Bar Exam Comparison
New York vs. California Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the New York and California bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 63%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 78%
- 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 | New York (NY) | California (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam. Day 1: written portion with MPT and MEE. Day 2: 200-question MBE in two 3-hour sessions. Additionally, New York requires completion of the NYLC and passage of the NYLE, plus 50 hours of pro bono service. | 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 | 63% | 55% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 78% | 70% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | New York Law Course (NYLC) covering: NY Civil Practice and Procedure, NY Criminal Law and Procedure, NY Evidence, NY Professional Responsibility, NY Contracts, NY Real Property, NY Torts, NY Family Law, NY Trusts, Wills and Estates, NY Business Relationships, NY Administrative Law, NY Conflict of Laws | California Community Property, California Civil Procedure, California Evidence, California Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Wills and Trusts |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | New York State Board of Law Examiners | The State Bar of California, Committee of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | New York requires a rigorous character and fitness evaluation conducted by one of the four Appellate Division departments, including extensive background checks, financial disclosure, and review of employment and academic history. | 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 | New York accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher earned within three years. Applicants transferring a UBE score must still complete the NYLC, pass the NYLE, satisfy the MPRE requirement, and complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service. | 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 for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion | 12-14 weeks full-time recommended due to the difficulty and state-specific content |
Key Facts & Study Tips
New York Key Facts
- New York's 63% overall pass rate is misleading — it reflects the very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated test-takers. First-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- New York requires additional state-specific components beyond the UBE: the New York Law Course (NYLC), the New York Law Exam (NYLE), and 50 hours of pro bono service.
- New York is one of the largest bar exam jurisdictions in the country, with over 10,000 test-takers annually across both administrations.
- Columbia Law School and NYU School of Law are both ranked in the top 10 nationally and have first-time bar passage rates above 95%.
New York Study Tips
- New York has a lower overall pass rate (63%) partly because it attracts a very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated lawyers — first-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- Do not neglect the NYLC and NYLE requirements — you cannot be admitted without completing both, even if you pass the UBE with a high score.
- Complete your 50 hours of pro bono service early, ideally during law school, to avoid delays in your admission timeline.
- Spend the majority of your study time on MBE preparation — it accounts for half your score and is the most predictable component.
- Practice at least 3 full MPT tasks under timed conditions before exam day, as many test-takers underperform on this section.
- If you plan to transfer a UBE score from another state, remember that New York's additional requirements (NYLC, NYLE, pro bono) still apply.
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.