If you’re prepping for the bar exam, you’ve certainly heard (and likely seen) how hard it is—but how much of that is true?
And while we’re at it, how many questions can you expect?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed already, take a breath and try to get cozy! I’m going to break down the bar exam into bite-sized pieces so you know what to expect and can walk into the exam room feeling confident and ready for your future in law.
Key Takeaways
- Two Testing Days: The bar exam is 200 questions long and spans two consecutive days, totaling 12 hours (6 hours each day).
- Uniform Structure in UBE States: Day 1 covers writing components (MPT and MEE), while Day 2 is dedicated to the multistate bar exam, containing 200 MCQs.
- Take Your Time Prepping: Most successful candidates study for 8-10 weeks using bar prep courses. The course you choose should be highly rated/recommended.
- Passing Scores Vary: States set their passing thresholds, but range between 260 and 270 for UBE states. Some states, like Nevada, New York, and California, have their own scoring systems.
- Three-Part Scoring System: In UBE jurisdictions, your final score is based on 50% MBE, 30% MEE, and 20% MPT.
What You Should Know About the Bar Exam
The bar exam is more than just a couple of days of filling in 200 dots on a Scantron. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process so you can plan ahead.
1. Registration
Every jurisdiction has its own registration timeline, but most expect you to apply about 3 to 6 months ahead of the exam. UBE states generally stick to the same test dates, though you’ll still need to go through your specific state’s board of bar examiners to sign up.
2. Study Period
Most people spend about 8 to 10 weeks prepping for the bar. While that timeframe may seem relatively simple, we’re talking weeks of full-time job level focus. Aspiring lawyers who do not spend enough time studying, understanding, and learning typically don’t pass the exam. That’s part of why a lot of people take a bar prep course. They cover the “big” concepts, like:
- MBE (aka the 200-question multiple-choice marathon)
- MEE (the essay part)
- MPT (the “pretend you’re a lawyer” task)
Expect to revisit everything from contracts and torts to criminal law and civil procedure. No stone goes unturned.
3. Exam Days
In most jurisdictions, the bar exam is administered on the last Tuesday/Wednesday of February and July.
4. Receiving Results
Results are usually released 6 to 10 weeks after the exam, depending on your state.
Bar Exam Structure: What Each Day Looks Like
Most jurisdictions follow the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) format. The exam is split across two days, with six hours of testing each day, including three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon.
Day 1: Written Portion (MPT + MEE)
Morning Session: Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
- Time: 3 hours
- Format: Two 90-minute tasks
- What You’ll Do: You’ll get a case file and a mini library of legal materials. From there, you’ll write something practical like a memo, a brief, or a client letter.
- Goal: Show you think like a lawyer, using only what you’re given. No outside knowledge needed, just excellent analysis and clear writing.
Afternoon Session: Multistate Essay Exam (MEE)
- Time: 3 hours
- Format: Six essays, 30 minutes each
- Topics May Include: Contracts, torts, criminal procedure, constitutional law, federal civil procedure, business associations, and more.
- What It Tests: Your ability to spot legal issues, apply the right rules, and explain your reasoning clearly and efficiently.
Day 2: Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)
This is where you take those 200 multiple-choice questions.
Morning Session:
- Time: 3 hours
- Questions: 100
Afternoon Session:
- Time: 3 hours
- Questions: 100 more
Topics Covered:
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts and Sales
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
Each question evaluates how well you can apply core legal concepts to specific fact scenarios.
How the UBE Is Scored
In UBE jurisdictions, the components are weighted as follows:
- Multistate Bar Examination – 50%
- Multistate Essay Examination – 30%
- Multistate Performance Test – 20%
The total score is reported on a 400-point scale. Each state sets a minimum passing score between 260 and 270 for the UBE, though some states and jurisdictions have their own bar scoring systems. For example, Nevada’s passing score is just 75, and California’s is a staggering 1,390. However, if you translated these scores to the UBE system, they would likely be in that same range.
Planning Notes
Need Accommodations?
If you’re planning to request accommodations, like extended time or extra breaks, don’t wait. These requests take time to process, and some jurisdictions set earlier deadlines than the standard application window.
Not All States Use the UBE
While many states perform the Uniform Bar Exam, others don’t. California and Florida, for example, have their own unique exams with different formats and requirements. California’s bar exam is famously stressful, so double-check what’s expected in your state.
Who’s Behind the Test?
The NCBE writes the UBE and its parts, aiming for a consistent standard across states. Meanwhile, the ABA (American Bar Association) helps shape the broader rules around legal education and licensure nationwide.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that the bar exam is one of the toughest tests in the world—but it’s possible to overcome with the right skills, mindset, and preparation. Knowing how long the test lasts and how much time you’ll need to study helps you take it on with a clearer plan. Never underestimate the power of having all your ducks in a row.
Good luck!
FAQs
Each UBE state sets its own minimum passing score, usually between 260 and 270 on the Uniform Bar Exam. That score includes results from the Multistate Bar Examination, the Multistate Essay Exam, and the Multistate Performance Test. States like California use a different scale for their general bar examination, so always check with your state bar examiners.
A few states, like California and Vermont, allow you to sit for the bar examination without a traditional law school education through legal apprenticeships. However, most jurisdictions require a J.D. to qualify for their state bar exams and to practice law officially.
UBE states focus on seven subjects: constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure, real property, contracts, evidence, and torts. The Multistate Essay Exam might also include business associations, family law, and secured transactions, while federal civil procedure and the Uniform Commercial Code often appear in the multiple choice questions on the Multistate Bar Exam.
Both. The Multistate Bar Examination is a multiple-choice portion with 200 test questions. Day 1 covers the written portion, which includes six essay questions on the Multistate Essay Exam and two performance tasks in the Multistate Performance Test.
Most candidates begin prepping 8–10 weeks before test day, especially in a UBE state. That gives you time to cover all subjects tested, review sample questions, and get familiar with the structure of bar exam questions.
