Arizona (AZ)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 71%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 80%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Nevada (NV)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 60%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 68%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Arizona (AZ) | Nevada (NV) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). Two-day exam: Day 1 includes the MEE (6 essays) and MPT (2 performance tests); Day 2 is the MBE (200 multiple-choice questions). | Non-UBE state-specific exam. Two-day exam: Day 1 includes six one-hour state-specific essay questions (open-book format); Day 2 is the 200-question MBE. Each component (MBE, essays, performance test) is weighted equally at one-third. A combined scaled score of 138 out of 200 is required. |
| UBE Status | UBE | Non-UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 270 | State-specific scoring |
| Overall Pass Rate | 71% | 60% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 80% | 68% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | None (UBE only) | Nevada Community Property, Nevada Civil Procedure, Nevada Legal Ethics, Nevada Criminal Procedure, Nevada Wills and Trusts |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Examinations and Admissions | Board of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of Nevada |
| Character & Fitness | Arizona requires a comprehensive character and fitness evaluation conducted by the Committee on Examinations. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, including disclosure of criminal history, academic misconduct, and financial responsibility. | The Nevada Board of Bar Examiners conducts character and fitness evaluations. Applicants must undergo a thorough background investigation including criminal history, financial responsibility, and prior professional conduct. |
| Reciprocity | Arizona accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher within 5 years of the exam date. Attorneys who have actively practiced for 5 of the last 7 years may apply for admission by motion. | Nevada does not participate in the UBE and does not accept UBE score transfers. Nevada offers limited reciprocity through admission by motion for attorneys with extensive practice experience. Beginning February 2027, Nevada will transition to the Nevada Comprehensive Licensing Examination. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time for the UBE | 12-14 weeks full-time due to state-specific content and lower pass rates |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Arizona Key Facts
- Arizona adopted the UBE in July 2012 and lowered the passing score from 273 to 270 effective September 2023.
- July 2025 saw a 71% overall pass rate with first-time takers at nearly 80%.
- Arizona will transition to the NextGen bar exam in July 2027.
- February pass rates are significantly lower than July rates, often by 20+ percentage points.
Arizona Study Tips
- Arizona lowered its UBE cut score from 273 to 270 in 2023, making it slightly more accessible -- but prepare thoroughly.
- Allocate significant study time to the MBE since it accounts for 50% of your total score.
- Practice MEE essays under timed conditions -- 30 minutes per essay is tight for complex fact patterns.
- Use released MEE and MPT questions from NCBE for authentic practice.
- Arizona will adopt the NextGen bar exam in July 2027, so current UBE preparation materials remain relevant through February 2027.
- Consider studying in a group or enrolling in a bar prep course offered through Arizona State or University of Arizona.
Nevada Key Facts
- Nevada is one of the few states that does not use the UBE and administers its own state-specific essay examination.
- The essay section is administered in an open-book format, which is unusual among bar exams.
- Nevada requires a high passing score of 138 out of 200, contributing to lower overall pass rates.
- Nevada will transition to the Nevada Comprehensive Licensing Examination (Nevada Plan) starting February 2027.
Nevada Study Tips
- Nevada's essay section is open-book, but do not let this create a false sense of security -- time management is critical with only one hour per essay.
- Legal ethics is always tested as one of the six essay questions, so master the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Study Nevada-specific subjects like Community Property and Nevada Civil Procedure thoroughly.
- Nevada has one of the lower pass rates nationally -- plan for intensive, disciplined study.
- The exam format is changing to the Nevada Plan in February 2027, so take the current format while it is still offered through July 2026.
- Use past Nevada bar exam questions and model answers published by the State Bar of Nevada for practice.