

  1. 7:30 amCheck-in

    Check-in opens

    Same materials policy as Day 1.

  2. 9:00 amMBE · 1

    MBE · Session 1

    100 questions in a 3-hour block. No communication between candidates.

  3. 12:00 pmRecess

    Lunch recess

    On-site. Candidates may not discuss session-1 content.

  4. 1:30 pmMBE · 2

    MBE · Session 2

    100 questions in a 3-hour block. Answer sheets collected on completion.

  5. 4:30 pmClose

    Examination closes

    Scores released approximately 8 weeks after the administration.

Pass rate, five-year trend

Recent results

Overall pass rate across both annual administrations, first-time examinees only. Current at July 2025.

YearFirst-time pass rateExamineesChange
202171.4%2,108baseline
202272.8%2,215+1.4pt
202373.6%2,304+0.8pt
202474.1%2,388+0.5pt
202574.2%2,418Current

Pass rates reflect first-time examinees only. Repeat-taker rates are published separately in the annual statistical report.

Preparing to sit

Board-endorsed preparation guidance.

The Board does not endorse particular commercial preparation programs. The following guidance is offered as a general framework.

  1. Baseline assessment

    Take a full practice MBE and at least two MEE essays under timed conditions. Identify the two subjects where your score is weakest.

    T-16 weeksDiagnostic

  2. Substantive review

    Work through outline-based study on a 6–7 day rotation across all fifteen subjects. Budget 35–45 hours of study per week.

    T-14 → T-6Core study

  3. Simulated practice

    Shift to timed practice questions and essays. Take at least three full-length simulated MBE sessions.

    T-6 → T-2Simulation

  4. Review & refine

    Targeted review of highest-yield rules. Reduce hours gradually in the final week. Plan logistics: hotel, transportation, permitted materials.

    T-2 → examFinal polish
Future administrations

Scheduled exam dates

AdministrationExam datesRegistration closesResults releasedStatus
February 2026Feb 24–25, 2026Dec 1, 2025Apr 10, 2026Concluded
July 2026Jul 28–29, 2026May 15, 2026Sep 25, 2026Registration open
February 2027Feb 23–24, 2027Dec 1, 2026Apr 9, 2027Scheduled
July 2027Jul 27–28, 2027May 14, 2027Sep 24, 2027Scheduled
Registration open

Secure your seat for July 2026.

Applications close May 15. Late filings accepted through June 1 with a $250 surcharge.

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