Iowa (IA)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 79%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 87%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
- Overall Pass Rate
- 76%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 83%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Iowa (IA) | Nebraska (NE) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. No additional state-specific component required. | 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 270, the highest among UBE states. |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 266 | UBE 270 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 79% | 76% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 87% | 83% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | None (UBE only) | None (UBE only) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Iowa Board of Law Examiners | Nebraska State Bar Commission |
| Character & Fitness | Iowa requires a thorough character and fitness investigation, including disclosure of criminal history, academic misconduct, financial responsibility, and mental health history. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character. | Nebraska requires a comprehensive character and fitness investigation for all bar applicants, including criminal background checks, financial history review, and reference checks. Applicants must pass the MPRE with a score of 85 or higher. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE state, Iowa accepts transferred UBE scores of 266 or higher. Iowa relies entirely on the UBE and MPRE with no extra state-specific component required. | As a UBE state, Nebraska accepts transferred UBE scores of 270 or higher. Nebraska has the highest UBE passing score requirement in the country, tied with a few other states. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended for the 266 UBE passing score | 12-14 weeks full-time preparation recommended given the highest UBE passing score of 270 |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Iowa Key Facts
- University of Iowa College of Law graduates achieved a 96% bar passage rate and 98% first-time passage rate on the Iowa bar in 2025.
- Iowa requires a UBE score of 266 with no additional state-specific testing component.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate was 84%, reflecting strong preparation among test takers.
- Iowa is a pure UBE state with full score portability to other UBE jurisdictions.
Iowa Study Tips
- Iowa's July exam typically has significantly higher pass rates (around 80-84%) compared to February (around 34-51%), so plan to take the July exam if possible.
- Focus on balanced preparation across all MBE subjects since the MBE accounts for 50% of your score.
- Practice MPT tasks thoroughly since many students neglect this 20% component that can make or break borderline scores.
- Iowa has no state-specific component, so focus entirely on UBE-standard materials.
- Aim for a score above 266 to maximize portability to other UBE jurisdictions.
Nebraska Key Facts
- Nebraska requires the highest UBE passing score in the nation at 270 out of 400.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate was 81%, dropping to 76% in July 2025.
- Nebraska requires an MPRE score of 85, which is higher than many states.
- Nebraska is transitioning to the NextGen UBE starting July 2026 with a minimum passing score of 620.
Nebraska Study Tips
- Nebraska requires the highest UBE passing score at 270, so dedicate extra preparation time compared to states with lower thresholds.
- Focus intensively on MBE preparation with extensive practice questions, as the 50% weighting makes this the most impactful component.
- The MPRE requirement is 85, above the national average, so build professional responsibility study into your preparation plan.
- Practice full-length MPT tasks to develop the ability to synthesize legal materials under time pressure.
- The February exam historically has much lower pass rates (51-60%) versus July (76-81%), so strongly consider the July administration.
- Nebraska is transitioning to the NextGen UBE with a passing score of 620, first accepted in July 2026.