If you’re even thinking about going to law school, or you’re already knee-deep in textbooks and caffeine, you’ve probably heard the words “bar exam” tossed around like it’s some kind of legal final boss.
Spoiler alert: it kind of is.
In fact, you need to pass the bar to practice law, but in 2024, the pass rate across all jurisdictions was just 61%. But what is it really, and how do you start the “boss battle?”
I’ve got you. Whether you’re still deciding if law school is right for you or you’re staring down your last semester, this guide breaks down the bar exam in plain English. No legal jargon. No boring lectures. Just the real deal.
Key Takeaways
- It’s Your Legal License Test: The bar exam is what stands between you and the ability to practice law in your state. No passing, no lawyering.
- It’s a Two-Day Marathon: Most states use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which includes the MBE, MEE, and MPT—spread out over two jam-packed days.
- The MBE Is Half the Battle: The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) is multiple choice and makes up 50% of your total UBE score. Prep accordingly.
- Ethics Gets Its Own Test: You’ll also need to pass the MPRE, a separate test focused on professional responsibility and ethical conduct.
- Prep Makes the Difference: The bar exam is hard, but people pass it every year. Solid study plans and staying consistent are key.
What Even Is the Bar Exam?
Let’s start with the basics.
The bar exam is a professional licensing test. If you want to practice law in the United States, you usually need to pass your state’s bar exam. It’s how you go from law school grad to “Hi, I’m your attorney.”
Every state has its own version of the bar exam, but most of them follow the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) format. That means the test is the same in every UBE state, and your score is “portable,” which is a fancy way of saying you can transfer it to another UBE state if you decide to move.
What’s Actually On the Bar Exam?
Okay, so what do they test you on? Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces.
1. Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)
This is the big one.
- It’s 200 multiple-choice questions
- Covers criminal law, constitutional law, civil procedure, real property, evidence, torts, and contracts
- Takes six hours (yes, really)
The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) is super important. It makes up 50% of your total UBE score. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
2. Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
Let’s talk essays.
- Six essay questions, 30 minutes each
- Covers subjects like family law, business associations, trusts and estates, secured transactions, and more
This part makes up 30% of your score. It’s where you show off that you can write like a lawyer—clear, persuasive, and (hopefully) not boring.
3. Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
This one’s different.
- Two tasks, 90 minutes each
- You get a file and a library of fake legal stuff, and you have to complete a practical task like writing a memo or a client letter
The MPT is 20% of your score and tests whether you can actually do lawyering—not just talk about it. Honestly, this part felt the most like what you’d actually do on the job.
Bonus Round: The MPRE
Even though it’s not technically part of the UBE, almost every state requires you to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), too. Think of it as the ethics portion of becoming a lawyer.
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- Focuses on professional conduct, ethics, and avoiding shady behavior
- It’s two hours long and offered three times a year
So yes, you have to pass two separate tests to get licensed: the bar exam and the MPRE. Good times.
So…When Do You Take It?
The bar exam is offered twice a year: at the end of February and July. Most people take it in July after graduating from law school. Some brave souls take it in February if they’re graduating in December or want to get licensed ASAP. And by brave, I mean risky.
February exam takers are far less likely to pass, with a 43% pass rate in 2024. Meanwhile, July takers had a 68% pass rate in the same year. Normally, July takers just passed, and February takers are often retakers, which detracts from the score. Further, it’s probably easier to pass when all the content is still fresh in your mind. If you’re curious about it, the NCBE addressed this phenomenon directly in an article.
What About Character and Fitness?
Yep, there’s more.
In addition to passing the exam, you also have to pass a character and fitness review. This is basically your state’s way of making sure you’re not a walking red flag.
Bar examiners will ask for everything from your employment history to any legal trouble you’ve had (even that time you got a speeding ticket in college). They want to know they can trust you to represent clients and follow the law.
Is the Bar Exam Hard?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: it depends.
Here’s what the pass rates have looked like recently:
- Overall pass rate (2024): 61%
- First-time taker rate (2024): 83%
So most people do pass—but it takes serious prep. You’re not just memorizing laws. You’re applying them, writing essays under pressure, and solving tricky fact patterns. And don’t forget about federal civil procedure—yes, it’s on the test too.
How Do You Prepare?
Let me be real: bar prep is intense. But doable.
Most people use commercial bar prep courses. These guide you through practice questions, outlines, essay drills—you name it. They also make sure you’re ready for the weird mix of state-specific rules and national law tested by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
Here’s how to stay sane during bar prep:
- Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Follow your bar course schedule. It’s there for a reason.
- Practice every day. Especially essay questions and MBE drills.
- Take breaks. Seriously. Your brain needs it.
- Don’t go it alone. Study groups, tutors, or accountability buddies help big time.
Why Does This Even Matter?
Passing the bar is what allows you to practice law. Without it, your JD is just an expensive piece of paper. Passing means you can take on clients, represent people in court, and actually do the work you’ve been training for.
And if you’re one of the students entering law school, it’s never too early to start thinking about where you might want to practice. Each state’s bar exam is a little different, even if it uses the uniform bar examination format. Some states add their own mini-tests or courses. Do your homework before you commit.
The Bottom Line
So, what is the bar exam? It’s the final hurdle between you and officially becoming a lawyer. It’s tough, sure—but totally conquerable.
You’ll tackle everything from criminal law and constitutional law to essay writing and practical tasks. The MBE, MEE, MPT, and MPRE each test a different skill set, but together, they prove you’re ready to practice law.
If you’re still in law school—or even just thinking about it—it’s never too early to start planning. Know what’s ahead, prep smart, and take it one day at a time.
FAQs
The bar exam exists to make sure future lawyers have the knowledge and skills to represent clients and uphold the law responsibly.
Yes, it’s challenging. But with proper preparation and a steady plan, most first-time test-takers pass it.
“Bar” refers to the physical barrier in a courtroom that separates lawyers from the public. When you “pass the bar,” it’s symbolic of moving from the public to the attorney section.
It tests a wide range of legal topics including criminal law, constitutional law, civil procedure, family law, business associations, and more—through multiple-choice questions, essays, and practical tasks.
The full bar exam takes place over two days, with each day running about six hours. The MPRE is a separate two-hour test.
Bar exam fees typically range from $200 to $1,100, depending on your jurisdiction. This doesn’t include additional costs like character and fitness evaluations, laptop fees, or the MPRE. When you factor in bar prep courses and travel, your total expenses can be much higher, so check your state bar’s website to confirm details and budget accordingly.
