Bar Exam Comparison
California vs. Texas Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the California and Texas bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
California (CA)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 55%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 70%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Texas (TX)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 75%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 84%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | California (CA) | Texas (TX) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | 2-day state-specific exam (General Bar Examination). Day 1: Five essay questions and one performance test. Day 2: 200-question MBE. A minimum scaled score of 1390 is required to pass. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). Two-day exam: Day 1 includes the MEE (6 essays, 30% weight) and MPT (2 performance tests, 20% weight); Day 2 is the MBE (200 multiple-choice questions, 50% weight). Minimum passing score is 270. |
| UBE Status | Non-UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | State-specific scoring | UBE 270 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 55% | 75% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 70% | 84% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | California Community Property, California Civil Procedure, California Evidence, California Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Wills and Trusts | Texas Law Course (required for admission) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | The State Bar of California, Committee of Bar Examiners | Texas Board of Law Examiners, under the Texas Supreme Court |
| Character & Fitness | Applicants must file a separate Application for Determination of Moral Character. The review process typically takes up to 180 days and examines criminal history, academic discipline, financial responsibility, and candor. | The Texas Board of Law Examiners conducts character and fitness evaluations. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness, and must also pass the MPRE with a score of 85 or higher. |
| Reciprocity | California does not participate in the UBE and does not accept UBE score transfers. Attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions may take the shorter Attorneys' Examination (one-day exam) instead of the full General Bar Examination. | Texas accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Transferred scores must meet the Texas Board of Law Examiners' requirements, including completion of a Texas Law Course and passing the MPRE with a score of 85. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | rising |
| Study Timeline | 12-14 weeks full-time recommended due to the difficulty and state-specific content | 10-12 weeks full-time for the UBE |
Key Facts & Study Tips
California Key Facts
- California consistently has one of the lowest overall bar pass rates in the nation, hovering around 55% overall.
- California does not use the UBE and administers its own state-specific essay and performance test.
- The Attorneys' Examination offers a shorter path for lawyers already admitted in other states.
- California tests unique subjects such as Community Property and Remedies that are not on the standard UBE.
California Study Tips
- California has one of the lowest bar pass rates in the nation -- plan for intensive, disciplined study over 10-14 weeks.
- Master California-specific subjects like Community Property, Remedies, and Professional Responsibility, which are heavily tested on essays.
- Practice writing essays under strict time constraints -- you get one hour per essay.
- The performance test is worth significant points; do not neglect it in your preparation.
- Use past California bar exam essays and selected answers published by the State Bar for targeted practice.
- Consider supplementing a national bar prep course with California-specific materials.
Texas Key Facts
- Texas adopted the UBE in February 2021, replacing its longstanding state-specific exam format.
- Texas law school graduates achieved a first-time pass rate of over 90% on the July 2025 bar exam, a historic high.
- Texas requires a higher MPRE score (85) compared to many other jurisdictions.
- A Texas Law Course is required for admission even when transferring a UBE score from another state.
Texas Study Tips
- Texas adopted the UBE in 2021, replacing its previous state-specific exam -- study UBE-standard materials.
- The MBE is weighted at 50% of your total score, making it the single most important component to master.
- Texas requires a higher MPRE score (85) than many other states -- prepare for this separately.
- Complete the required Texas Law Course covering Texas-specific legal topics before seeking admission.
- First-time takers in Texas achieved a 90%+ pass rate from Texas law schools in July 2025 -- strong preparation pays off.
- Practice with released NCBE MEE and MPT questions and take full-length timed practice exams.