Bar Exam Requirements by State

How Hard Is the Bar Exam?

Minimum passing scores vary between jurisdictions. Alabama, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah set the lowest Legacy UBE threshold at 260, while Alaska requires 280, meaning a score that clears one state's bar falls short of another's. That's why score transfer always depends on the receiving jurisdiction's own minimum, not a single national bar.

Pass rates tell a similar story. Nationally in 2025, first-time takers passed at 76% versus just 34% for repeat takers, and July administrations outperformed February by a wide margin: 69% versus 47%, largely because February cohorts are dominated by repeaters.

At the state level, Utah posted the highest overall 2025 pass rate at 82%, followed by Minnesota (77%) and Kansas (75%). Alabama posted the lowest at 44%, with Vermont (49%) and Connecticut (51%) close behind. A large repeater pool can make a jurisdiction look harder than its exam actually is, so first-time-taker rates are a more reliable difficulty signal than the overall number.

A "hard" jurisdiction, in practice, is one where a high cut score meets a state-specific add-on component, such as Hawaii or South Dakota, which require the full MBE/MEE/MPT set plus a local test. An "easier" jurisdiction combines a lower cut score with no additional component.

General Requirements to Take the Bar Exam

Whether your state administers NextGen UBE, Legacy UBE, or a non-UBE bar exam, the requirements to sit for the exam are similar across the United States. Most require an accredited law degree, proof of residency, and a character investigation, but details vary. The requirements below are general. For detailed information, select the appropriate jurisdiction in the tables above.

Education

Most states require you to graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some states may accept graduates from non-ABA law schools if they meet additional criteria, such as completing extra coursework or passing state-specific assessments.

Character and Fitness

A character and fitness assessment evaluates whether you meet the ethical and moral standards required for legal practice. In most jurisdictions, this assessment begins before the bar exam but is completed afterward.

However, some jurisdictions require you to fully complete and pass the character and fitness assessment before you can sit for the bar exam. Those jurisdictions are:

• Georgia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Ohio
• Palau
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Washington

Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE®)

The MPRE is a 60-question, multiple-choice test that assesses knowledge of professional ethics and conduct in accordance with the ABA's standards. It is administered separately from the bar exam and is not affected by the NextGen transition.

Law students are encouraged to take the MPRE during the summer, often in their 2L or 3L year, to focus fully on preparation and allow time for a retake if needed. Some states require a passing MPRE score before sitting for the bar exam, while others require it only for bar admission.

Score Transfer

Candidates who take the UBE may transfer their scores between UBE jurisdictions if they meet the minimum score requirement set by the receiving jurisdiction. Score validity and transferability depend on state rules, which often require the score to be used within a specified time frame, typically 3 to 5 years. NextGen UBE scores transfer between participating NextGen jurisdictions on the same portability principle, with each jurisdiction setting its own acceptance window.

Oregon's passing score is 615 for the July 2026 administration and rises to 620 afterward. Minnesota hasn't finalized its NextGen passing score but will retroactively honor July 2026 scores of 620 or higher. On transfers: Ohio, Utah, West Virginia, South Dakota, and Texas all accept transferred NextGen scores before their own first administration; Florida and New York do not, and won't count a transferred score from any administration before their own July 2028 adoption.

Scheduling

Bar exams are typically held twice a year, on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. You must apply through your state bar or the NCBE by the specified deadline; check NextGen UBE exam dates if your jurisdiction has already transitioned. Exam locations and seating availability vary, so early registration is recommended to secure a seat and avoid late fees.