If you’re considering going to law school or entering the legal profession, you’ve probably heard about the bar exam. It’s often mentioned in the same breath as long study hours, high stress, and that final hurdle to become an attorney—but what exactly is it?
Every year, tens of thousands of law graduates sit for this two-day exam, which—according to the American Bar Association—is the standard path to licensure in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction, typically combining multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tasks.
In this article, I’ll break down what the bar exam is, what it includes, and what you need to know if you’re planning to practice law in the U.S. We’ll cover the format, subjects, and how it all ties into your journey through law school and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The Bar Exam Is Mandatory: You must pass the bar exam to become a licensed attorney and legally practice law in any U.S. state.
- Most States Use the UBE: The Uniform Bar Examination, which includes the MBE, MEE, and MPT, is adopted by the majority of states.
- Multiple Subjects Tested: Core areas like constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure, and family law are all part of the exam.
- Each State Sets Its Own Score: Even with the UBE, states decide their own minimum passing scores and licensing requirements.
- Preparation Is Essential: Most graduates study full-time for two to three months using structured bar prep courses aligned with the standards set by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
What Is the Bar Exam?
The bar exam is a state-administered test law school graduates must pass to become licensed attorneys. Passing the exam is required to practice law, meaning you can’t represent clients, give legal advice, or appear in court without it.
Each state sets its own rules, but most have adopted a shared structure called the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which helps standardize the process and allows scores to transfer between participating states.
Who Creates the Exam?
Most of the content comes from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). They design the key parts of the exam, which include:
- The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) – multiple choice
- The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) – essay writing
- The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) – practical tasks
States can also include unique requirements, like an ethics test or a short course on local law. But the core material is essentially the same, no matter where you go.
What Is the Uniform Bar Examination?
The UBE is a set of standardized tests that measure whether you’re ready to begin practicing law. It’s currently used in 41 jurisdictions: 39 states, Washington D.C., and the Virgin Islands. The benefit? If you pass in one UBE state, you can often transfer your score to another, particularly if that state has reciprocity laws with yours, though each state sets its minimum passing scores independently.
The uniform bar exam contains three parts:
1. Multistate Bar Examination
The MBE is a 200-question, multiple-choice exam addressing topics such as:
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
It’s taken over six hours in one day and is designed to test your ability to apply the law to different scenarios. This is the most standardized part of the bar exam and counts for a significant portion of your total score.
2. Multistate Essay Examination
This section includes six essay questions over three hours. You’re expected to spot legal issues, explain the rules, and apply them to a given situation. Topics often include:
- Family Law
- Business Associations
- Criminal Law
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Civil Procedure
Good organization and logic-driven reasoning matter just as much as getting the rule statements right.
3. Multistate Performance Test
The MPT simulates real legal work. You might be asked to write a memo, draft a client letter, or prepare a legal brief. All the necessary materials—like case law, statutes, and a file—are provided. It tests fundamental lawyering skills: reading closely, thinking critically, and communicating effectively.
Do All States Use the UBE?
Not quite. A few states—like California, Florida, and Louisiana—still use their own state bar exams, which include state-specific essays and sometimes different testing formats. These exams often place more weight on state-specific laws and procedures.
So if you plan to practice in one of those states, you’ll need to prepare for a slightly different version of the exam.
What Does the Bar Exam Cover?
While every test is a little different, there are common subjects that appear frequently, especially on the multistate bar exam:
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Civil Procedure
- Contracts
- Torts
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Family Law
- Business Associations
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
Many of these are part of the standard law school curriculum; basically, the bar exam takes what you’ve learned over three years and puts it into a single test.
How Hard Is the Bar Exam?
It’s challenging. Even after three years of law school, most students spend two to three months studying full time just for the bar. National bar exam pass rates vary, but first-time takers usually pass around 70–80% of the time, depending on the state.
It’s not just about memorization—it’s about applying the law under pressure, organizing your thoughts quickly, and staying focused throughout long testing days.
How Do You Prepare?
Most law graduates use a bar review course to refine their knowledge of fundamental legal principles. These programs offer practice questions, outlines, lectures, and sample exams to get you ready. Some are in-person, but many are now online and self-paced. So, once you’re near the graduation stages of your American Bar Association-accredited law school, it’s time to grab the right study materials.
Look for a course that:
- Covers all parts of the UBE
- Includes real past questions from the multistate bar examination MBE
- Helps with time management and writing strategy
- Is approved or recommended by your law school or local bar association
Don’t overlook the MPRE—a separate test on legal ethics that most states also require. It’s shorter and multiple choice, but just as essential for full bar admission.
Final Thoughts
The bar exam is a significant milestone on the path to becoming a licensed attorney. It’s demanding, but not impossible. With a strong law school foundation, focused preparation, and a good understanding of the exam’s structure, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed.
If you’re serious about entering the legal profession, learning how the bar exam works will help you plan ahead. Whether you’re still exploring your options or getting ready to graduate, knowing what’s expected gives you a real advantage.
Want to get a head start on passing the bar? Check out my reviews of top bar prep courses like Quimbee, Crushendo, and Kaplan to find the best fit for your study style.
FAQs
The bar exam ensures that all practicing attorneys meet a baseline level of legal knowledge and skills to competently serve clients and uphold the law.
The bar is one of the most challenging exams in the U.S., especially because of the wide subject coverage and intense format, but difficulty varies by individual.
The term “bar” comes from the actual wooden barrier in a courtroom that separates the public seating area from the area reserved for lawyers, judges, and court officials. Passing the bar exam means you’re officially allowed to cross that line and participate in legal proceedings, not just watch from the sidelines.
Most states allow unlimited attempts, but some impose limits or require additional steps after multiple failures. Always check your specific jurisdiction’s rules.
All U.S. states require a bar exam, except Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, and (situationally) New Hampshire, which have alternative licensing paths.
