Hawaii (HI)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 78%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Alaska (AK)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 62%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 75%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Hawaii (HI) | Alaska (AK) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | Non-UBE state-specific exam using MBE, MEE, MPT, and a Hawaii Legal Ethics Examination. MBE is 50%, essays 25.7%, Hawaii Legal Ethics 4.3%, and MPT 20%. A minimum combined scaled score of 132 is required. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). Two-day exam with MBE on one day and MEE/MPT on the other. Applicants must also complete an Alaska law course. |
| UBE Status | Non-UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | State-specific scoring | UBE 270 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 72% | 62% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 78% | 75% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | Hawaii Legal Ethics, Hawaii Rules of Professional Conduct | Alaska Law Course (required post-exam) |
| Essay Topics |
|
|
| Bar Admission Authority | Hawaii Supreme Court Board of Examiners | Alaska Bar Association Board of Governors |
| Character & Fitness | The Hawaii Board of Examiners conducts a comprehensive character and fitness investigation. Applicants bear the burden of proving they meet the good character and fitness standard required for admission. | Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness as determined by the Alaska Bar Association Board of Governors. The process includes a thorough background investigation and review of the applicant's history. |
| Reciprocity | Hawaii does not offer general reciprocity or admission on motion. Limited exceptions exist for full-time University of Hawaii Law School faculty and military legal service providers. Hawaii will begin administering the NextGen UBE in July 2028. | Alaska accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher earned within 5 years. Attorneys admitted in reciprocal states who have actively practiced for 5 of the last 7 years may apply for admission without examination. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | rising |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time, with additional time for Hawaii Legal Ethics preparation | 10-12 weeks full-time for the UBE |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Hawaii Key Facts
- Hawaii does not use the UBE but administers all three UBE components (MBE, MEE, MPT) plus a Hawaii Legal Ethics exam.
- The passing score was adjusted to 132 for the February 2025 exam.
- Hawaii has very limited reciprocity and does not accept UBE score transfers.
- Hawaii will transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
Hawaii Study Tips
- Study Hawaii-specific legal ethics rules, as the Hawaii Legal Ethics Examination is a unique component not found in other jurisdictions.
- The MBE is worth 50% of your score, so dedicate substantial study time to multiple-choice practice.
- Hawaii has a small applicant pool, so pass rate statistics can vary significantly between administrations.
- The passing score was adjusted to 132 beginning with the February 2025 exam -- verify the current requirement.
- Begin your character and fitness application early, as Hawaii's process can be time-consuming.
- Consider using a national bar prep course supplemented with Hawaii-specific ethics materials.
Alaska Key Facts
- Alaska previously had the highest UBE cut score in the nation at 280, but lowered it to 270 in February 2023.
- Alaska has one of the smallest bar exam populations in the country, often with fewer than 50 total examinees per sitting.
- All applicants must complete a mandatory Alaska Law Course covering state-specific legal topics before admission.
- February exams tend to have significantly lower pass rates than July exams due to the higher proportion of repeat takers.
Alaska Study Tips
- Alaska requires a UBE score of 270, which was lowered from 280 in 2023 -- study accordingly but do not underestimate the exam.
- Complete the mandatory Alaska Law Course after passing the UBE, as it is required before admission.
- Focus heavily on MBE preparation since the MBE accounts for 50% of the total UBE score.
- Consider transferring a UBE score from another jurisdiction if you have already passed elsewhere with a 270 or higher.
- Begin studying 10-12 weeks before the exam with a structured commercial bar prep course.