Although no single bar exam exists, the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE®) is the most widely adopted version. Even if your state’s exam has a unique structure or includes state-specific components, the core subjects, format, and keys to success remain consistent.
Learn about the NextGen bar exam.
Bar Exam Format and Topics
The UBE is a standardized bar exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®) and administered in most U.S. jurisdictions. While non-UBE states may use alternative components, every bar exam typically consists of a multiple-choice section on federal law, an essay section, and a performance task section.
UBE Format
UBE and most non-UBE jurisdictions administer the exam on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. Each day consists of about 6 testing hours divided into two 3-hour sessions where you’ll complete the following components:
- Multistate Essay Examination (MEE®): A multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam assessing legal reasoning and problem-solving.
- Multistate Performance Tasks (MPT®): Essay questions evaluating issue-spotting, legal analysis, and writing skills.
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE®): Practical lawyering tasks measuring research, organization, and time management.
| Bar Exam Format | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component | Questions | Skills Tested | Weight | Duration |
| MBE | 200 MCQs | Legal reasoning, problem-solving | 50% | 6 hours |
| MEE | 6 essays | Issue-spotting, argument structuring, writing clarity |
30% | 3 hours |
| MPT | 2 tasks | Research, organization, time management | 20% | 3 hours |
UBE Topics
The UBE tests 14 subjects across the MBE and MEE. The MBE consistently covers the same 7 subjects, with 25 questions per subject. In contrast, MEE subjects vary by administration, with some omitted entirely. However, certain topics appear more frequently than others, making them a higher priority for study.
| UBE Subjects and MEE Subject Frequency | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topic | Tested On | MEE Frequency |
| Civil Procedure | MBE, MEE | High |
| Contracts | MBE, MEE | High |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | MBE, MEE | High |
| Real Property | MBE, MEE | High |
| Business Associations* | MEE | High |
| Constitutional Law | MBE, MEE | Medium |
| Trusts & Estates | MEE | High |
| Evidence | MBE, MEE | Medium |
| Family Law | MEE | Medium |
| Secured Transactions | MEE | Medium |
| Torts | MBE, MEE | Low |
| Conflict of Laws | MEE | Low |
*Note that 13 of 14 subjects listed as “Business Associations” consist of “Agency and Partnership” and "Corporations and Limited Liability Companies.
How to Prepare for the Bar Exam
The advice below applies to any bar exam in the country.
Create a Schedule
Before building your study plan, determine your bar exam date and when you can start preparing. The key is to optimize your time by setting a structured yet flexible schedule that fits your availability and study habits.
- Set Your Timeline: 400 study hours total; start 8-10 weeks (full-time) or 4-6 months (part-time) before the exam.
- Plan Reviews: Reserve 2-4 weeks for final review and mock exams. Add a mid-study review if needed.
- Set Weekly Goals: Cover 1 MBE subject per week (full-time). Include MEE, MPT, and state-specific topics as needed.
- Structure Daily Study Blocks: Use 90-minute study sessions with breaks or Pomodoro cycles (25 minutes of study, 5 minutes for a break).
- Adapt as Needed: Adjust focus based on strengths and weaknesses. Keep refining your plan.
Check out our adaptive study calendar, which automatically generates a study schedule with daily tasks based on your start date.
Break Down Each Subject
Bar prep begins in law school. As you study each subject, condense the material into an outline for future review. If you don’t have time to create your own, use an outline from a classmate or free subject-specific law school resources. Having these ready will help you quickly refresh your knowledge and start practicing questions sooner.
Learn how to make outlines in law school.
Memorize Black Letter Law
Black letter law consists of well-established, undisputed legal rules that form the foundation of key legal principles. Mastering these rules is essential for success on the MBE and MEE, as they frequently appear in multiple-choice and essay questions. Use spaced-repetition flashcards to reinforce them and improve long-term retention.
Use Practice Questions With Explanations
Once you feel confident in a subject, begin practicing with MBE-style questions, ideally those licensed by the NCBE from past exams. Choose questions with detailed explanations for each answer choice and review them carefully. While memorization has its place in bar prep, true comprehension — learning to think like a lawyer — enhances recall and improves performance.
Simulate the Exam
Bar exam success isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about applying it under pressure. Build endurance and confidence by taking practice exams. Begin with subject-specific tests, then progress to full-length simulations to strengthen stamina, focus, and time management. Replicate real exam conditions: Use NCBE-licensed questions, stick to time limits, and follow scheduled breaks. The more realistic your practice, the more prepared you’ll be when it matters.
Track and Analyze Your Progress
Track your performance to pinpoint knowledge gaps and turn weaknesses into strengths. After each practice session, review answer explanations carefully, noting which subjects or question types give you trouble. Use a progress log or bar prep analytics to spot patterns over time. If you consistently miss questions in a particular area, revisit your outlines, flashcards, or lectures before tackling more practice.
How to Study for Each Bar Exam Component
While the details below focus on UBE components, they’re still helpful for non-UBE bar exams. Nearly every jurisdiction includes the MBE, an essay section, and performance tasks, making this information broadly applicable.
MBE
- Prioritize MBE Subjects: Study MBE subjects first, so you can start practice questions earlier. This builds foundational knowledge for essays and performance tests.
- Practice Daily: Once you’ve learned a subject, start practicing 25-30 MBE questions per day, reviewing explanations to reinforce understanding.
- Simulate the Exam: Mix subjects and increase question volume as you progress. Build up to half- and full-length practice exams to improve endurance and accuracy.
Read our full MBE Study Guide.
MEE
- Practice Issue Spotting: Go through past MEE questions, outline the key legal issues, and compare your list to model answers. This helps you quickly recognize what’s being tested and strengthens your ability to organize responses.
- Use IRAC for Every Issue: Structure your essays using IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion). This makes it easy for graders to follow your reasoning and ensures you fully address each issue. Even if it feels repetitive, it’s the most effective way to write passing answers.
- Write Full Essays: Set aside time to write practice essays under timed conditions. Aim for at least 1-2 essays per subject, balancing this with issue-spotting exercises.
- Refine and Review: Continuously update your outlines with insights from practice essays. Review model answers to strengthen rule application and improve structure.
Read our full MEE Study Guide and improve your legal writing skills.
MPT
- Learn How the MPT Works: Before diving into practice, review sample MPTs to understand the file and library structure and common task types (e.g., objective memos, and persuasive briefs). Knowing what to expect will save time during the exam.
- Practice Issue Spotting: Read past MPT questions, outline the key issues, and compare your analysis to model answers. This helps you quickly identify what the examiners are testing and how to structure your response.
- Write Full MPT Answers: Practice under timed conditions. Start by writing 1 full response per task type, then increase your speed and accuracy by simulating real exam conditions.
- Use IRAC and Follow Instructions: Organize responses using IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) and ensure you meet format and tone requirements (e.g., persuasive vs. objective writing). Following a clear structure makes it easier for graders to follow your argument.
- Refine with Self-Grading: Compare your answers to sample responses and MPT Point Sheets, noting what you included or missed. Focus on improving efficiency and clarity rather than aiming for perfection.
- Outline to Save Time: If you're short on time, practice outlining instead of writing full responses. Set a 45-minute timer to review a question, draft an issue outline, then compare it to model answers. This lets you analyze more MPTs efficiently.
Read our full MPT Study Guide.
Make the Most of Your Final Week
By implementing these structured strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently tackle the bar exam. Success comes from consistent, disciplined preparation. Trust the process and stay focused on your goal. Here’s what to do in your final week:
- Take 2 Full-Length Simulated Exams: This builds endurance and highlights any last-minute weak spots.
- Focus on High-Yield Topics: Don’t try to cram everything. Review the most frequently tested subjects or those you’ve struggled with.
- Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Avoid burnout by maintaining a consistent schedule.
