There are many differences in the format, content, and way in which each state administers its bar examination. It can be difficult and time-consuming to gain a good understanding of the application and filing requirements that lead up to each state’s Bar exam.
For this reason, CRUSH the Bar Exam has compiled a main overview of some of the most popular state bar exams to make things easier for you. To find out how to become a lawyer, please choose your state below.
| California | New York | Florida | Texas | New Jersey |
| Pennsylvania | Maryland | Illinois | Virginia | Louisiana |
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California Bar Exam
The State Bar of California
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)538-2300
CA Bar Exam Dates and Deadlines
- October 24, 2023
- February 2024
CA Application Fees & Deadlines
Applications are currently closed for 2023.
For February 2024, students may begin applying on October 1st, 2023
First-time takers: $677
Attorneys: $983
Repeaters: $677 for non-attorneys; $983 for attorneys
Laptop fee: $153
Exam Details
- Day One – 3 Essays (1 hour each) and 1 Performance Test (3 hours)
- Day Two – The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into two 3-hour sessions of 100 questions each.
- Day Three – Thur 3 Essays (1 hour each) and 1 Performance Test (3 hours)
Tested Subjects
MBE: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
State Essays & PTs: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, community Property, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Remedies, Torts, Trusts, Wills and Succession, Uniform Commercial Code (Article 1, Article 2, and Article 9 concerning fixtures)
Grading of the Exam
- MBE Portion: The MBE score is on a 2000-point scale.
- Written Portion: This consists of the essays and the performance tests. Each of the six essays is worth up to 100 points (for a total of up to 600 points). Each of the two performance tests is worth up to 200 points (for a total of up to 400 points). This gives a maximum of 1,000 points for the written portion. This 1,000-point score for the written portion is then scaled to the MBE’s 2,000-point scale.
- Weighting: The MBE portion accounts for 50% of the total score, and the written portion accounts for the other 50%.
- Passing Score: The passing scaled score on the California Bar Examination is 1,440.
Regarding the process for a second reading for scores near the passing threshold, that is a practice that has been historically used by the California State Bar. However, the specifics of how close one has to be to the passing score to get a second read might vary or change over time.
Bar Exam Results
The California Bar Exam results for the February administration are usually released in May, while the July exam results are released in November. This timeline can vary slightly depending on the specific administration and any potential delays.
CA Bar Exam Pass Rate
| February 2023 Results | Data |
|---|---|
| JURISDICTION | California |
| OVERALL PASS RATE | 33% |
| FIRST-TIMER PASS RATE | 45% |
| REPEATER PASS RATE | 28% |
| NUMBER OF EXAMINEES | 3,765 |
| PASSING SCORE | 1,390 |
| UBE | No |
| RESULTS RELEASE DATE | May 5 2023 |
New York Bar Exam
The New York State Board of Law Examiners
Corporate Plaza, Building
254 Washington Avenue Extension
Albany, NY 12203
(518)453-5990
NY Bar Exam Dates and Deadlines
| Dates of Bar Exam | Application Filing Dates |
|---|---|
| February 21-22, 2023 | November 1 -30, 2022 |
| July 25-26, 2023 | April 1 – 30, 2023 |
| February 27-28, 2024 | November 1 -30, 2023 |
| July 30-31, 2024 | April 1 – 30, 2024 |
| February 25-26, 2025 | November 1 – 30, 2024 |
| July 29-30, 2025 | April 1 – 30, 2025 |
Exam Fees
- Application Fee: $250 (foreign students of law $750)
- Laptop Program Fee: $100
Exam Details
The New York Bar Exam is a 2-day examination with both a morning and afternoon session each day.
Day One – Tuesday: The New York section of the exam consists of 5 essay questions and 50 multiple-choice questions prepared by the NY State Board, then 1 Multistate Performance Test (MPT) question prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
State Essay Portion: Administrative Law, Business Relationships, New York Civil Practice and Procedure, Conflict of Laws, New York and Federal Constitutional Law, Contracts and Contract Remedies, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Matrimonial and Family Law, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Torts and Tort Damages, Trusts Wills and Estates, and UCC articles 2 and 9.
Multistate Performance Test Portion: This is a 90-minute skills question that requires test takers to use legal analysis, fact analysis, problem solving, and other lawyering skills to complete a given task within the given time frame.
MBE Portion: Constitutional Law (31 questions), Contracts (33 questions), Criminal Law and Procedure (31 questions), Evidence (31 questions), Real Property (31 questions), and Torts (33 questions). Ten of these questions will be indistinguishable from the rest and are not used for scoring.
Grading of the Exam
The raw scores from all portions of the exam are each converted and scaled on a common scale of 1000. Those scores are then appropriately weighted and combined into a final score out of 1000. A final passing score is 665. If an applicant’s score falls just short of 665, their exam will go through a second reading by different graders just to make sure they receive an accurate score. Each portion is weighted as follows: Essays (40%), New York Multiple-Choice Questions (10%), MPT (10%), MBE (40%).
NY Bar Exam Pass Rate
New York State Bar Examination: July 2022 Results Overview
The New York State Board of Law Examiners has completed the grading process for the July 2022 New York State Bar Examination. The results indicate a shift in passing rates among various categories of candidates compared to the previous year.
Key Findings:
-
Overall Participation and Pass Rate:
- A total of 9,609 candidates participated, comprising U.S. domestic-educated candidates, foreign-educated candidates, and both first-time and repeat takers.
- The overall passing rate was 66%, reflecting a 3% increase from the July 2021 examination.
-
Pass Rates by School Accreditation and Candidate Type:
- First-time takers from American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools had an 85% pass rate, a 2% decrease from 2021.
- Graduates from New York ABA-accredited law schools who took the exam for the first time had an 82% pass rate, showing a 4% decrease from 2021.
- Out-of-state ABA-accredited law school graduates who took the exam for the first time achieved an 87% pass rate, marking a 3% decrease from the previous year.
-
Pass Rate for Repeat Takers:
- Repeat takers of the bar examination this year had a pass rate of 23%, which is a 5% improvement from last year. They accounted for 17% of all July 2022 examinees.
-
Pass Rate for Foreign-Educated Candidates:
- A significant portion of candidates (35%) were foreign-educated. Their pass rate stood at 44%, showing a remarkable increase of 13% from 2021.
Chart: New York State Bar Examination Passing Rates July 2022
| Category | Passing Rate |
|---|---|
| All ABA Graduates – First-Time Takers | 85% |
| New York ABA Schools – First-Time Takers | 82% |
| Out-of-State ABA Schools – First-Time Takers | 87% |
| Foreign-Educated – First-Time Takers | 52% |
| All First-Time Takers | 75% |
| All Repeaters | 23% |
| All ABA Graduates (first-time takers & repeaters) | 78% |
| All Foreign-Educated (first-time takers & repeaters) | 44% |
| All Candidates (first-time takers & repeaters) | 66% |
Here are the results for 2023:
| Attribute | Data |
|---|---|
| JURISDICTION | New York |
| OVERALL PASS RATE | 40% |
| FIRST-TIMER PASS RATE | 56% |
| REPEATER PASS RATE | 31% |
| NUMBER OF EXAMINEES | 3,660 |
| PASSING SCORE | 266 |
| UBE | Yes |
| RESULTS RELEASE DATE | April 21 |
Florida Bar Exam
Florida Board of Bar Examiners
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850)487-1292
FL Bar Exam Dates
Exam Dates: Thursday, March 7-9, 2024 (First Cycle)
Exam Dates: Friday, May 9-10, 2024 (Second Cycle)
Registration and Application Fees
Deadlines for Early Registration filing depend on when law students start their first year of law school (see chart below).
| Law School Start Date | $100 Filing Deadline | $350 Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| August/September | the following January 15 | the following March 15 |
| January/February | the following June 15 | the following August 15 |
| May/June | the following October 15 | the following December 15 |
- $600 for law school students who filed an Early Registration and are ready to become an applicant to take the Bar Exam.
- $1,000 for law school students who haven’t been admitted and did not file an early registration, or for those who have been admitted under one year.
- $1,600 for attorneys who have been admitted for more than one year but less than five years
- $2,000 for attorneys who have been admitted for more than five years but less than ten years
- $2,400 for attorneys who have been admitted for more than ten years but less than fifteen years
- $3,000 for attorneys who have been admitted for fifteen years or more
Exam Format
Day One (Part A) – Tuesday: consists of three hours dedicated to answering essay questions and three hours toward 100 multiple-choice questions
Day Two (Part B) – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
State Essay & Multiple-Choice (Part A): Florida Rules of Judicial Administration (2.330, 2.420, 2.505, and 2.515), Florida Constitutional Law, Federal Constitutional Law, Trusts, Business Entities, Real Property, Evidence, Torts, Wills & Administration of Estates, Criminal Law/Constitutional Criminal Procedure/ and Juvenile Delinquency, Contracts, Articles 3 and 9 of the UCC, Family Law and Dependency, Chapters 4 and 5 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and Professionalism.
MBE Topics (Part B): Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. There will also be 10 questions that are indistinguishable from the rest and are not used for scoring.
Grading of the Exam
An average scaled score of 136 or higher is considered a passing grade for Parts A and B of the Florida General Bar Examination. For those who take the February exam, results are typically reported in April. For applicants taking the exam in July, results are typically reported in September.
Florida Bar Exam Pass Rate
The pass rate for first-time takers of the Florida Bar Examination in July 2023 is as follows:
Accredited Schools with FL Locations – First-Time Test Takers:
- Total Test Takers: 1,479
- Total Admitted: 1,090
Other First-Time Test Takers:
- Admitted to the Practice of Law:
- Test Takers: 292
- Admitted: 227
- Other Accredited Schools:
- Test Takers: 392
- Admitted: 231
The overall combined passage rate for first-time test takers across all schools and categories is 71.6%.
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Texas Bar Exam
Texas Board of Law Examiners
PO Box 13486
Austin, TX 78711
(512)463-1621
Exam Dates
July 25-26, 2023 February 27-28, 2024 July 30-31, 2024 February 25-26, 2025
July 29-30, 2025 February 24-25, 2026 July 28-29, 2026 February 23-24, 2027
July 27-28, 2027
Texas Bar Exam Fees & Deadlines
- The timely filing deadline for February exam takers is on August 30th prior to the exam. The deadline for July exam takers is on January 30th, prior to the exam.
- Fees: $575
- Attorneys Licensed in Another State: $1,499
- Attorneys Qualified for Admission Without Examination: $890
- Re-Application for Exam: $320
- Late Filing Fee: $150
- MBE Transfer Fee: $25
Exam Format
Day One – Tuesday: Consists of a 90-minute Multistate Performance Test and a 90-minute segment to answer 40 Procedure and Evidence Questions in writing. No breaks between segments.
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Day Three – Thursday: Two 3-hour sessions consisting of 6 essay questions each session (for a total of 12 essay questions)
Tested Subjects
Multistate Performance Test: Requires applicants to sort detailed relevant facts, analyze statutes and cases for relevant legal principals, apply relevant laws to the relevant facts, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, and communicate such items effectively in writing
Procedure and Evidence Questions: covers both criminal and civil procedure and evidence (20 criminal questions and 20 civil questions)
MBE: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts
State Essay Topics: Uniform Commercial Code (2 questions), Business Associations (2 questions), Family Law (2 questions), Wills and Administration (2 questions), Real Property (2 questions), Trust and Guardianship (1 question), and Consumer Law (1 question)
Grading of the Exam
Receiving a total scaled score of 675 or higher is required for passing. Each exam segment is weighted as follows: Multistate Performance Test (10%), Procedure & Evidence (10%), MBE (40%), State Essays (40%)
TX Bar Exam Pass Rate
The pass rate for first-time takers of the Texas Bar Examination in February is as below.
| February 2023 | Data |
|---|---|
| JURISDICTION | Texas |
| OVERALL PASS RATE | 45% |
| FIRST-TIMER PASS RATE | 59% |
| REPEATER PASS RATE | 34% |
| NUMBER OF EXAMINEES | 1,151 |
| PASSING SCORE | 270 |
| UBE | Yes |
| RESULTS RELEASE DATE | April 20 |
NJ Bar Exam
New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners
P.O. Box 973
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-2111
https://www.njbarexams.org/home
Exam Dates
-
February 2024:
- Tuesday, February 27, 2024
- Wednesday, February 28, 2024
-
July 2024:
- Tuesday, July 30, 2024
- Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Application Fees and Deadlines
- Timely Application: $675 (October 1 – October 31 for February exam takers, and March 1 – March 31 for July exam takers)
- Late Application: $950 (November 1 – November 15 for February exam takers, and April 1 – April 15 for July exam takers)
- Final Application Deadline: $1,200 (November 16 – November 30 for February exam takers, and April 16 – April 30 for July exam takers)
- Laptop Registration Fee: $0 if timely (December 4 – January 5 for February exam takers, and May 2 – May 30 for July exam takers)
Exam Format
Day One – Wednesday – 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Day Two – Thursday – 7 essay questions based primarily on MBE subjects along with Civil Procedure
Tested Subjects
MBE: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
Essay: MBE subjects in addition to New Jersey Civil Procedure
Grading of the Exam
Both the MBE and Essay portions of the exam are equally weighted at 50% each. Exam results are typically reported sometime in May for February exam takers and in November for July exam takers.
Pass Rate
The pass rate for first-time takers of the New Jersey Bar Examination in February 2023 was 60%; for July 2023 it was 50%.
PA Bar Exam
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
601 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 3600
P.O Box 62535
Harrisburg, PA 17106
(717) 231-3350
Exam Dates
-
February 2024 Exam
- Dates of Exam: Tue. February 27th – Wed. February 28th
- Expected Application Availability: September 1, 2023
-
July 2024 Exam
- Dates of Exam: Tue. July 30th – Wed. July 31st
- Expected Application Availability: January 3, 2024
-
February 2025 Exam
- Dates of Exam: Tue. February 25th – Wed. February 26th
- Expected Application Availability: September 1, 2024
Application Fees & Deadlines
- Timely Filing: $675 (applicants must apply by October 30 for the February Exam, and by April 15 for the July Exam)
- First Late Filing: $800 (applicants must apply by November 15 for the February Exam, and by April 30 for the July Exam)
- Second Late Filing: $1,100 (applicants must apply by November 30 for the February Exam, and by May 15 for the July Exam)
- Final Filing Deadline: $1,500 (applicants must apply by December 15 for the February Exam, and by May 30 for the July Exam)
- MBE Score Transfer Fee: $30
Exam Format
Day One – Tuesday: consists of 1 Performance Test Question and 6 essay questions
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
State Essay Topics: Business Organizations, Civil Procedure (Pennsylvania and federal), Conflict of Laws, Contracts, Criminal Law, Employment Discrimination, Evidence, Family Law, Federal Constitutional Law, Federal Income Taxes, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Torts, Uniform Commercial Code (Article II – Sales), Wills/Trusts and Decedents’ Estates
Performance Test Question: This tests an applicant’s ability in using lawyering skills to analyze and sort through factual information, and then formulating an answer for an assigned task.
MBE: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts
Grading of the Exam
The essay portion is combined with the MPT score and then scaled to the MBE. Next, both scores are weighted and combined. They are weighted as follows: essays + MPT (55%), and MBE (45%). A final passing score for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination is 272 or higher.
Pass Rate
The pass rate for first-time takers of the Pennsylvania Bar Examination in February 2023 was 54.8% while the total pass rate was 44%.
Maryland Bar Exam
State Board of Law Examiners
2011-F Commerce Park Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410)260-3640
Exam Dates
| February, 2024 | Nov 1 – Dec 20, 2024 | $400 |
Application Fees and Deadlines
| Application Fees | |
| Bar Exam Application Fee | $400 |
| Character Questionnaire Fee | $350 |
| Admission without Examination (Out-of-State Attorneys) | |
| Petition for Application without Submission | $700 |
| NCBE Character Investigation | $350 |
| Transfer UBE Score | $400 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | |
| ExamSoft registration | $130 |
| ExamSoft software | $50 |
Exam Format
Day One – Tuesday: Consists of two 3-hour sessions. Test takers can decide how to divide their time among 10 essays and 1 Multistate Performance Test
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
State Essay Topics: Agency, Partnerships, Commercial Law, Family Law, Maryland Civil Procedure, Professional Responsibility
Performance Test: Requires applicants to sort detailed relevant facts, analyze statutes and cases for relevant legal principles, apply relevant laws to the relevant facts, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, and communicate such items effectively in writing.
MBE: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts
Grading of the Exam
A total scaled score of 406 or higher is considered a passing score for the Maryland Bar Exam.
MD Bar Exam Pass Rate
February 2023: 32%
July 2022: 69%
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Illinois Bar Exam
Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar
625 South College Street
Springfield, Illinois 62704
(217)522-5917
https://www.ilbaradmissions.org
Exam Dates
- Feb 27 & 28, 2024
- Jul 30 & 31, 2024
Application Fees & Deadlines
For Students who filed the proper law student registration application separate from the exam in Illinois
- Timely Filing: $950 (must file by February 15 for the July exam and by September 1 for the February exam)
- Late Filing: $1,150 (must file by April 1 for the July exam and November 1 for the February exam)
- Final Filing Deadline: $1,450 (must file by May 31 for the July exam and by December 31 for the February exam)
For individuals that have not previously filed an Illinois law student registration application
- Timely Filing: $500 (must file by February 15 for the July exam and by September 1 for the February exam)
- Late Filing: $850 (must file by April 1 for the July exam and November 1 for the February exam)
- Final Filing Deadline: $1,450 (must file by May 31 for the July exam and by December 31 for the February exam)
IL Bar Exam Format
Day One – Tuesday: A Multistate Performance Test (MPT) Question followed by the Illinois Essay Exam containing 6 essay questions
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
State Essay Topics: Administrative Law, Agency, Conflicts of Laws, Commercial Paper, Equity, Corporations, Federal Jurisdiction & Procedure, Partnership, Family Law, Federal Taxation, Personal Property, Illinois Civil Procedure, Sales, Secured Transactions, Suretyship, Wills, Trusts & Future Interests, Criminal Law & Procedure
Performance Test: Requires applicants to sort detailed relevant facts, analyze statutes and cases for relevant legal principals, apply relevant laws to the relevant facts, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, and communicate such items effectively in writing.
MBE: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Contracts/Sales, and Torts
Grading of the Exam
A combined scaled score of 266 or higher is considered a passing score for the Illinois Bar Exam
Pass Rate
February 2023: 43%
July 2022: 68%
Virginia Bar Exam
Virginia Board of Bar Examiners
2201 West Broad Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23220
(804)367-0412
VA Bar Exam Dates
July 25-26, 2023
February 27-28, 2024
Fees & Deadlines
All applications must be received by May 10 for the July Exam and by December 15 for the February exam.
- Exam Fee: $575
- Character & Fitness Questionnaire: $575
- Laptop Fee: $125
Exam Format
Day One – Tuesday: 9 essay questions and 10 short answer questions
Day Two – Wednesday: 200-question Multistate Bar Examination divided into two 3-hour sessions
Tested Subjects
Essay & Short Answer: Agency, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Business Organizations, Creditor’s Rights, Criminal Law, Domestic Relations, Equity, Evidence, Federal Practice and Procedure, Local Government Law, Professional Responsibility, Real and Personal Property, Sales, Taxation, Torts, Trusts, Uniform Commercial Code, Virginia Civil and Criminal Procedure, Wills and Estate Administration
MBE: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, Civil Procedure
Grading of the Exam
Both parts of the exam are weighted and combined to see if an applicant has achieved an overall passing score. The essay and short answer question portion of the exam is weighted at 60%, while the MBE portion is weighted at 40%. A total scaled score of 140 or higher is considered a passing score on the Virginia Bar Exam.
VA Bar Exam Pass Rate
February 2023: 63%
July 2022: 75%
Louisiana Bar Exam
Committee on Bar Admissions
2800 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Suite 310
Metairie, LA 70002
(504)836-2420
Exam Dates
- Monday, February 19, Wednesday, February 21, and Friday, February 23, 2024
- Monday, July 22, Wednesday, July 24, and Friday, July 26, 2024
Fees & Deadlines
- Timely Application Fee: $975 (Must apply by Nov 1 for the February Exam and by Feb 1 for the July Exam)
- Late Application Fee: An additional $750 (The final application deadline is December 15 for the February Exam, and May 15 for the July Exam)
- Law Student Registration Fee: $25 (For students who attended an ABA-accredited law school in Louisiana; must be done by October 1 prior to exam)
- Late Law Student Application Fee: $200 (Students who attended an ABA-accredited law school and didn’t participate in the Law Student Registration Program)
- Laptop Fee: $125
Exam Format & Subjects
The Louisiana Bar consists of two parts: Part 1 is a nine-part written examination, and Part 2 is the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
Day One – Monday: Civil Code I, Civil Code II, and Civil Code III
Day Two – Wednesday: La. C.C.P., Torts, and Business Entities & Negotiable Instruments
Day Three – Friday: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Procedure & Evidence, and Federal Jurisdiction & Procedure
Grading of the Exam
The 9 subjects tested on the examination are each worth 100 raw points. Applicants who earn a 650 out of 900 possible points will pass.
LA Bar Exam Pass Rate
February 2023: 42%
July 2022: 70%
Now that you are familiar with the Bar Exam requirements for various states, click the button below to find the best online bar review courses.
Valerie Keene is an experienced lawyer and legal writer. Valerie’s litigation successes have included wins for cases involving contract disputes, real property disputes, and consumer issues. She has also assisted countless families with estate planning, guardianship issues, divorce and other family law matters. She provides clients with solid legal advice and representation.
