Bar Exam Comparison
Illinois vs. California Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the Illinois and California bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 80%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
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
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Illinois (IL) | California (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). MBE is 50%, MEE is 30%, MPT is 20%. Scored on a 400-point scale with a minimum passing score of 266. | 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 Status | UBE | Non-UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 266 | State-specific scoring |
| Overall Pass Rate | 72% | 55% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 80% | 70% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | None (UBE only) | California Community Property, California Civil Procedure, California Evidence, California Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Wills and Trusts |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar | The State Bar of California, Committee of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | All applicants must complete a Character and Fitness Questionnaire reviewed by the Committee on Character and Fitness for their Judicial District. Applicants with felony convictions or pending charges must receive certification before sitting for the exam. | 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. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE state, Illinois accepts transferred UBE scores of 266 or higher. UBE scores are portable for up to 5 years from the exam date. | 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. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended for UBE states with a 266 passing score | 12-14 weeks full-time recommended due to the difficulty and state-specific content |
Top Law Schools
Illinois
Key Facts & Study Tips
Illinois Key Facts
- Illinois requires a UBE score of 266, which is above the national median UBE passing score.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate rose to 72%, up 2 percentage points from 2023.
- Illinois is home to some of the nation's top law schools, including the University of Chicago (consistently top 5).
- Illinois will transition to the NextGen bar exam in February 2028.
Illinois Study Tips
- Focus heavily on the MBE since it accounts for 50% of your total score and Illinois requires a 266, which is on the higher end of UBE passing scores.
- Practice MEE essays under timed conditions, as the six 30-minute essays require efficient issue spotting and analysis.
- Dedicate time to MPT preparation since many examinees underestimate the performance test, which counts for 20% of the total score.
- Study the most commonly tested MEE subjects: Contracts, Evidence, Constitutional Law, and Real Property appear frequently.
- Take full-length practice exams to build stamina for the two-day, 12-hour testing format.
- Illinois is transitioning to the NextGen bar exam in February 2028, so plan your exam timeline accordingly.
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.