Idaho (ID)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 71%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 82%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Montana (MT)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 76%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 82%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Idaho (ID) | Montana (MT) |
|---|---|---|
| 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). | 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). |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 270 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 71% | 76% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 82% | 82% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | Idaho Law Component (online course required for admission) | None (UBE only) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners | Montana Board of Bar Examiners, under the Montana Supreme Court |
| Character & Fitness | The Idaho State Bar conducts character and fitness evaluations as part of the admission process. Applicants must disclose criminal history, academic misconduct, and any past professional discipline. | The Montana Board of Bar Examiners oversees character and fitness evaluations. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness for the practice of law through a comprehensive background review. |
| Reciprocity | Idaho accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher within 5 years. Applicants must also complete an Idaho Law Component covering state-specific topics before admission. | Montana accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher within 5 years. Montana also offers admission on motion for attorneys who have actively practiced for 5 of the last 7 years in a reciprocal jurisdiction. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time for the UBE | 8-10 weeks full-time for UBE states with lower cut scores |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Idaho Key Facts
- Idaho lowered its UBE passing score from 272 to 270 effective July 2023.
- Pass rates improved significantly after the score reduction, with February 2024 seeing a jump from 36% to 54%.
- Idaho has one of the smaller bar exam populations in the country.
- An Idaho Law Component (online course) is required for admission even for UBE score transfers.
Idaho Study Tips
- Idaho lowered its UBE cut score from 272 to 270 in July 2023, making passage slightly more accessible.
- Complete the required Idaho Law Component -- an online course on Idaho-specific law -- before seeking admission.
- Focus heavily on MBE preparation as it constitutes 50% of the UBE score.
- Idaho has a small testing population, so pass rates can fluctuate significantly between exam administrations.
- Practice with released NCBE MEE and MPT questions for the most realistic preparation.
Montana Key Facts
- Montana requires a UBE score of 266, which is below the national median cut score.
- Montana has one of the smallest bar exam populations in the country.
- July pass rates are typically in the 76-82% range, while February rates are significantly lower.
- Montana is a pure UBE state with no additional state-specific testing components.
Montana Study Tips
- Montana has a relatively moderate UBE cut score of 266, making it one of the more accessible UBE jurisdictions.
- Focus on MBE preparation since it accounts for 50% of the total UBE score.
- Montana has a small examinee pool, so individual exam results can vary widely between sittings.
- Practice MEE and MPT under timed conditions using NCBE-released materials.
- Consider transferring a UBE score from another jurisdiction if you have already achieved 266 or higher.