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Bar Preparation: Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)

This guide covers bar admission, tips for taking the bar exam, information about bar prep programs and links to bar exam information for individual states.

Overview

The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a bar exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and uniformly administered to all UBE jurisdictions.

The UBE is composed of three sections:  

  1. Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) 

  1. Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)  

  1. Multistate Performance Test (MPT)  

The benefit of the UBE is that examinees can earn a portable score that can be used to apply for admission in other UBE jurisdictions. Please note that each UBE jurisdiction sets its own admission standards, including minimum passing scores and maximum score age.  Some UBE jurisdictions have additional requirements, such as a local component.   

You can learn which jurisdictions have adopted the UBE and find additional information about each jurisdiction’s admission requirements here.   

Components of the UBE

The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) is a six-hour, 200 question multiple-choice examination developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).   

The MBE covers the following subjects:  

  • Civil Procedure 

  • Constitutional Law 

  • Contracts 

  • Criminal Law 

  • Criminal Procedure 

  • Evidence 

  • Property 

  • Torts.   

You can view the MBE Subject Matter Outline for more information about the specific topics covered on the MBE.  You can also get a feel for the type of questions asked by completing some Sample MBE Questions.  

MBE Resources

Adaptibar 

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Critical Pass MBE Flashcards  

Villanova Law students can use the discount code: WAVILLANOVA for a 15% discount when purchasing Critical Pass MBE Flashcards through the West Academic web store. 

MBE Bar Exam Value Pack from the NCBE Study Aids Store

The Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) is a three-hour, 6-question essay exam created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).    

The MEE covers the following subjects:  

  • Business Associations 

  • Civil Procedure 

  • Conflict of Laws* 

  • Constitutional Law 

  • Contracts 

  • Criminal Law 

  • Criminal Procedure 

  • Evidence 

  • Family Law* 

  • Property 

  • Torts 

  • UCC Article 9 – Secured Transactions* 

  • Wills, Trusts and Estates*   

*Starting with the July 2026 Bar Exam, the MEE will no longer test these subjects.  

You can view the MEE Subject Matter Outline for more information about the specific topics covered on the MEE.  You can also get a feel for the type of questions asked by completing some of the questions from prior administrations:  

MEE R​esources​​​​​​

Critical Pass MEE Flashcards

The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) consists of two 90-minute tasks developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).  The MPT is a closed-universe, practical skills exam designed to evaluate an examinee’s ability to complete a task that a beginning lawyer should be able to accomplish.

You can view the MPT Skills Tested for more information about the specific skills tested on the MPT.  You can also get a feel for the type of tasks tested by completing some of the questions from prior administrations:  

MPT Resources 

FAQs

Which jurisdictions have adopted the UBE?

 


Can I apply for admission to multiple UBE jurisdictions at once?  

To be barred in two UBE jurisdictions “right away,” you would need to file an application for admission by examination in your primary jurisdiction and a concurrent application for admission by transferred UBE score in your secondary jurisdiction.  Only certain UBE jurisdictions allow concurrent application for admission by transferred UBE score (i.e., only certain UBE jurisdictions allow you to apply for admission by transferred UBE score before your UBE score has been earned).  Consult this chart to see if your jurisdiction(s) of interest accepts concurrent applications.  If your jurisdiction does not allow for concurrent applications, you will have to wait until you receive your UBE score before you can apply for admission by score transfer in your secondary jurisdiction.