The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) is sometimes confused for the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), when in fact, the MBE is just one component of the UBE. The UBE was developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and is the exam aspiring lawyers must pass in order to become licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction. There are three components of the UBE: the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). Learn more about the importance of the MBE and how it functions as part of the UBE.
Key Differences Between the MBE and the UBE
The MBE and UBE are not the same exam, rather the MBE is one component of the 3-part UBE. In addition to this important distinction, there are several other main differences between the MBE and the UBE:
- Test format: The UBE is a 2-day exam consisting of three components (the MBE, the MEE, and the MPT). The MBE is a 6-hour exam with 200 multiple-choice questions administered over two 3-hour sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- Jurisdictions: Only 41 jurisdictions have adopted the UBE, while all jurisdictions administer the UBE with the exceptions of Louisiana and Puerto Rico.
- Score portability: You can transfer your UBE score to other UBE jurisdictions if you meet the admission criteria. MBE scores can be transferred to participating jurisdictions using the NCBE Score Transfer.
The MBE’s Role in the UBE
The MBE plays a critical role in the UBE. It is the most heavily weighted portion of the bar exam and is known to be the most difficult component to pass. The MBE is designed to assess competence to practice law, specifically the test-taker’s ability to apply fundamental legal principles, exercise legal reasoning, and analyze fact patterns.
The MBE was added to the bar exam in 1972 after the backlash against “diploma privilege,” which allowed law school graduates to gain admittance to the bar without taking the bar exam. The NCBE developed the MBE, a multiple-choice exam, to test all examinees on their knowledge of key legal concepts in a fair and efficient way.
The UBE is administered over the course of two days, with the MBE given on the last Wednesday of February and July.
Read Next: When is the MBE?
MBE Score Portability
One of the benefits of passing the MBE is that you can transfer your score to another jurisdiction so you don’t have to retake the exam if you move out of state. This is known as score portability, but it is not available in all jurisdictions. Below is the step-by-step process for transferring your MBE score:
Step 1: Research if the jurisdiction to which you are applying accepts transferred MBE scores, and if so, whether or not there are any requirements.
Step 2: Determine if the testing jurisdiction where you took the MBE authorizes NCBE to transfer MBE scores. If it doesn’t, contact the testing jurisdiction directly to get your score transferred.
Step 3: Log in to your NCBE account and navigate to the Score Services section to submit a score transfer request.
Step 4: Pay the $30 fee for the MBE Score Transfer.
Once all these steps are completed, your score will be sent to the requested jurisdiction. On average, MBE Score Transfers are processed the next business day after payment is received.
What else does the UBE consist of?
The UBE consists of three components: the MBE, the MEE, and the MPT. Each of the three UBE components carries a different weight in your total bar score. In the table below, we break down each UBE component, their weight, and the exam format.
| UBE Component | Weight | Exam Format | Question Types |
|---|
| Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) | 50% | Two 3-hour sessions (morning and afternoon) | 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored, 25 pretest) |
| Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) | 30% | For most jurisdictions, the six essays are given in one 3-hour session | Six 30-minute essay questions |
| Multistate Performance Test (MPT) | 20% | For most jurisdictions, the MPT is given in one 3-hour session | Two 90-minute skills questions. Materials for each include a File and a Library. |
Please note that some non-UBE jurisdictions have different score distributions. Review your jurisdiction’s UBE scoring guide for more information.
Which jurisdictions administer the MBE?
Louisiana and Puerto Rico are the only two jurisdictions in the U.S. that do not administer the MBE. Otherwise, all other jurisdictions in the U.S. administer the MBE.
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FAQs
The MBE and UBE are not the same exam, rather the MBE is one component of the 3-part UBE. In addition to this important distinction, there are several other main differences between the MBE and the UBE: Test format: The UBE is a 2-day exam consisting of three components (the MBE, the MEE, and the MPT).
Is Ube the same as MBE? ›
The UBE consists of the MBE, the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE).
Is MBE part of Ube? ›
The UBE consists of three parts: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). You can read more details about each of these sections below. The UBE is administered twice a year over the course of two days.
Which states accept MBE? ›
Except for Louisiana and Puerto Rico, all other U.S. states use the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
Is California MBE or UBE? ›
The California Bar Examination consists of the General Bar Examination and the Attorneys' Examination. The General Bar Exam consists of three parts: five essay questions, the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), and one performance test (PT).
What's higher than an MBE? ›
Standing for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE is the highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE.
What does an MBE stand for? ›
Member of the Order of the British Empire ( MBE )
Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.
Which states are not ube? ›
The following are not UBE jurisdictions: California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, *Hawaii, *Mississippi, Nevada, *South Dakota, Virginia, *Wisconsin, *Guam, *Northern Mariana Islands, *Palau, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico.
Is the ube easier to pass? ›
The general answer is: Yes the Uniform Bar Exam is easier than a state bar exam. Below we tell you exactly why the Uniform Bar Exam is easier than a state bar exam.
What percentage of MBE questions to pass UBE? ›
We suggest aiming for at least 60% to be safe. This means you should get 60-62 questions correct on a 100-question practice test or 120-124 questions correct on a full MBE exam.
Anyone can be nominated to receive an MBE so long as they meet the necessary King's honour criteria. An MBE award can be given for all types of different achievement, but it is often given in recognition of community achievements or for a local “hands-on” service that has set an example to others.
Are there any perks of MBE? ›
Enhanced Reputation: Receiving an MBE elevates the recipient's personal profile and enhances their reputation. The prestigious nature of the award emphasises their dedication and expertise, leading to increased trust, respect, and acceptance of their ideas, work, and projects.
What state has the hardest bar exam? ›
Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has a pass rate of 34%.
Is MBE the same as Ube? ›
The MBE and UBE are not the same exam, rather the MBE is one component of the 3-part UBE. In addition to this important distinction, there are several other main differences between the MBE and the UBE: Test format: The UBE is a 2-day exam consisting of three components (the MBE, the MEE, and the MPT).
What is the difference between the Ube score and the MBE score? ›
UBE Scores
The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE. The MBE is weighted 50%, the MEE 30%, and the MPT 20%. UBE total scores are reported on a 400-point scale. Jurisdictions set their own minimum passing scores for the UBE.
What is the highest Ube state? ›
Student overall score - BREAKDOWN
The highest passing score in UBE jurisdictions is 280 (Alaska).
What is the ube score in Michigan? ›
The Board of Law Examiners set the Michigan UBE passing cut score at 268. Transferable scores may not be older than 3 years and must have been from a full UBE exam that the applicant has passed. Applicants must request NCBE sent their UBE scores to the Board. A score of 85 or higher is required on the MPRE.
What does ube stand for in law? ›
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is coordinated by NCBE and is composed of the following components: the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) tasks.
Is MBE the same as BEM? ›
Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post-nominal GBE; Knights Commander, KBE; Dames Commander, DBE; Commanders, CBE; Officers, OBE; and Members, MBE. The post-nominal for the British Empire Medal is BEM.
What is the difference between the MBE and the mee? ›
“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.”
