In this article
Looking to broaden your legal horizons and practice across multiple jurisdictions? Mastering the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is your key. Since its inception in 2011, the UBE has emerged as the gold standard, recognized by 41 U.S. states and territorialities. It offers a seamless pathway for legal practitioners seeking to navigate diverse legal landscapes without the hassle of different bar exams. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of the UBE: its content, structure, scoring, and proven strategies for success.
UBE Overview
The UBE provides a portable bar exam score that can be used to apply for bar admissions in any jurisdiction which accepts the UBE on the condition that it is transferred in a timely manner, which differs depending on the state. This simplifies the process for attorneys who wish to practice in different states without having to start from scratch for bar acceptance.
For a full list of the states that accept the UBE score, check out the NCBE website.
What is the UBE?
Like any bar exam, the UBE is designed to test your ability to apply legal principles and reasoning to real-world scenarios. It assesses core competencies in areas of law that are essential for good practice, so that anyone who passes is (generally) guaranteed to have a strong foundational level of legal knowledge and skills.
Components of the UBE
The UBE is broken up into three primary sections: the MBE, MEE, MPT.
Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
The MBE is a multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions covering seven core areas of law: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Civil Procedure, and Torts. It aims to assess the ability to apply legal principles and analyze legal issues. The 200 questions are divided into two 3-hour sessions of 100 questions each.
Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
The MEE consists of six essay questions that test the ability to communicate effectively in writing. It covers a range of legal topics, requiring candidates to analyze legal issues, apply relevant law, and provide well-reasoned arguments.
You have three hours to complete the six essays, giving you 30 minutes each. This format really pushes you to manage your time well and articulate legal arguments concisely, clearly, and quickly.
Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
The MPT includes two 90-minute tasks that simulate real-world legal work for a whopping three-hour total. Candidates are required to perform tasks such as drafting memos, client letters, or other legal documents, demonstrating practical skills in legal research, analysis, and writing.
UBE Scoring
The three components of the UBE are weighted in your final score, with the weighting as follows:
- MBE: 50%
- MEE: 30%
- MPT: 20%
The scores from each component are scaled and combined to give you your final UBE score, which is reported on a 400-point scale.
Passing Scores
Now here’s where the universal bar exam isn’t quite as “universal” as its name suggests. While the test is recognized by the large majority of U.S. jurisdictions, those jurisdictions decide for themselves what constitutes a passing score.
That means a score which gets you accepted to the bar in one state may not be good enough for another state.
The good news: generally the passing scores for individual jurisdictions only range from 260-280, so there’s not a huge variation from one to the next. That said, it’s crucial that you know the specific requirements of the jurisdiction where you want to practice. Just because you passed in Texas doesn’t mean you’ll pass in New Hampshire.
Score Portability
One of the major benefits of taking the UBE is that it gives you career and lifestyle flexibility as a practicing legal professional. That said, each state or jurisdiction has its own requirements, and there’s typically a specific time frame you have to transfer to a new jurisdiction.
Preparing for the UBE
Preparing for the UBE isn’t something you can cram into a weekend. Or several weekends. Or a dozen weekends.
Effective preparation for the UBE typically requires several months of studying. That means your best bet is to create a schedule for yourself. Remember that spaced practice and interleaved practice are both scientifically proven to be more effective than marathon study sessions going over the same content again and again.
Spaced practice means short sessions spread out over time, while interleaved practice means that you don’t sit down and focus on just one topic. Instead, jump from topic to topic at different times, in different orders. Ironically, this form of studying can feel less productive, even though research shows it actually leads to better retention and more effective learning.
If you don’t believe us, just look up the study about throwing bean bags into bins. Students were split up into two groups — those who practiced throwing bean bags into buckets at a wide range of distances, and those who only practiced throwing from three feet away. The first group, when tested, did better at throwing bean bags at a distance of three feet — even though they never practiced that exact distance, while the other group only practiced that distance. Changing up their practice made them better bean-bag-tossers.
These findings support the idea that changing up your study methods and approaches goes a long way.
UBE Study Resources
NCBE offers a range of UBE study aids offering structured bar review courses filled with materials to help you excel.
Regularly taking practice tests and using question banks can help familiarize you with the format and types of questions on the UBE. This can not identify areas that require further review and improvement, but also helps on a psychological level when it comes to test day. The more practice tests you’ve taken, the less new and scary it will feel when it comes time for the real thing.
UBE Strategies
We’ve talked about study methods — but what about actual test-taking methods?
Giving you a comprehensive guide to good test-taking strategies is beyond the scope of this article. But there are some basic tips we can offer for each section of the UBE.
MBE Strategies
- Read questions carefully and eliminate clearly incorrect answers.
- Practice often on practice questions — the more familiar you are with question formats, the better.
- Use logical reasoning to select the best answer from the remaining options.
- Practice time management to ensure all questions are answered within the allotted time.
MEE Strategies
- Organize answers clearly and logically.
- Address all issues raised in the question and support arguments with relevant legal principles.
- Practice writing concise and coherent essays within the time limits.
MPT Strategies
- Follow the instructions carefully and use the provided materials effectively.
- Plan and organize responses before writing.
- Focus on clarity, accuracy, and practical application of legal skills.
Time Management
Like any timed test, the people who do well on the UBE don’t just know the content — they know how to pace themselves and use their time effectively.
If you find yourself getting stuck on a question, the best thing you can do is move on and come back to it. Don’t let one frustrating question or prompt derail your entire test.
After the Exam
If you make it through the UBE, the next step is getting your score.
If you pass, congratulations! You’re starting to make your way into actual, real-life legal practice! Look at you go!
If you do need to retake the exam, review your performance and identify specific areas for improvement. Don’t dive right back into the same study methods you used before — remember (and this may seem harsh): they didn’t work.
Instead, direct your focus towards identifying areas for improvement in your studies, ensuring that next time, you excel beyond expectations. Seek additional support, add more resources, and boost your chances of success.
Using Your UBE Score
With a transferable UBE score, you can apply for bar admission in multiple jurisdictions, enhancing your career flexibility and opportunities. Just remember that the UBE is just one element of bar acceptance, and a specific jurisdiction will have its own additional requirements.
A Note on the NextGen Bar Exam
In 2026, inspired by changes occurring in law schools across the country, the NCBE is expected to debut the NextGen bar exam. While the complete structure of the new exam format isn’t available yet, it’s expected to focus less on memorizing doctrinal law and more on your competency and ability to actually practice the law.
It will consist of multiple choice questions with 4-6 answer options and one or more correct answers, as well as integrated question sets and longer performance tasks. These will be split across eight subjects and seven “foundational skills,” and will feature an integrated format rather than breaking up sections.
So far, several states have already committed to adopting the NextGen bar exam once it debuts:
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Arizona
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Connecticut
Conclusion
For those aspiring to build a durable, adaptable, and thriving career in law, conquering the UBE marks an excellent beginning. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that preparing for the UBE is a journey that demands both physical and mental well-being as top priorities. Take your time, dedicate yourself wholeheartedly, and success will undoubtedly be within reach.
