Bar Exam Pass Rates: How Hard is the Bar Exam?

Over 60,000 aspiring attorneys take the bar exam every year, but not all of them pass. But what are the bar exam pass rates, and how hard is it, really?

In this guide, I’ll outline the trends and insights you need to set realistic expectations and focus your study plan. It’s not about scaring yourself—it’s about getting informed so you know exactly what you’re up against and give yourself a better chance to pass on your first try.

Key Takeaways

• Pass Rates Vary Widely: Overall national pass rates range from 60–70%, but results vary widely depending on states and exam sessions.
• First-Time Takers Have the Edge: First-time test takers consistently outperform repeat takers, sometimes by over 30 percentage points.
• State Standards Matter: Minimum passing scores and grading standards differ by state, directly impacting how tough the exam feels.
• Law Schools Play a Role: Schools with more substantial support and prep programs often see higher bar exam pass rates among their grads.
• Preparation is the X-Factor: Regardless of stats, your personal prep and consistency will make the most significant difference.

What Do Bar Exam Pass Rates Tell Us?

Bar exam pass rates aren’t just statistics—they give us a sense of how difficult the test is and how well law schools are preparing students. These rates vary by state, by year, and especially between first-time test takers and repeat takers.

Here’s a general breakdown of what we’ve seen in recent years:

• National average pass rates typically range between 60–70% overall.
• First-time test takers often pass at a much higher rate, usually above 70%.
• February exams have generally lower pass rates than July exams.

Why is there a difference between months? July has more graduates fresh out of law school, while February tends to have more repeat takers. That mix really affects the stats.

First-Time Test Takers vs. Repeat Takers

The gap between first-time and repeat takers is no joke. In some states, the pass rate for first-time test takers hovers around 75%, while repeat takers may fall below 40%—and even as low as 13% in Alabama in 2024.

It’s not necessarily about intelligence or effort—many repeat test-takers are smart, driven individuals. But the bar exam isn’t just about what you know. It’s also about strategy, timing, and test-day performance. Understanding where others have stumbled can give you a big edge if you’re a first-timer.

Pass Rates by State

Bar exam difficulty isn’t evenly spread across the U.S. Some states are just tougher than others. That’s partly because of different grading standards, and partly because each state sets its own minimum passing score.

Here are a few notable examples based on February and July 2024 exam data:

Some states—Alabama, Missouri, Minnesota, New Mexico, and North Dakota—have the lowest minimum passing score for the Uniform Bar Exam at 260. Others, like California, set the bar higher (literally) with a passing score of 1,390, though it’s a different scoring system than the others listed.

So if you hear someone say, “The bar exam is harder in California,” they’re not wrong.

How Law Schools Factor In

A massive piece of the puzzle is where you went to law school. Different law schools produce different outcomes; some are more consistent than others at preparing students to pass.

Here’s why that matters:

• ABA-accredited schools generally have higher pass rates.
• Schools with strong bar prep programs give their grads an edge.
• Some schools publish their average pass rates, which can be a great research tool if you’re still deciding where to go.

If you’re already enrolled, don’t panic if your school’s numbers aren’t the highest. It just means you may need to lean more on outside bar prep support or structured study programs.

What’s Considered a “Good” Pass Rate?

There’s no magic number, but generally speaking:

• Above 70% for first-time takers is solid.
• Anything below 60% should raise questions about the exam’s difficulty or the support available to students.

It’s also important to remember that pass rates don’t reflect individual outcomes. A school might have a 65% pass rate, but your odds could be much higher if you’re well-prepared. Conversely, attending a top school doesn’t guarantee you’ll pass—you still have to put in the work.

So…How Hard Is the Bar Exam?

The short answer: it’s tough. But not impossible.

The bar examination is a test of both endurance and comprehension. It’s long, fast-paced, and covers a wide range of topics. It’s not just about memorizing rules—you must apply them under pressure, often with little time to think.

That said, this isn’t some unbeatable monster. People pass the bar every single year. Thousands of them. The ones who pass aren’t superhuman—they’re just consistent, prepared, and realistic about the challenge.

Tips Based on the Numbers

Here’s how you can use pass rate data to your advantage:

• Don’t underestimate the written portion: Multiple-choice gets the spotlight, but essays and performance tests matter too.
• Plan for the state you’re in: Look up your jurisdiction’s minimum score and pass rate history.
• Use pass rates as a benchmark, not a prediction: They help set expectations but don’t define your outcome.
• Get serious about prep: The most consistent pattern among passers? A solid, structured bar study schedule.

Final Thoughts

Bar exam pass rates give us an honest look at how challenging the exam is—but they don’t tell the whole story. What they do offer is a reality check. They remind you that this exam demands time, focus, and a smart strategy.

If you’re just starting to prep, let those numbers guide your approach, not scare you off. And if you’re already deep into study mode, remember that every practice essay, every MBE drill, and every review session is moving the needle in the right direction.

Passing the bar isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. The numbers are helpful, but your effort is what matters most.

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