Is the MBE curved nationally?

Asked by: Ansley Little Sr.  |  Last update: July 23, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)

Check out the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) National Scaled Score Distribution charts published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) for 2019, 2020 and 2021. MBE score results consistently follow a bell curve pattern for every single bar exam administration.

Is the MBE scaled nationally or by state?

The NCBE scales all scores nationally using a complex statistical formula to adjust for any differences in test difficulty relative to prior administrations of the MBE (to make sure a scaled score on one examination is equivalent to a score on any other examination).

What is the national mean for the MBE?

MADISON, WISCONSIN, March 31, 2023—The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) announced today that the national mean scaled score for the February 2023 Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) was 131.1, a decrease of 1.5 points compared to the February 2022 mean of 132.6.

Is 60% on the MBE good?

If you are answering about 60-66% correct on the MBE, you are likely in the “safe zone.” A higher score than that is, of course, even better! If you are scoring lower than that, see below for tips. But also, make sure that you work on the written portion of the exam.

How many states are MBE?

Examinees have three hours to answer 100 questions in a morning session and the same for an afternoon session. The MBE is administered in all U.S. states and territories, except Louisiana and Puerto Rico, which follow civil law systems very different from the legal systems in other states.

How the UBE Bar Exam is Scaled (simplified)

22 related questions found

Is the bar exam graded on a curve?

Keep in mind that the MBE is curved. For example, you scored a 125 and needed a 135 to pass. A 10-point difference may seem small, but the percentile difference is much bigger, so you may need more preparation than you think to earn a passing score.

Can I transfer my MBE to Florida?

Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction? Applicants can transfer MBE scores from other jurisdictions provided the score meets the minimum passing scaled score (136), and that score was attained within the last 25 months.

What MBE score is 99th percentile?

Your percentile for the MBE Score is as follows:

A 180 is 99th percentile. A 170 is 98th percentile.

What is the hardest section on MBE?

Nevertheless, many future attorneys who have taken or are currently preparing for the bar exam seem to agree that the following three subjects are the most challenging:
  1. Real Property. ...
  2. Contracts. ...
  3. Civil Procedure.

What is the lowest MBE?

MBE Scores

The performance information provided for the MBE is a scaled score which can range from about 40 (low) to 200 (high). MBE scaled scores are calculated by NCBE based on a statistical process known as equating that is commonly used on standardized examinations.

What is the average MBE score?

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®) developed a statistical technique to ensure a scaled score on one examination is equivalent to a score on any other examination). You must shoot for a scaled score of 140 to 145 (which is the average score). A scaled score of 150 or higher is recommended.

What's a good MBE score?

The short answer:

We suggest aiming for at least 60% to be safe. If you are aiming for an MBE score of 136-140 (which is a passing MBE score in jurisdictions that require a 272-280 to pass) you should aim for 62%-65%.

What is a 125 score on the MBE?

In the case of the MBE, a raw score of 125 indicates that the candidate got more than half of the questions correct.

How hard is it to pass the MBE?

This means you should get 60-62 questions correct on a 100-question practice test or 120-124 questions correct on a full MBE exam. If you are aiming for an MBE score of 136-140 (which is a passing MBE score in jurisdictions that require a 272-280 to pass) you should aim for 62%-65%.

Can I transfer my MBE score to New York?

The New York bar examiners will not accept the transfer of MBE scores received through a previous administration of the MBE in another jurisdiction. You can request that the National Conference of Bar Examiners transfer a concurrent MBE score to the New York bar examiners.

Is the MBE easier than Barbri?

The Barbri invented questions are harder than the real MBE questions. (Real MBE questions are still difficult though.) The Barbri MBE compares you to how others score on the Barbri simulated MBE.

How many can you get wrong on MBE?

That means you'll need to get 115 questions correct out of 190 — or that you can miss up to 75 questions and still pass the MBE!

How is the MBE broken up?

The MBE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions: 175 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest questions. The pretest questions are indistinguishable from those that are scored, so examinees should answer all questions.

Is 99th percentile rare or common?

Only a small minority of students are in the 99th percentile, and its important to keep in mind other percentile ranges to understand where you potentially stand.

Is the top 1% the 99th percentile?

Percentile means people behind you. If you are in the top 10%, your are in the 90th percentile. If you are in the top 1%, you are in the 99th percentile.

What score do you need on California MBE?

If the applicant's total scale score is at least 1350 but less than 1390 after one reading, their answers are read a second time by a different set of graders. If the applicant's averaged total scale score after two readings is 1390 or higher, the applicant passes the exam.

What is the minimum MBE score for Florida?

MBE and Florida essay/multiple choice scores are each weighted 50% to determine passing score. An average scaled score of 136 is required.

Does DC accept MBE score?

An applicant who received a scaled essay score of 133 or higher on a prior DC Bar Exam taken within 25 months of the present exam, may waive in the essay score and take only the MBE. A scaled MBE score of 133 will then be required to pass the DC exam.

How many questions do I need to get right on the MBE in Florida?

So, to answer the question “How Many MBE Questions Do I Need to Get Correct?”, answering 60-66% correct may get you there. Of course, aiming for a higher score does not hurt!