Bar Exam Requirements by State

UBE States

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is administered in 41 jurisdictions. UBE scores are portable - you can transfer your score to other UBE states if you meet their minimum.

UBE jurisdictions include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Non-UBE States

These states use their own bar exam format:

• California: Uses the MBE but has its own essays and performance tests
• Florida: MBE plus Florida-specific essay and multiple choice portions
• Louisiana: Unique civil law exam based on Louisiana law
• Georgia: MBE plus Georgia-specific essays
• Nevada: MBE plus Nevada-specific written portions

Passing Scores

UBE passing scores vary by jurisdiction:

• 260-270: Alabama, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota
• 270: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
• 272-276: D.C., Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon
• 276-280: Alaska, Delaware

For non-UBE states, check with your state bar for specific requirements.

Application Process

Bar exam applications typically require:

• Law school transcripts and proof of graduation
• MPRE score (separate ethics exam)
• Character and fitness questionnaire
• Application fee ($200-$1,000 depending on state)
• Photograph and identification

Deadlines vary by state. Apply early - most jurisdictions have late fees for applications submitted after the deadline.

Character & Fitness

Every state requires a character and fitness evaluation. You'll need to disclose:

• Criminal history
• Academic misconduct
• Employment history
• Financial issues (bankruptcies, tax liens)
• Mental health history (in some states)

Be honest and thorough. Omissions can be worse than the underlying issues.