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Ultimate Guide to New York State Bar Exam

Your complete guide to New York Bar Exam prep.

Pass Rates · Bar Review Courses · Format · Essay Topics · Schedule · Dates · Locations · Application Fees & Deadlines · What to Bring · Scores & Grading · Results · Reciprocity · Law Schools · Groups · Other Resources · Other Jurisdictions

*Updated January 2024

New York State Bar Exam | Basic Information

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) was formed in 1876. The voluntary organization has about 74,000 members. There are about 182,000 lawyers in New York.

New York is one of 40+ jurisdictions that have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) for their state bar review. New York first administered the UBE in July 2016.

New York Bar Exam Pass Rates

July 2023 (9,779 takers).

View detailed statistics

February 2023 (3,660 takers)

February 2022 (3,068 takers), july 2021 (9,227 takers), new york bar review courses.

Compare top New York Bar Exam prep courses from Crushendo , Barbri , Themis , Kaplan , AmeriBar , and BarMax .

Last updated: 1/7/23

*Cost ignores promotions and live tutoring.

Crushendo’s written and audio outlines utilize 250+ proprietary mnemonics to help you memorize everything you need to know to pass the bar exam on your first try.

Crushendo’s complete bar prep course, the UBE Suite , costs $970 and includes 1,750+ official practice questions from the NCBE.

Crushendo offers lifetime access for all of its bar exam prep products .

Adam Balinski founded Crushendo Bar Review in 2017 ( read the founding story here ).

The Harcourt publishing company founded Barbri in 1974 when it acquired two bar review programs. Since its founding, Barbri has been owned by large firms including Thomson Reuters and Leeds Equity Partners.

Barbri products have been used by more than a million law school students . In the last 20 years Barbri has settled multiple antitrust lawsuits .

Barbri’s traditional bar prep programs cost $1,999-4,199 and some include 100+ official NCBE questions from past bar exams.

Barbri offers access to its traditional, full-time bar prep course for 8-10 weeks , but early access can be purchased.

Themis Bar Review is based in Chicago and was founded in 2008 .

Themis’s bar prep program costs $2,695 and includes 1,350+ NCBE questions.

Themis offers access to its online products for four months .

Stanley Kaplan founded Kaplan, Inc. in 1938 .

Kaplan jumped into the bar review space in 2006 when it acquired PMBR , a company that provides test prep for the MBE. In 2008 Kaplan expanded its bar review offerings.

Kaplan’s bar prep programs cost $2,199-3,999 and include 1,200+  NCBE questions.

Kaplan offers access to its online products for four months .

Alexander Nakis founded AmeriBar in 1999 . It’s headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida.

AmeriBar’s bar exam prep programs cost $1,299-2,599  and include 1,400+ NCBE questions.

AmeriBar offers access to its online products for up to three years .

Michael Ghaffary and Mehran Ebadolahi founded BarMax in 2010 .

BarMax’s bar prep course costs $1,895 and includes  1,700+  NCBE questions.

BarMax offers lifetime access to its online products.

New York State Bar Exam Format

What’s the format of the ube.

The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is administered twice each year in New York (in February, and July). The examination is administered over two days, in four, three-hour sessions. The UBE has three parts: the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).

The MBE is a six hour test and consists of 200 multiple choice questions that test your understanding across seven subjects. Your MBE score comprises 50% of your overall UBE score.

Crushendo offers affordable, comprehensive written and audio outlines for MBE subjects (in addition to MEE and MPRE subjects).

Civil Procedure

Constitutional Law

Criminal Law & Procedure

Watch Crushendo’s free MBE tips video .

The MEE consists of six 30-minute legal essays. The MEE makes up 30% of your score. Essay topics may include the following: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Property, Secured Transactions, Torts, Trusts, Unincorporated Business Entities, Wills and Estates, etc.

Crushendo offers the most recent MEE questions and includes the point sheets that the graders used. Watch Crushendo’s free MEE tips video .

The MPT consists of two 90-minute tasks where you analyze and apply laws to specific scenarios. The MPT makes up 20% of your score. Crushendo offers the most recent MPT questions and includes the point sheets that the graders used. Watch Crushendo’s free MPT tips video .

What’s the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination?

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) tests your understanding of established standards of conduct for lawyers. The MPRE is administered three times each year (in March, August, and November). The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is two hours long. Check out this MPRE Tips video !

Upcoming Bar Exam Schedule, Dates, Locations

• July 30–31, 2024
• February 25–26, 2025

Albany (February & July)

Empire State Plaza Convention Hall Concourse Level, Albany, NY 12242

Albany Capital Center 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207

Buffalo (February & July)

Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

New York City (February & July)

Jacob Javits Convention Center – Exhibition Hall 3E 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, Manhattan

Saratoga Springs (July)

Saratoga City Center 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

White Plains (February & July)

Pace Law School/New York State Judicial Institute 78 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603

*Learn more about NY bar exam test sites .

New York Bar Exam Application

Are you interested in taking the New York bar exam? Here’s some basic information on applying to take the New York bar exam.

Other Requirements

The New York bar exam application fee for most takers is $250 . Foreign applicants have to pay $750. The application cost for UBE score transfer applicants is $250 . The NCBE charges $25 for each UBE score transcript .

For those who desire to use a laptop to write their essays there is an additional fee of $100.

*See the New York State Bar Exam Information Guide for more information.

If you desire to take the bar exam in February , you should submit your bar exam application in November . If you want to take the July bar exam, you should submit your application in April .

*There’s no limit on how many times you can take the New York bar exam.

In addition to passing the New York bar exam with a score of at least 266, there are several requirements that must be met in order to be admitted as an attorney in New York, including:

• Score 85 or higher on the MPRE within the accepted time frame.
• Complete an online course called the New York Law Course (NYLC).
• Pass an online test  called the New York Law Exam (NYLE).
• Complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service ( learn more).
• Satisfy the Skills Competency Requirement ( learn more ).
• Satisfy the character and fitness requirements.

New York State Board of Law Examiners

Physical address:

New York State Board of Law Examiners Corporate Plaza Building 3 254 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, New York 12203-5195

Phone number: (518) 453-5990

Mailing address:

New York Bar Exam: What to Bring

What to bring

• Your official government issued photo ID (U.S. driver’s license or passport) .
• Your seat ticket (print it online before the exam). The seat number on your seat ticket is your only form of identification used for the grading process.

Important notes

• You need to have these items with you for each of the four testing sessions.
• You must carry all permitted items into the testing center in one clear, re-sealable plastic food bag (photo ID, seat ticket, etc.).

Permitted items

• No. 2 pencils and erasers
• Blue or black ink pens (on the essay day only)
• Foam earplugs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Medications
• 1-liter drink in a clear, disposable, label-free, resealable plastic container

Prohibited items

All other items are prohibited, including:

• Cell phones
• Electronic devices
• Mechanical pencils
• Highlighters

*More information on what you can and cannot bring to the testing center .

New York Bar Exam Scores and Grading

A passing score for the UBE in New York is 266/400 . Scores of the three tests comprising the UBE are weighted as follows:

• MBE = 50% of your total UBE score

*A passing score for the MPRE in New York is 85/150 .

New York Bar Review Course

Crushendo’s comprehensive UBE Suite comes with everything you need to crush the New York bar exam.

• MBE, MEE, and MPT Prep
• 250+ Proprietary Mnemonics
• 1,750+ Licensed NCBE Questions
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• Lifetime Access

New York Bar Exam Results

View lists of those who passed the New York State Bar Exam, posted on the New York State Bar Association’s website:

• February 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

When are my New York Bar Exam results released?

February bar exam results are usually posted late April. July bar exam results are usually posted late October.

Can I see my New York Bar Exam score?

Yes. Candidates will be notified by email when results are published. The day results are released you will be able look up your score.

Can I appeal to have my New York Bar Exam re-graded?

No. If your initial score was 262 to 265 your test will be re-graded by additional graders. Your two scores will be used to compute your final UBE score, which is the score you will be able to see. You will not be able to see the initial score you received prior to re-grading.

How many times can I take the New York Bar Exam?

There’s no limit to how many times you can retake the UBE in New York.

New York Bar Exam Reciprocity

Applicants seeking to be admitted as attorneys in New York without taking the bar exam, must comply with Rule 520.10 of Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law .

Reciprocity Requirements Overview

In order to be eligible for admission on motion in New York, you must:

• Hold a Juris Doctor degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Have practiced law for five of the seven years prior to your application.
• Be admitted to practice law in a reciprocal jurisdiction.
• Be at least 27 years old.
• Have a certificate of good standing from each territory you’ve been admitted to practice law in.
• Pass any test of character and fitness deemed necessary by the Appellate Division.
• Comply with all requirements set forth in Rule 520.10 and pay the necessary fees.

Reciprocal Jurisdictions: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

*See Rule 520.10 for more information.

Law Schools in New York

Here’s a list of ABA Accredited law schools in New York.

Albany Law School of Union University

• Founded: 1851
• Located: Albany, NY
• Enrollment: About 460 students
• Tuition Cost: ~$47,450
• Bar Passage Rate: 71.3% (July 2017 first-time takers)
• Website: albanylaw.edu

Brooklyn Law School

• Founded: 1901
• Located: Brooklyn, NY
• Enrollment: About 1,100 students (2014)
• Tuition Cost: ~$55,000
• Bar Passage Rate: 78.6% (2017 first-time takers)
• Website: brooklaw.edu

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University)

• Founded: 1976
• Located: New York City, NY
• Enrollment: About 930 students (2017)
• Tuition Cost: ~$58,000 (2017)
• Bar Passage Rate: 85% (2017)
• Website: cardozo.yu.edu

City University of New York School of Law

• Founded: 1983
• Located: Long Island City, NY
• Enrollment: About 410 students (2010)
• Tuition Cost: ~$25,600
• Bar Passage Rate: 86.8% (July 2017 first-time takers)
• Website: law.cuny.edu

Columbia University School of Law

• Founded: 1858
• Enrollment: About 1,300 students (2013)
• Tuition Cost: ~$70,000
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.6% (2009)
• Website: law.columbia.edu

Cornell Law School

• Founded: 1887
• Located: Ithaca, NY
• Enrollment: About 610 students (2018)
• Tuition Cost: ~$67,750
• Bar Passage Rate: 94.1% (July 2018)
• Website: lawschool.cornell.edu

Fordham University School of Law

• Founded: 1905
• Enrollment: About 1,480 students (2010)
• Tuition Cost: ~$61,700
• Bar Passage Rate: 91% (2013 first-time takers)
• Website: fordham.edu..school_of_law

Maurice A. Deane School of Law (Hofstra University)

• Founded: 1970
• Located: Hempstead, NY
• Enrollment: About 1,100 students (2010)
• Tuition Cost: ~$58,500
• Bar Passage Rate: 62% (July 2018 first-time takers)
• Website: law.hofstra.edu

New York Law School

• Founded: 1891
• Enrollment: About 930 students (2012)
• Tuition Cost: ~$52,500
• Bar Passage Rate: 83% (2013)
• Website: nyls.edu

New York University School of Law

• Founded: 1835
• Enrollment: About 1,400 students (2015)
• Tuition Cost: ~$66,000
• Bar Passage Rate: 97.5% (2017)
• Website: law.nyu.edu

Pace University School of Law

• Located: White Plains, NY
• Enrollment: About 780 students (2011)
• Tuition Cost: ~$49,000
• Bar Passage Rate: 87%
• Website: law.pace.edu

St. John’s University School of Law

• Founded: 1925
• Located: Jamaica, NY
• Enrollment: 233 students (Fall 2018 class)
• Tuition Cost: ~$61,150
• Bar Passage Rate: 87% (July 2014)
• Website: stjohns.edu/law

University at Buffalo Law School

• Located: Amherst, NY
• Enrollment: About 700 students (2010)
• Tuition Cost: ~$29,500
• Bar Passage Rate: 75.69% (2017)
• Website: law.buffalo.edu

Syracuse University College of Law

• Founded: 1895
• Located: Syracuse, NY
• Enrollment: About 660 students (2010)
• Tuition Cost: ~$51,500
• Bar Passage Rate: 83% (July 2018 first-time takers)
• Website: law.syr.edu

Touro Law Center

• Founded: 1980
• Located: Central Islip, NY
• Enrollment: About 800 students (2011)
• Tuition Cost: ~$50,860
• Bar Passage Rate: 48.6% (July 2018 first time takers)
• Website: tourolaw.edu

Helpful Groups

Here are some Facebook groups you may find helpful before, and after passing the bar exam:

• Lawyer Moms of America – New York (1,421 members)
• New York City Bar Association – Lawyers Connect (1,195 members)
• Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) (987 members)
• International Lawyers in NYC (457 members)
• New York Democratic Lawyers Council (456 members)
• New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA) – Young Lawyers Section (388 members)
• Brazilian Lawyers in New York (334 members)
• Greater New York Lawyers Network (281 members)
• Ask a Lawyer – NY (75 members)

Albany Law School

• Albany Law School Alumni (824 members)
• Albany Law School Class of 2021 (278 members)
• Albany Law School Class of 2020 (234 members)
• Albany Law School Class of 2019 (219 members)
• Albany Law School Class of 2022 (194 members)
• Albany Law School–entering class 2019 (161 members)
• Albany Law School Pro Bono Society (78 members)
• Brooklyn Law School Entering Class of 2019 (483 members)
• Brooklyn Law School Entering Class of 2018 (449 members)
• Brooklyn Law School Entering Class of 2017 (412 members)
• Black Law Students Association – Brooklyn Law School (189 members)
• Brooklyn Law School Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (152 members)
• Intellectual Property Law Association, Brooklyn Law School (90 members)
• Brooklyn Law School Art Law Association (89 members)
• Italian-American Law Students Association, Brooklyn Law School (43 members)

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

• Cardozo School of Law Fall 2017 Entering Class (437 members)
• Cardozo School of Law Fall 2018 Entering Class (410 members)
• Cardozo School of Law Fall 2019 Entering Class (284 members)
• Cardozo School of Law May 2018 Entering Class (137 members)
• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law 2017 OCI (133 members)
• CUNY Law Alumni Group (253 members)
• Columbia Law School (2.3K members)
• Columbia Law School — Class of 2018 (708 members)
• Columbia Law School — Class of 2019 (661 members)
• Columbia Law School – Class of 2020 (610 members)
• Columbia Law School Class of 2021 (505 members)
• Columbia Law School LLM – Class 2018 (467 members)
• Columbia Law School – LLM Class of 2019 (434 members)
• Columbia Law School Class of 2022 (325 members)
• Columbia Law School – LL.M. Class of 2020 (313 members)
• Columbia Law School – Visiting Scholars (258 members)
• Columbia Law School — Korean Students (141 members)
• Columbia Law School – Foodies and Theatre Lovers (116 members)
• Columbia Law School – LLM Class of 2020 (108 members)
• Columbia Law School NALSA (85 members)
• Cornell Law School Housing (360 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2018 (291 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2017 (256 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2021 (244 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2020 (239 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2019 (239 members)
• Cornell Law School J.D. Class of 2022 (197 members)
• Cornell Law School LL.M. Class of 2017 (132 members)
• Fordham Law Class of 2022/2023 Admitted Students (390 members)
• Fordham Law School LALSA (152 members)
• Fordham Law School Alumni from Korea (103 members)
• Fordham University School of Law LL.M. Alumni (74 members)
• Hofstra Law Class of 2022 (279 members)
• Hofstra Law School Immigration Law Society (131 members)
• International Law Society at Hofstra Law School (117 members)
• New York Law School: Italian Law Student Association (ILSA) (145 members)
• New York Law School Moot Court Alumni Organization (114 members)
• NYU LL.M. 2019 – 2020 (559 members)
• NYU Law Class of 2022 (254 members)
• NYU Women of Color Collective (WOCC) (242 members)
• NYU School of Law Korean JD (115 members)
• NYU Japanese Law Society (JLS) (85 members)
• Pace Law School Student Bar Association (343 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2020 (305 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2019 (294 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2018 (273 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2021 (272 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2017 (257 members)
• Pace Law School Class of 2022 (240 members)
• Black Law Students Association at Pace University School of Law (BLSA) (101 members)

St. John’s University School of Law

• St. John’s Law: Class of 2020 (Day) / 2021 (Eve) (279 members)
• St. John’s Law: Class of 2019 (Day) / 2020 (Eve) (278 members)
• St. John’s Law: Class of 2018 (Day) / 2019 (Eve) (265 members)
• St. John’s Law: Class of 2021 (full time) / 2022 (part time) (250 members)
• St. John’s Law: Class of 2017 (Day) / 2018 (Eve) (216 members)
• St. John’s Law: Class of 2022 (full time) / 2023 (part time) (182 members)
• St. John’s University School of Law APALSA (135 members)
• Class of 2018 – University at Buffalo School of Law (290 members)
• Class of 2017 – University at Buffalo School of Law (289 members)
• Class of 2019 – University at Buffalo School of Law (258 members)
• Class of 2020 – University at Buffalo School of Law (231 members)
• Class of 2021 – University at Buffalo School of Law (201 members)
• Class of 2022 – University at Buffalo School of Law (124 members)
• OUTLaw-University at Buffalo School of Law (98 members)
• LL.M. Students – University at Buffalo School of Law (61 members)
• Syracuse Law Class of 2022 (212 members)
• Syracuse Law Class of 2021 (208 members)
• Syracuse Law Class of 2018 (195 members)
• Syracuse Law Class of 2019 (192 members)
• Syracuse Law Class of 2020 (149 members)
• Syracuse University College of Law Class of 2017 (136 members)
• Syracuse Law Review Alumni (57 members)
• Student Bar Association Touro Law School (447 members)
• Touro Law Class of 2018 (89 members)
• Touro Law 2017 (81 members)
• Touro Law School: Class of 2020 (47 members)
• Touro Law Alumni Network (46 members)
• Touro Law Class of 2021 (32 members)
• Touro Law Class of 2022 (13 members)

Other Resources

More helpful resources and study materials to help you pass the New York State Bar Exam:

• New York Jurisdiction Information
• New York State Board Of Law Examiners
• New York Supreme Court
• National Conference of Bar Examiners
• American Bar Association
• Bar Prep Tips & Tricks YouTube Videos
• Awesome Law School “Lectures”
• Best Law School Audio Outlines
• Shop Crushendo

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Contains ALL 423 Rules Tested on the New York Bar Exam Essays in the Last 37 Examinations That's 197 essay questions analyzed (which were tested over the last 19 years of exams) and each rule is organized in a easy to read format highlighting the high frequency topics and rules in bold for easy scanability.

Absolutely FREE To Download There is no catch.  We are making this analysis free to every New York Bar Exam taker in the hopes that the information will help them study for one of the hardest bar exams in the country.

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FREE Frequency Analysis of ALL Rules Tested on the New York Bar Exam Essays over the last 19 Years!!!

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Why you NEED to Have this FREE     NY Bar Exam Essay Analysis:

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Bar Exam Resources Guide

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For additional information on print and electronic resources available to you and the information on this Guide, please contact a librarian at [email protected] . 

For additional information on W&L bar courses, the bar exam components, studying assistance and tips, creating a bar exam study schedule, etc., please contact Prof. Leila Lawlor at [email protected] . 

For questions regarding the bar exam application process or materials, please contact Dean Maria Saez Tatman at [email protected] . 

Looking for a Notary?

In the Law School:

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Milea Webb, Lewis Hall 322 (540-458-8584 or [email protected] )

Other Notaries on W&L's campus are listed online . 

New York Bar Exam Details

New York utilizes the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).

The UBE is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) which are prepared by, given, and graded in accordance with the standards established by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additional information regarding the content of the UBE is available at  http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube .

The UBE will be given in New York twice a year on the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. 

A scaled score of 266 on the UBE is required for  admission in New York . 

UBE Schedule:

Tuesday AM: MEE (6 essays, 3 hours) 

Tuesday PM: MPT (2 items, 3 hours)

Wednesday AM: MBE (100 questions, 3 hours) 

Wednesday PM: MBE (100 questions, 3 hours)

In addition to the UBE, New York exam takers must also take the NY Law Course (NYLC) and NY Law Exam (NYLE). Details regarding these exams are available from the NYBOLE  website .

Study Resources for the New York Bar Exam

There are multiple resources that provide sample questions and answers for the UBE:

• Past exam essay questions with sample candidate answers  from the NYBOLE.
• Recent MEE questions and model answers .
• Recent MPT questions, model answers, and point sheets . 
• Sample MBE questions . ( These are also found in the Law Library's Main Reading Room in the Bar Success Collection.)
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Get Detailed Information About The New York Bar Exam Including Schedules, Grading, Reciprocity, Fees, Common Questions & More.

Multistate Essay Exam (MEE)

The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) is developed by NCBE and consists of six 30-minute questions. It is administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year.

The purpose of the MEE is to test the examinee's ability to (1) identify legal issues raised by a hypothetical factual situation; (2) separate material which is relevant from that which is not; (3) present a reasoned analysis of the relevant issues in a clear, concise, and well-organized composition; and (4) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental legal principles relevant to the probable solution of the issues raised by the factual situation. The primary distinction between the MEE and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is that the MEE requires the examinee to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Areas of law that may be covered on the MEE include the following: Business Associations (Agency and Partnership; Corporations and Limited Liability Companies), Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts and Estates (Decedents' Estates; Trusts and Future Interests), and Uniform Commercial Code (Secured Transactions). Some questions may include issues in more than one area of law. The particular areas covered vary from exam to exam.

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is developed by NCBE and consists of two 90-minute items. It is administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year.

The MPT is designed to test an examinee's ability to use fundamental lawyering skills in a realistic situation and complete a task that a beginning lawyer should be able to accomplish. The MPT is not a test of substantive knowledge. Rather, it is designed to evaluate certain fundamental skills lawyers are expected to demonstrate regardless of the area of law in which the skills arise.

Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)

The MBE, which is administered on Wednesday, is developed and graded by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).

This portion of the examination is an objective 6-hour examination containing 200 multiple-choice questions, which is divided into two 3-hour sessions during which 100 questions are administered.

The MBE tests 7 subjects: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.

Jurisdiction-Specific Component = Yes

Applicants must complete an online course in New York-specific law, known as the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE).

2023 Filing Deadlines & Fees

When is the ny bar exam in 2023 & 2024.

Feb 21-22, 2023

Timely Filing: Nov 1-30, 2022

Jul 25-26, 2023

Timely Filing: Apr 1-30, 2023

Feb 27-28, 2024

Timely Filing: TBD

Jul 30-31, 2024

How Much Does the NY Bar Exam Cost?

What is the ny bar exam schedule like.

The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a 2-day exam administered twice a year, with the MBE given on the last Wednesday of February and July and the MEE and MPT given on the Tuesday prior to that.

What Subjects Are Tested On The NY Bar Exam?

Mbe subjects.

• Civil Procedure
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law & Procedure
• Real Property

Essay Subjects

• Business Associations
• Conflict of Laws
• Wills (Decedents' Estates)

NY Bar Exam Grading & Scoring Process

NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE.

UBE total scores are reported on a 400-point scale and a passing score of 266 is required in New York.

Required MPRE Score: 85

NY Bar Exam Reciprocity

Ube transfer.

New York will accept the transfer of a score of 266 or greater from a qualified UBE exam within three years of the date of application.

Admission on Motion

New York permits admission on motion, without examination, for applicants who have practiced for five of the preceding seven years, are admitted to practice in at least one reciprocal jurisdiction, and have graduated from an American Bar Association approved law school. All requirements for admission on motion can be found here .

How do I Contact the NY Bar?

New York State Board of Law Examiners Corporate Plaza, Building #3 254 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, NY 12203

http://www.nybarexam.org/ Phone: 518-453-5990 Fax: 518-452-5729

BarMax UBE Course Structure & Features

Comprehensive & concise.

BarMax UBE includes the 14 major exam topics, corresponding to the topics tested on the exam. We then divide each topic into 7-8 subtopics to make the study material easier to absorb.

Superior Content

Each subtopic includes an in-depth outline, an audio lecture from a Harvard-educated law professor, and when appropriate, numerous flashcards and multiple-choice MBE questions from previous exams. You will also receive the outines in printed hardcopy format.

Instant Access

When you enroll in BarMax UBE your study materials are available instantly so you can start immediately and study at your pace. Plus, there are no additional fees to access the full course after the exam.

Essay Grading

You will also receive 10 free writing critiques (performance tests or essays). Additional critiques can be purchased a la carte. Our former bar graders ensure you receive accurate and effective criticism.

NY UBE Course Study Materials

Civ Pro Lecture Sample

BarMax NY Pass Rates / State Rates (%)

I used BarMax for the UBE and I got a 318, when passing is a 270. I loved BarMax for it’s flexibility and effectiveness.

Jeremiah Styles

How BarMax Helps You Pass the Bar.

Comprehensive

Exactly what you need to pass

Only Real Questions

Licensed from the NCBE complete with explanations

Detailed Analytics

Track your progress and use time efficiently

World-Class Instructors

Get your questions answered by expert instructors

On Demand Lectures & Outlines

Clear and concise with mnemonics and flashcards

Features Designed to Raise Your Score

Common Questions About the NY Bar Exam.

What is the difference between the ny bar exam, and the new ny uniform bar exam.

The New York Bar Exam includes questions about New York State Law while the New York Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) covers general, "multistate" legal principles.

The New York Bar Exam was the standard bar exam used in New York state prior to the July 2016 administration of the bar exam. The New York Uniform Bar Exam is now standard.

The New York Bar Exam included a five-essay state essay section, 200-question multistate multiple choice section, a 50-question state multiple choice section, and the "multistate performance test".

The New York Uniform Bar Exam includes a six-essay multistate essay section, two multistate "performance tests", and a 200-question multistate multiple choice section (the "multistate bar examination").

Note that, in order to be admitted to the bar in New York, applicants must also take and pass the New York Law Exam (NYLE), which is a separate multiple choice test covering only New York state law.

How do I apply for the New York Uniform Bar Exam?

One may register for the New York Uniform Bar Exam by creating an account through the New York Board of Law Examiners (NY BOLE) website at https://www.nybarexam.org , completing a profile on the BOLE website, and filling out an exam application through the website during the applicable filing period.

What's the best way to prepare for the NY UBE?

A formal bar preparation course, preferably taken through BarMax, is the best way to prepare for the NY UBE.

You also want to make sure that you are only preparing with real questions from previous bar exams. Not only for the MBE multiple-choice questions but also for the essays (MEE) and the performance tests (MPT).

Where are the New York UBE testing locations?

In general, the New York UBE is administered in Manhattan or White Plains to in-state test takers and in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Buffalo to out-of-state test takers.

When can I expect my bar exam results?

Bar exam results are generally available within three to four months of the test date. That is, February test takers can expect to receive their results in May or June, while July test takers can expect to receive their results in October or November.

What are the NY UBE passage rates / state rate?

The required passing score on the Uniform Bar Exam is 266 in New York.

The overall passage rate in 2017 (i.e. February & July administrations) for NY UBE test takers was 61 percent. The passage rate for first time takers was 76 percent.

Results for the February exam are typically released in May.

Results for the July exam are typically released in late October.

New York Bar Exam

Written by: Nik Ventouris

Last updated: April 5, 2024

Passing the  New York bar exam  is an essential part of being admitted into the state’s bar and beginning a successful career practicing law.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to get started, including:

• The bar exam’s eligibility criteria, content, and structure
• The steps you can take in order to give yourself the best chance of passing on your first attempt
• The additional requirements you’ll need to satisfy in order to become admitted into the state’s bar

We’ll also briefly look at the process of getting admitted without a completed law degree.

Recommended:  Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s bar exam preparation materials, which come with a free retake guarantee, interactive and flexible learning, and lawyer-led tutoring.

New York Bar Exam Overview

The bar examination in the state of New York is administered via the New York State Board of Law Examiners, which has been in existence since 1894 – over 125 years ago.

The State Board’s operations are overseen by a five-member Board of Attorneys, which is appointed by the New York Court of Appeals.

If you are interested in sitting the bar exam in NY, you should know that exams are administered twice per annum, on the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday of each February and July.

Registrations need to be carried out between October 1 and October 31 for the February exam cycle and between March 1 and March 31 for the July exam cycle.

Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for the NY bar exam, you will need to satisfy one of the following criteria according to Section 520 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals:

• ABA Approved Law School Study (JD Graduates) : Attend and graduate from a law school in the US, which at all times during your attendance is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Law Office Study:  Complete a combination of ABA-approved law school study and law office study.
• Unapproved Law School Study:  Graduate from an unapproved law school in the US with a JD degree and practice in a jurisdiction where you are admitted for 5 out of the seven years preceding your NY bar exam application.
• Foreign Law School Study:  Complete a program of study at a law school outside the US that is durationally and substantially commensurate to an ABA-approved law school.
• Pro Bono Scholars Program : If you are currently in your last year of JD at an ABA-approved law school, you may be able to qualify to sit for the February bar exam in return for devoting your last semester of study to performing pro bono legal services through an approved program.

Note: First-time applicants who have graduated with a JD degree from a New York State law school will be given first priority to select their desired location when registering for the bar exam.

New York Exam Structure

Since 2016, the state of New York has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which adheres to the following structure:

• Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test Questions (20%)
• Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): Six 30-minute Multistate Essay Exam questions (30%)

Day 2: 

• Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): 200-question multiple-choice exam (50%)

The UBE exam is scored out of 400 points, 266 of which need to be answered correctly in order for a candidate to receive a passing mark.

Moreover, candidates will be required to pass the following supplementary exams and complete the following course in order to be eligible for the New York bar:

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

• New York Law Course (NYLC)
• New York Law Exam (NYLE)

Below, we’ve broken down the content and structure of each exam-related requirement in more detail.

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

The MPT is made up of two 90-minute parts, and the materials for each part contain a “File” and a “Library.”

The File consists of source documents that contain all of the facts of a specific case.

As the examinee, the assignment that you will need to complete will be described in a memorandum from a supervising attorney.

The File can also include things like transcripts of interviews, depositions, pleadings, trials, client documents, newspaper articles, police reports, and any other similar documents.

Keep in mind that irrelevant information is generally included, and facts are sometimes incomplete, ambiguous, or even conflicting.

This is meant to mirror legal practice, in which a client’s or supervising attorney’s version of events may be unreliable or entirely incomplete. In such a scenario, you will be expected to recognize when facts are inconsistent or missing in the exam and identify sources of additional facts.

The Library part contains things like cases, statutes, and regulations, some of which may also not be relevant to the task that you will be assigned. You will need to be able to extract the legal principles required to analyze the legal problem you’ll be presented with and perform the requested task.

For more information, you can have a look at the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Instructions for Taking the MPT document.

Free summaries of MPTs from recent examinations are also offered (e.g., MPT Summaries of 2023 ).

Multistate Essay Exam (MEE)

The MEE consists of six 30-minute sections that can cover a variety of legal areas, including:

• Civil Procedure
• Business Associations (e.g., Agency and Partnership, LLCs, Corporations, etc.)
• Conflict of Laws
• Constitutional Law
• Contract Law
• Criminal Law
• Trust and Estates

Keep in mind that questions can often include issues in more than one area of law. This means that it’ll be important to ensure that you have a “wide” range of understanding rather than a deep focus on one or two subjects.

Note: For more information, have a look at the NCBE’s official Instructions for Taking the MEE document or check out a few official MEE questions .

Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)

The MBE is made up of 200 multiple-choice questions, which are broken down into 175 scored questions and 25 unscored questions.

The exam is broken down into two three-hour sections, with one administered in the morning and one in the afternoon, both of which contain 100 questions each.

Keep in mind that there are no scheduled breaks during either one of the sections.

All 175 scored questions on the exam are distributed evenly, with 25 questions being attributed to each of the following seven topics:

• Real Property
• Criminal Law and Procedure

Each question on the MBE exam will have four potential answers. You should choose what you believe is the best answer — keep in mind that scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, and points are not subtracted for answering incorrectly.

If you want to have a look at the exact format, you can have a look at the NCBE’s official MBE Sample Test Questions document.

Recommended Course

Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s bar exam preparation materials, which come with a free retake guarantee, interactive and flexible learning, and lawyer-led tutoring.

The MPRE is made up of 60 multiple-choice questions (50 scored questions and 10 unscored questions) and is administered via Pearson VUE.

Like the MBE exam, each question offers four possible answers, one of which is correct.

The exam’s content is based on law that relates to the conduct and discipline of attorneys and judges and includes the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Code of Judicial Conduct, as well as important constitutional common law and generally accepted principles.

In relation to questions of professional responsibility in the context of evidentiary issues (e.g., litigation sanctions, attorney-client evidentiary privilege, etc.), the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence will apply  unless otherwise stated .

Note:  You will have two hours to complete the MPRE exam in its entirety.

For more information, we recommend having a look at the NCBE’s Official  Sample Test Questions  document. A holistic  Subject Matter Outline  is also offered.

NYLC and NYLE

Following a statement from the Court of Appeals, the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE) created the New York Law Course (NYLC), as well as the New York Law Exam (NYLE) — both of which relate to NY-specific law.

Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know for each one.

The NYLC is an online course that covers important aspects of the New York legal system, including:

• Administrative Law
• Business Relationships
• Matrimonial and Family Law
• Professional Responsibility
• Trusts, Wills, and Estates

The course entails around 15 hours of videotaped lectures that contain embedded questions. Keep in mind that each lecture’s questions will need to be answered correctly in order to begin the next one.

The NYLE is a 50-question, multiple-choice, open-book exam that is offered four times per annum.

Keep in mind that failing the NYLE will result in you having to retake both the NYLC and the NYLE.

BOLE notes that the NYLE exam is rigorous even though it’s administered in an open-book format. This means that, in addition to the NYLC, it is recommended that you have a look and take some time going over the revised  Course Materials  that are offered.

Note:  The New York State Board of Law Examiners additionally offers a  Sample Questions  document with 20 questions.

How to Pass the NY Bar Exam

In order to give yourself the best chance of passing the New York UBE exam on your first attempt, it’s important to take enough time to make sure that you are adequately prepared.

New York Bar Exam Tips

Despite the infamous difficulty of NY’s bar exam, passing it on your first attempt is definitely possible with the right tools and preparation techniques.

Below, we’ve broken down a few key tips that should aid you in your licensing journey:

• Start Strong in Your First Year:  This is important due to the fundamental areas of law practice that the first year of law school generally covers, such as Contract Law, Tort, and Constitutional Law
• Leverage Academic Support : If your law school offers additional support services that are aimed at improving your preparation, we recommend utilizing these as much as possible. This can involve one-on-one tutoring, academic counseling, and mock exam programs
• Obtain Practical Legal Experience : If possible, we recommend gaining as much practical experience as you can during law school (i.e., through summer internships, mock trials, etc.). This is because this can go a long way in cementing your legal knowledge
• Adopt a Broad Study Approach:  When studying for the bar, you should aim for a wide-ranging understanding of various subjects rather than an in-depth study of a few. This is important due to the huge amount of content that you will need to learn and/or will be tested on

Most importantly, make sure you remain consistent so that you do not have to resort to last-minute cramming.

Research has shown that we are able to retain a higher degree of information – and more easily – when revisiting old content in comparison to when learning it for the first time. This is known as Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve.

Other New York Bar Requirements

Apart from qualifying for and passing the New York bar exam, there are several other requirements you will need to meet in order to become a licensed attorney in the state, including:

• Completing the Mandatory 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement
• Satisfying the Skills Competency Requirement
• Providing Proof of Moral Character

1. 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement

In accordance with Rule 520.16 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals, every applicant admitted to the New York State Bar on or after January 1, 2015, shall need to have completed at least 50 hours of “qualifying” pro bono work. This can be done within one of the US’s jurisdictions or in a foreign country.

Qualifying pro bono work is defined in section 520.16 (b), which includes:

Assisting in the provision of legal services without charge:

• Persons of limited means
• Nonprofit organizations
• Individuals, groups, or organizations seeking to secure or promote access to justice (e.g., civil rights, civil liberties, etc.)

Assisting in the provision of legal assistance in public service for a judicial, executive, or legislative government entity (i.e., judge, prosecutor, etc.).

Keep in mind that supervision is required, and as such, all qualifying pro bono work will need to be performed under the supervision of:

• A member of a law school faculty
• An attorney admitted to practice and in good standing in a US jurisdiction
• A judge or attorney employed by the court system (e.g., in the case of a clerkship)

Note:  Work that relates to partisan political activities does not qualify for New York’s 50-hour pro bono requirement.

2. Skills Competency Requirement

In accordance with Section 520.18 of the Rules for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law, all candidates are required to establish that they have acquired the skills and professional values that are necessary to competently practice law.

This requirement can be satisfied via a variety of different methods, such as by:

• Submitting a certificate from an ABA-approved law school that confirms that it has incorporated into its curriculum the skills and professional values that are required for graduates’ “basic competence and ethical participation” in legal practice
• Submitting a certificate from an ABA-approved law school that confirms you enrolled in and successfully completed 15 credit hours of practice-based experiential courses that were designed to foster the development of professional and ethical competencies
• Completing the Pro Bono Scholars Program of section 520.17, which is a voluntary component of legal education that allows students in their final semester of study to become involved in work that relates to amplifying individuals’ access to justice
• Completing a qualifying apprenticeship. This is a six-month full-time apprenticeship in a law office in the US under the supervision of one or more attorneys who have been licensed for a minimum of two years. Keep in mind that the apprenticeship does not have to be paid
• Having practiced in another US jurisdiction or in a foreign jurisdiction outside of the US. Keep in mind that you will need to submit proof that you have been operating for at least one year and are in good standing with your jurisdiction in order to qualify

Since the state’s skill competency requirement can be satisfied via any of the methods mentioned above, most candidates end up picking the route that organically makes sense for them, depending on their existing credentials and short-term plans.

3. Proof of Moral Character

Every applicant for the New York bar will need to provide proof of good moral character.

This is done by submitting affirmations from reputable sources to a special committee appointed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court that confirm that you have the moral character and fitness needed to operate ethically as an attorney in accordance with section 90 of the Judiciary Law.

Keep in mind that the Appellate Division decides how many affirmations are needed, as well as who qualifies to provide them (e.g., who can be a “reputable source”).

Note:  Affirmations alone aren’t a guarantee that you will pass this requirement, and the Appellate Division can choose to conduct further investigations if necessary before making a final decision.

Admission on Motion (Reciprocity)

Section 520.10 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law allows admission “on motion” or reciprocity without examination under specific circumstances.

This means that if you are currently licensed and in good practice in another US jurisdiction or a foreign country, you may be able to become admitted into the NY bar without having to retake an exam (a $400 fee is levied for this).

Let’s take a look at a few of the scenarios in which the Appellate Court can decide to admit applicants in motion/without an exam:

• Applicants that have been admitted to practice in the highest law court in any other state or territory of the US. This is generally each state’s supreme court
• Applicants that have been admitted to practice in another country whose judicial system is based upon the principles of English common law (e.g., the UK, Cyprus, Singapore, etc.), are currently admitted to the bar in such jurisdiction and have practiced for at least five of the seven years immediately preceding your application
• Applicants that have been employed in any state or US territory as a full-time member of the law faculty teaching in an ABA-approved law school and have attained the rank of professor or associate professor for at least five of the seven years preceding the application

Note:  There are certain jurisdictions that have entered into specific formation reciprocity agreements with New York and have established specific standards for admission on motion. These can be more lenient than the general rules for admission discussed above (e.g., New Jersey and New York, etc.).

A full list of reciprocity states for New York can be found below:

For more information, you can have a look at the New York State Board of Law Examiners’  Admission on Motion/Reciprocity  page.

New York Bar Exam FAQ

Can you take the bar without going to law school in new york.

Yes and no. You can be admitted into the New York bar without sitting an examination as a candidate “in motion,” but that would assume that you have practiced and/or studied in another jurisdiction. If this is not the case, you can choose to complete one year of law school in combination with three years of law office study (Section 520.4), but you will not be able to omit law school entirely.

How long is the New York bar exam?

New York administers the UBE exam, which spans over two separate days. Having said that, you will also need to complete additional exam requirements, including the MPRE, the NYLC, and the NYLE. For more New York bar exam information, see our  overview  above.

How hard is it to pass the New York State bar examination?

Passing the New York  bar exam  is undoubtedly very challenging, but it is definitely doable with the right preparation. As of the latest data issued by the New York State Board of Law Examiners, first-time takers from NY ABA law schools had an 81% pass rate. This was 85% for out-of-state ABA law schools and 52% for foreign-educated takers.

How much does the NY bar exam cost?

This will depend on where you studied law. If you studied in the US, your application fee will be $250; this is $750 for applicants who studied outside the US. You will also need to pay $27 for taking the NYLE.

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Listen to samples of lectures and view pages from outlines .

■ Essay Exam Questions & Answers

■  Strategy Workshop Lectures

The strategy workshop is designed to teach students the strategies and techniques required to pass the exam.    The workshop covers both study strategies and essay writing techniques.  Learn how to use effective legal writing strategies to your advantage.  The lectures help students utilize legal writing techniques to maximize points when drafting essay answers.  The workshop cover s everything from how to set up your study schedule, to what to do each day to prepare.  It also contains strategies on how to prepare for and write a bar exam essay answer.   The workshop has been prepared with the retaker in mind, but is incredibly useful for all examinees.

■ MPT Course Access

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AmeriBar constantly monitors past bar exams questions and testing trends.  Our materials are focused on testable points of law.  Therefore, you will not waste hours of your study time learning extraneous information.  Utilize your time efficiently.

Listen to samples of lectures and view pages from outlines

IMPORTANT NOTE

The Essay Master Course is available for students who already have materials for the Multistate Bar Examination ("MBE"). The MBE subjects may also be tested on the essay exam.  The Essay Master Course contains state-specific supplements for the MBE subjects, but it does not contain complete outlines of general legal principles for the subjects tested on the MBE .   Ensure that you have adequate materials to help you prepare for the MBE subjects.  If you do not have complete outlines for the MBE subjects, you should enroll in AmeriBar's Complete Home Study Course , which fully covers all of the subjects on the exam.

AmeriBar constantly monitors past bar exams questions and testing trends.  Our materials are focused on testable points of law.  Therefore, you will not waste hours of your study time learning extraneous information.  Utilize your time efficiently .

MAKE THIS TIME DIFFERENT

Are you are a retaker who enrolled in a traditional bar review course the last time you sat for the exam, but were unsuccessful? It is likely that you spent too much time reviewing your knowledge of the law, and not enough time learning how to write essay answers or adequately prepare for the MBE.  It is likely that you studied inefficiently. Instead of spending dozens or even hundreds of hours listening to mind-numbing lectures of the law, learn how to spend your time efficiently learning the law you need to know in order to pass.  In fact, one of our recent students who had previously taken a traditional review course (and failed his exam) let us know that the best part of AmeriBar's program was that he actually studied less and passed! Focus on the law you need to know, and spend the rest of your time learning how to apply your knowledge to the questions presented by the bar examiners.

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PLEASE NOTE : These series contain multiple choice questions designed for law school exams . They are not intended for bar exam study, although they may still prove useful.

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I used JD Advising [tutoring] for my second attempt to pass the IL UBE bar exam and increased my score by 52 points! I went from being nervous and scared to the 95 th percentile of all UBE takers. JD advising helped me so much for my second attempt for the bar. Also, I was working full-time the second time I took the bar exam and they completely built the schedule around my available time and the amount of weeks I had to study. I can’t recommend their program enough. Compared to other big bar prep services, JD Advising is so much more personalized and they actually 100% care about you and your success on the bar exam. Thank you JD Advising! And thank you so much to my personal tutors who guided me through the whole process, Ninos and Lisa! You are both amazing!

I literally think I passed the bar because of your One Sheets. You literally saved my life! I’m sure you hear this all of the time. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your wonderful resource. I am now practicing family law with my dad in Liberty, Missouri! By the way, I found out I passed the bar when I was on my honeymoon in Seattle, Washington!

[The MBE One-Sheets are] an absolutely amazing study aid. Perfectly succinct. Law school students should have access to these for law school classes, not just the bar exam (if they don’t already). I think I learned (and retained!) more about certain subjects reviewing the one-sheets than I did going to class for a full semester.

Note: this post was updated in October 2021 with additional information on what a passing New York Bar Exam Score Report looks like!

How to dissect your new york bar exam score report (if you did not pass) .

Knowing exactly how to read your New York Bar Exam score report can be invaluable, especially if you did not pass the exam. New York gives you a lot of information about what you need to work on to pass the exam.  Please refer to the New York Bar Exam score report above as we go through each section.

Section I: Basic Background information

The beginning of your score report will give you basic background information — e.g., the bar exam date, your name, identification number, and seat number. Verify this information to make sure it is correct.

Section II: Scaled Essay Score

Next, you will see your scaled essay score. You will see all six MEE scores and your two MPT scores.  The range for these scores is 20 – 80 . A score of 50 is considered to be the average (or mean) score. So, a 50 is considered a “passing” score. The MEE portion is worth 30% of your total score. (So each essay is worth 5% of your total score.)

The MPT scores are the same. The range for the scores is 20 – 80 and a score of 50 is passing. However, the MPTs are worth more than the essay portion. Together, they make up 20% of your score. Thus, each MPT makes up 10% of your overall score.

Your total essay score will be a number in or close to the hundreds. The total essay score is made up of the 6 MEE scores (worth 60% of your total essay score) and the 2 MPT scores (worth 40% of your total essay score). A 133 on this section is considered passing. If you were far below a score of 133, you have work to do on the written portion. (Note: You do not have to get a 133 on this portion to pass. You can make up with a lower essay score with a higher MBE score. So if you received a 130 on the written portion and a 140 on the MBE portion, you would still pass the exam with a 270. But, you want to aim for at least a score of 133 when you study.)

Section III: MBE Score

Next, you will see your MBE score. First, you will see your overall MBE score (“MBE Score” right under “Written score”). A 133 is considered passing. So, if you scored below that, you have work to do. If you scored a 133 or above, you are in good shape.  To see what your overall MBE score means, see this post . The percentiles will be slightly different each administration, but these are about what you can expect to see.

On the bottom of your New York Bar Exam score report, you will see “percentiles” for each MBE subject. This provides helpful information about how you scored in comparison to other bar exam takers.

For example, if “CIVIL PROCEDURE” has the number 5.5 next to it. It means that you scored higher than only 5.5% of bar exam takers (and lower than 94.5% of bar exam takers). That means you have work to do on Civil Procedure.  If REAL PROPERTY has the number 80.3 next to it, that means you scored higher than 80.3% of takers, which is good news. This is very helpful information as it can give you a general idea of which subjects you may want to pay closer attention to while you begin to study for the next bar exam.

Total Score

Next, look at your total score. A 266 is passing. It does not matter what your written score or MBE score was, so long as together they add up to a score at or higher than 266!

We hope you found this article on how to dissect your New York Bar Exam score report helpful!

If you failed the New York Bar Exam and are wondering what the next steps are, check out this article . We also list several resources below.

New: We have an excellent On Demand course available for those looking for a fresh new approach on the bar exam. Check out the advantages of our course here . It is on sale for a limited time!

Will my score report look like this if I passed the New York Bar Exam?

No! If you passed the New York Bar Exam, you will get a letter. Your letter will state:

• your overall UBE score
• your converted MBE score

You will not see a breakdown of how you performed on the MEE and MPT. (You can figure out your overall MEE score by subtracting your MBE score from your UBE score. So, for example, if you scored a 300 on the UBE and a 140 on the MBE, you can deduce that you scored a 160 on the written portion of the bar exam (300 – 140 = 160). But you will not be able to see how you performed on the individual MEEs and MPTs.

Helpful Bar Exam Articles:

If you are looking for helpful articles, check out these:

• How to pass the bar exam the second time around : 5 things to do differently.
• I failed the New York Bar Exam. What should I do? Here is a step by step guide.
• I failed the bar exam twice (or three times, or four or more times) : Here is a step-by-step guide to getting out of this vicious cycle!
• Should I rewatch lectures if I fail the bar exam? Generally, the answer is no.
• How to tell your boss you failed the bar exam : What to say and what not to say.
• Lastly, check out our very popular note to those who failed the bar exam , quotes for those who failed the bar exam , and a list of famous people that failed the bar exam — you are not alone!

Looking to Pass the Bar Exam?

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• 🌟 Bar Exam Free Resource Center : Access our most popular free guides, webinars, and resources to set you on the path to success.
• Free Bar Exam Guides : Expert advice on the MBE, the MEE, passing strategies, and overcoming failure.
• Free Webinars : Get insight from top bar exam experts to ace your preparation.

Paid Resources:

• 🏆 One-Sheets : Our most popular product! Master the Bar Exam with these five-star rated essentials.
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• Exclusive Mastery Classes : Dive deep into highly tested areas of the MBE, MEE, MPT, and CA bar exams in these live, one-time events.
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