Bar Exam Comparison
New York vs. New Jersey Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the New York and New Jersey 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
- Overall Pass Rate
- 70%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 79%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | New York (NY) | New Jersey (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Day 1: MEE and MPT in two 3-hour sessions. Day 2: 200-question MBE in two 3-hour sessions of 100 questions each. |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 266 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 63% | 70% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 78% | 79% |
| 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 | None (UBE only) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | New York State Board of Law Examiners | New Jersey Board 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. | New Jersey requires a thorough character and fitness investigation including background checks, financial history review, and personal references. Applicants must also pass the MPRE with a minimum score of 75. |
| 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. | New Jersey accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher. New Jersey also offers admission on motion for attorneys who have been practicing in another jurisdiction for at least 5 of the last 7 years and are members in good standing. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | rising |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended |
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.
New Jersey Key Facts
- New Jersey adopted the UBE and requires a passing score of 266, matching the District of Columbia and New York.
- Seton Hall University School of Law is the top-ranked law school in New Jersey, with a first-time bar passage rate above 82%.
- New Jersey's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia makes UBE score portability particularly valuable for practitioners in the tri-state area.
- The MPRE minimum score of 75 in New Jersey is lower than many neighboring states.
New Jersey Study Tips
- New Jersey's 266 passing score is slightly lower than neighboring Pennsylvania (270) and New York (266) — factor this into your score targets.
- If you plan to practice in the New York/New Jersey metro area, consider sitting for the UBE in one jurisdiction and transferring your score to the other.
- Complete at least 1,500-2,000 MBE practice questions during your study period to build speed and accuracy.
- Practice writing MEE essays under timed conditions — allocate no more than 30 minutes per essay.
- Register for the MPRE early and aim for a score well above the 75 minimum, as the MPRE is offered only three times per year.
- Use a commercial bar prep course and supplement with additional MBE question banks if needed.