What does a bar exam consist of?

Asked by: Mrs. Marcella Franecki DDS  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (19 votes)

The New York bar exam is a two-day format consisting of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). Day One: Two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test (MPT) questions in the morning and six 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions in the afternoon.

What exactly is on the bar exam?

The most common testing configuration consists of a two-day bar examination, one day of which is devoted to the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a standardized 200-item test covering six areas (Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts).

Is a bar exam hard?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

What kind of questions are in the bar?

The bar exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and performance tasks.

What are the subjects on the bar exam?

Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Bar Examination

The MCQ portion of the General Bar Examination is an objective six-hour examination containing 200 questions. This portion tests seven subjects: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.

How to Pass the Bar Exam (Attorney Exam)

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How many times can you take the bar exam?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam in the state of California. While it may come as a relief to many students who are planning to take the bar exam in California that there are no limits, California's bar exam is known for being one of the hardest exams in the U.S.

What is the easiest bar exam to pass?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

What happens if you fail the bar exam?

Just like with the LSAT, retaking the bar exam is always an option. If you didn't pass the bar exam, there are several things you can do to regroup and move ahead in preparation for a bar exam retake. Explore different options to refocus and keep progressing.

What is the hardest section of the bar exam?

Most people regard the MBE as the hardest portion of the bar exam. The questions are rarely easy or straightforward. They can be tricky and sometimes worded in a way that guides you to the wrong answer.

Is the bar multiple-choice?

California Bar Examination

The exam is given over two days and consists of the following parts: Five one-hour Essay Questions. One 90-minute Performance Test. 200 Multiple-Choice Questions.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian learned very quickly how hard bar exams can be. The California state bar is one of the most difficult states to pass, with a 40-50% pass rate. The first attempt rate, the second attempt, and after the third time, she finally passed!

What is the hardest state to become a lawyer?

California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

What is a passing score on bar exam?

To pass the exam in the first phase of grading, an applicant must have a total scale score (after one reading) of at least 1390 out of 2000 possible points. Those with total scale scores after one reading below 1350 fail the exam.

What states don't require a bar exam?

Forty-one jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which is composed entirely of NCBE-created components. In every U.S. jurisdiction except Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, all those seeking admission to the bar must pass a bar examination.

Are you a lawyer after you pass the bar exam?

Attorneys, lawyers, and counsel have all been educated and trained in law. As explained above, attorneys must pass the bar exam and practice law in court. Lawyers have also taken the bar exam, and may or may not practice law. Counsels provide legal advice, and often work for an organization or corporation.

What does bar stand for?

Some people claim the term bar is an acronym for “British Accredited Registry.” Aside from making little sense, this assertion is patently false. In reality, the word “bar” refers to the railing that separates the working area of the court from the spectator area.

Is bar exam harder than law school?

The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law. The bar exam's broader scope and depth of material make it more challenging for most candidates.

What is the easiest state to become a lawyer in?

Going by the 2021 bar exam passing rates, Wyoming has the easiest bar exam to pass. However, we don't really get the full picture by just looking at the passing rates. Each state's bar exam can differ in difficulty and content.

What are the odds I passed the bar exam?

The bar exam pass rate is typically between 60-80% depending on your bar exam state. That means that 20-40% of people who sit for that bar exam do not pass.

How much does Barbri cost?

At the time of publication, BARBRI is offering the following plans and prices (which sometimes fluctuate): Self Pass: $1,999. Guided Pass: $2,699. Ultimate Pass: $3,999.

What is the hardest state to pass the bar exam?

California is universally regarded as the toughest state for taking the bar exam. This notion is not dissuaded by the state's low bar-pass rate. In addition to the performance test, five essay questions, and the Multistate Bar Exam, the California exam takes two days.

How to pass the bar without college?

How it's Possible
  1. study law in a law office or judge's chambers during regular for at least 18 each week for a minimum of 48 weeks to receive credit for one year of study. ...
  2. pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination, also known as “Baby Bar”. ...
  3. pass the MPRE. ...
  4. pass the California Bar Examination.

Is the bar harder than the Nclex?

The Bar Exam is often considered more challenging than the NCLEX due to its comprehensive coverage of intricate legal subjects and a lower average pass rate of around 60%.