- Overall Pass Rate
- 84%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 88%
- Passing Score
- UBE 260
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
- Overall Pass Rate
- 78%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 85%
- Passing Score
- UBE 260
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Minnesota (MN) | Wisconsin (WI) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 260. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) beginning July 2026. MBE is 50%, MEE is 30%, MPT is 20%. Scored on a 400-point scale with a minimum passing score of 260. Wisconsin also offers diploma privilege for graduates of UW Law and Marquette Law. |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 260 | UBE 260 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 84% | 78% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 88% | 85% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | None (UBE only) | Diploma privilege available for graduates of ABA-approved Wisconsin law schools (UW Law and Marquette Law) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners | Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Minnesota requires a thorough character and fitness investigation, including disclosure of criminal history, substance abuse issues, and academic or professional misconduct. Applicants must pass the MPRE with a score of 85 or higher. | Wisconsin requires all applicants (including diploma privilege candidates) to pass a character and fitness investigation conducted by the Board of Bar Examiners. This includes criminal background checks and personal history disclosure. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE state, Minnesota accepts transferred UBE scores of 260 or higher. Minnesota has one of the lowest UBE passing score requirements in the country, making it an accessible jurisdiction for score transfers. | Wisconsin adopted the legacy UBE beginning July 2026 with a passing score of 260. Graduates of UW Law and Marquette Law may still be admitted via diploma privilege without taking the bar exam. UBE score transfers are accepted for out-of-state applicants. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 8-10 weeks full-time preparation recommended for the lower 260 UBE passing score | 8-10 weeks full-time preparation recommended for the 260 UBE passing score; diploma privilege candidates need only complete law school requirements |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Minnesota Key Facts
- Minnesota has one of the lowest UBE passing scores at 260 out of 400.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate was an impressive 83.7%, with first-time takers at 88%.
- Minnesota Law's Class of 2025 achieved a 97% first-time passage rate on the Minnesota bar.
- Minnesota will transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2027 with a minimum passing score of 620.
Minnesota Study Tips
- Minnesota's 260 passing score is the lowest among UBE states, which provides a slight advantage, but do not underestimate the exam.
- The MPRE requirement in Minnesota is 85, which is higher than many states, so allocate study time for professional responsibility.
- Focus on building strong MBE fundamentals since the multiple-choice component drives half of your total score.
- Practice the MPT component to boost your writing score, which can compensate for weaker MBE performance.
- Aim well above 260 to maximize score portability to other UBE jurisdictions that may require 266-270.
- Minnesota is transitioning to the NextGen UBE in July 2027 with a passing score of 620, so plan accordingly.
Wisconsin Key Facts
- Wisconsin is the only state that offers diploma privilege, allowing graduates of UW Law and Marquette Law to practice without taking the bar exam.
- Wisconsin adopted the legacy UBE beginning July 2026 with a minimum passing score of 260.
- Diploma privilege has been a Wisconsin tradition since 1870, making it deeply rooted in the state's legal history.
- Even diploma privilege candidates must pass the character and fitness investigation conducted by the Board of Bar Examiners.
Wisconsin Study Tips
- Wisconsin is unique in offering diploma privilege for graduates of UW Law School and Marquette University Law School, allowing bar admission without taking the exam.
- For out-of-state graduates, Wisconsin adopted the UBE in July 2026 with a 260 minimum passing score, the lowest among UBE states.
- If taking the bar exam, focus on MBE preparation since it accounts for 50% of your total score.
- Diploma privilege candidates must still pass the character and fitness investigation, so prepare your application thoroughly.
- Consider that many Wisconsin law graduates use diploma privilege, meaning the exam-taker pool is predominantly out-of-state graduates.