What is the hardest section on MBE?

Asked by: Dr. Liza Dibbert PhD  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (61 votes)

Many aspiring attorneys who have taken or are presently studying for the bar exam, however, appear to agree that the following three topics are the most difficult: Real Property. Contracts. Civil Procedure.

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.

What is the highest score on the MBE?

The performance information provided for the MBE is a scaled score which can range from about 40 (low) to 200 (high).

Is the MBE getting harder?

We don't think the MBE is getting harder, but that doesn't mean you don't have to adequately prepare. The MBE tests Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts & Sales, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. These subjects are divided equally among the 200 MBE questions.

Is 1000 MBE questions enough?

Although there's no magic number, there is a general range of MBE practice questions you should complete. For most students, this optimal range is between 800-1000 questions. This includes both untimed questions and timed sections.

The Hardest Area of the MBE - Evidence

26 related questions found

Is 75% on MBE good?

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%. If you are aiming for an MBE score of 144 (which is considered passing in California), you should aim for about 67%.

How many MBES should I do a day?

Play the MBE every day with 34 questions at a time for as many weeks as possible before the exam. BarMax Prep makes this easy, as students get 1,750+ MBE questions from previous bar exams, licensed directly from the NCBE.

Can you fail the MBE and still pass the bar?

The answer, in most states, is yes. In most states, as long as you make up for any lost points on the essay portion of the exam, you can fail the MBE and still pass the bar exam. For example, in New York, you need a 266 out of 400 potential points to pass the bar exam.

How can I get faster on MBE?

First, make sure you have the rules memorized.

The best way to get faster at answering MBE questions is to make sure you know the rules cold! Learning the rules really well will help you answer questions quickly. You won't waste time trying to think of the rule or eliminate answer choices.

Is the mee or mbe harder?

While the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE®) is widely regarded as the UBE's most difficult portion, the MEE, too, is regarded as quite a challenging section, due to the vast array of topics it covers. There are six questions on the MEE, and you'll have 30 minutes to answer each.

Is 60% enough to pass MBE?

These are the approximate scores you want to aim for in order to have a passing MBE score: If you are aiming for a MBE converted score of 131-135 (which is a passing score in most jurisdictions that require scores of 262-270 to pass), you should aim for 58%-62%. We suggest aiming for at least 60% to be safe.

What is the average MBE score for 2024?

MADISON, WISCONSIN, August 29, 2024—The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) announced today that the national mean scaled score for the July 2024 Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) was 141.8, an increase of about 1.3 points compared to the July 2023 mean of 140.5 and the highest July MBE mean since 2013, ...

Is 295 a good bar score?

In order to pass the Uniform Bar Exam, examinees must earn a score of at least 260 on the MBE and MEE. However, a score of 280 is generally considered to be a good score, and a score of 300 to 330 (highest score on bar exam) is considered to be excellent.

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 state has the easiest bar?

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.

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 a perfect score on the MBE?

Therefore, an average score on the MBE is between 140-145, but a scaled score of 150 or higher is considered a good MBE score. A “perfect” score on the MBE would be the top score of 200. According to the NCBE, the national mean scaled score for the July 2023 MBE was 140.5.

How hard is it to get an MBE?

Anyone can be nominated to receive an MBE so long as they meet the necessary King's honour criteria. An MBE award can be given for all types of different achievement, but it is often given in recognition of community achievements or for a local “hands-on” service that has set an example to others.

Is there a break during the MBE?

Test Format

There are no scheduled breaks during either the morning or afternoon session. The 175 scored questions on the MBE are distributed evenly, with 25 questions from each of the seven subject areas: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.

Is the MBE on a curve?

MBE scores have a history of consistently following a bell curve pattern for every bar exam administration. The great thing about the bar exam (we can always find a silver lining!) is this: To pass, you don't have to be an expert on any of the subjects tested.

What is a 135 on the MBE?

Some states will tell you what a passing MBE score. (For example, in Michigan, it is 135. In Virginia, it is 140.) Generally, if your state scores the bar exam out of 200 points and a 135 is passing, a 135 is also what is considered a “passing” score if the MBE portion is worth the same as the essay portion.

What is the hardest bar exam to pass?

Which bar exam is hardest? California is considered by many to be the most difficult bar exam. It has a relatively low pass rate and a relatively high minimum passing score and covers a lot of state law.

How many people get MBEs?

400 Members of the British Empire (MBEs), 200 Orders of the British Empire (OBEs), 90 Companions of the British Empire, 40 Knights or Dames of the British Empire (KBE/DBE) or Knights/Dames of the British Empire Grand Cross (GBE).

Does anyone ever feel ready for the bar exam?

Most students never feel ready for the bar exam.

It is a very difficult test. And it is extremely normal to want (or feel like you need) more time to study!

Are MBE questions repeated?

Although many of the same topics, sub-topics, and rules (“topics”) have been repeated on past MBE questions, there is NO GUARANTEE that any future MBE will test the same or similar topics that have appeared on past exams.