Bar Exam (UBE) format — two days, three components, one portable score
Score breakdown (400-point scale)
MBE subject breakdown (7 subjects)
UBE score portability
A UBE score can be transferred to any participating jurisdiction without retaking the exam. Most states accept scores for 2–5 years. If you plan to practise in multiple states, the UBE is a significant strategic advantage over a state-specific exam. Practice MBE questions on SGrade →
What are the three components of the UBE?
The Uniform Bar Exam consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) — 200 MCQs over one day — plus the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) — 6 essays in 3 hours — plus the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) — 2 tasks in 3 hours. MEE and MPT are administered on Day 1; MBE is Day 2.
How is the UBE scored?
The UBE is scored on a 400-point scale: MBE contributes 50% (200 points) and the written components (MEE + MPT) contribute 50% (200 points). Passing scores vary by state, typically ranging from 260 to 275.
What subjects are on the MBE?
Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts (including UCC Article 2), Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. Each subject has 25 questions; 175 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions.
How many questions is the MBE?
200 multiple-choice questions administered over two 3-hour sessions (100 questions per session) on Day 2. 175 are scored; 25 are unscored pretest questions randomly distributed.
What is the UBE passing score?
Passing scores differ by jurisdiction. Most UBE states require 266–275. California (not a UBE state) requires 144 on its own scale. Always check your target state's NCBE score transfer requirements.
Which states accept UBE scores?
Over 40 jurisdictions accept UBE scores, including New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington. California, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico do not participate. UBE scores are portable — they can be transferred to multiple states within a validity period.
What is the MEE format?
Six 30-minute essay questions testing 11 subjects: the 7 MBE subjects plus Business Associations, Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Secured Transactions, and Trusts & Estates. Not all subjects appear every administration.
What is the MPT format?
Two 90-minute performance tasks. Each provides a file (facts/documents) and a library (legal authorities). You must produce a specified work product — brief, memo, letter, or contract clause — from provided materials only. No outside knowledge is required.