- Overall Pass Rate
- 80%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 85%
- Passing Score
- UBE 260
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Kansas (KS)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 76%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 83%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Missouri (MO) | Kansas (KS) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Missouri is transitioning to the NextGen UBE in July 2026 with a passing score of 610. | 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. |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 260 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 80% | 76% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 85% | 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 |
|
|
| Bar Admission Authority | Missouri Board of Law Examiners | Kansas Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Missouri requires a character and fitness investigation for all bar applicants, including background checks and disclosure of criminal history, substance abuse, and financial issues. | Kansas requires all applicants to pass a character and fitness investigation. Applicants must also pass the MPRE with a minimum score of 80. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE state, Missouri accepts transferred UBE scores of 260 or higher. Missouri has one of the lowest UBE passing scores nationally. The state is transitioning to the NextGen UBE starting July 2026. | As a UBE state, Kansas accepts transferred UBE scores of 266 or higher. UBE scores may be transferred for up to five years after the test date. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 8-10 weeks full-time preparation recommended for the lower 260 UBE passing score | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended for the 266 UBE passing score |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Missouri Key Facts
- Missouri requires one of the lowest UBE passing scores at 260 out of 400.
- First-time takers passed at 85% in July 2024, while repeat takers passed at under 40%.
- Missouri is one of the first states to transition to the NextGen UBE, starting July 2026 with a passing score of 610.
- Washington University School of Law in St. Louis is consistently ranked among the top 20 law schools nationally.
Missouri Study Tips
- Missouri's 260 passing score is among the lowest in UBE states, giving you a slight scoring advantage.
- Focus on mastering the MBE with extensive multiple-choice practice since it accounts for 50% of your score.
- Be aware that Missouri is transitioning to the NextGen UBE in July 2026, which will have a different format and scoring system.
- Practice writing organized MEE essays that demonstrate clear IRAC structure within the 30-minute time limit.
- The February 2025 exam had only a 52.3% pass rate compared to July 2024's 79.7%, so consider taking the July exam.
- Aim above 260 to keep score transfer options open for states requiring higher UBE scores.
Kansas Key Facts
- Kansas requires a UBE score of 266 with a 5-year score transfer window.
- KU Law has been ranked first in the nation for 100% ultimate bar exam pass rate.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate was 76%, while February 2024 was 55%.
- Kansas requires an MPRE score of at least 80 in addition to the bar exam.
Kansas Study Tips
- Kansas requires a UBE score of 266, so aim to exceed this threshold for score portability to other UBE states.
- Focus on mastering MBE multiple-choice strategy since it determines half of your total score.
- Practice timed MEE essays to develop issue spotting speed and structured IRAC analysis.
- Study the MPT format carefully, as understanding how to use the provided library and file effectively can significantly boost your score.
- The February exam historically has much lower pass rates (around 54-55%) than July (around 76%), so consider timing your attempt strategically.
- KU Law graduates have achieved 100% ultimate bar passage rates, so learn from their preparation strategies.