Bar Exam Comparison
California vs. Washington Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the California and Washington 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
- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 79%
- Passing Score
- UBE 260
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | California (CA) | Washington (WA) |
|---|---|---|
| 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) through February 2026. Starting July 2026, Washington adopts the NextGen UBE, a 1.5-day computer-based exam. Legacy UBE passing score: 260 (lowered from 266). NextGen UBE passing score: 610. |
| UBE Status | Non-UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | State-specific scoring | UBE 260 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 55% | 72% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 70% | 79% |
| 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 | None (UBE only) |
| Essay Topics |
|
|
| Bar Admission Authority | The State Bar of California, Committee of Bar Examiners | Washington Supreme Court and Washington State Bar Association |
| 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 Washington State Bar Association administers character and fitness evaluations under the authority of the Washington Supreme Court. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness through a thorough background investigation. |
| 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. | Washington accepts UBE score transfers of 260 or higher within 40 months of the exam date. The score was lowered from 266 to 260 effective December 2025, and this reduction applies retroactively to exams from July 2020 forward. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 12-14 weeks full-time recommended due to the difficulty and state-specific content | 8-10 weeks full-time for UBE states with lower cut scores; additional prep for NextGen format |
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.
Washington Key Facts
- Washington lowered its UBE passing score from 266 to 260 in December 2025, retroactive to July 2020 exams.
- Washington is one of the first states to adopt the NextGen UBE, launching in July 2026.
- The NextGen UBE pass score is set at 610, equivalent to a legacy UBE score of 260.
- Washington's UBE score transfer window is 40 months, longer than the 3-year window in some other states.
Washington Study Tips
- Washington recently lowered its UBE passing score from 266 to 260, making it one of the most accessible UBE jurisdictions.
- Washington is an early adopter of the NextGen bar exam starting July 2026 -- verify which format applies to your exam date.
- UBE score transfers are valid for 40 months in Washington, which is longer than some other states.
- For the legacy UBE, focus heavily on MBE preparation as it accounts for 50% of your score.
- If scoring between 260-265 on a prior Washington exam (July 2020 onward), you may now be eligible for admission under the retroactive score reduction.
- Consider bar prep resources from the University of Washington or Seattle University law schools.