NCBE

UBE

Uniform Bar Examination

The standardized bar examination required to practice law in most U.S. jurisdictions, producing a portable score accepted across UBE states. It combines three NCBE components — the Multistate Bar Examination, Multistate Essay Examination, and Multistate Performance Test.

About 12 hours of testing across two daysRequired to practice

What's on the exam

UBE component structure (MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%)

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

50%

Civil Procedure · Constitutional Law · Contracts · Criminal Law and Procedure · Evidence · Real Property · Torts

Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)

30%

Business associations and Conflict of Laws · Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law · Contracts and UCC Sales · Criminal law, Evidence, and Family Law · Real Property and Torts · Trusts, estates, and Secured Transactions

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

20%

Fact analysis from a case file and library · Legal analysis and problem solving · Persuasive and objective legal writing · Drafting documents (memos, briefs, letters) · Identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas

Frequently asked questions

How much does the UBE cost?

Fees vary. Bar exam application and seat fees are set by each jurisdiction and vary widely (commonly several hundred dollars); confirm with your board of bar examiners.

How long is the UBE and how many questions does it have?

200 MBE multiple-choice items, 6 MEE essays, 2 MPT tasks — About 12 hours of testing across two days.

What do you need to pass the UBE?

Total scaled score on a 400-point scale; each jurisdiction sets its own passing score (typically 260–280).

Can you retake the UBE?

Permitted; number of attempts and waiting periods are set by each jurisdiction.

What is the best way to study for the UBE?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) 50%, Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) 30%, Multistate Performance Test (MPT) 20%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

Explore programs →