Bar Exam Comparison
Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 77%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 83%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- 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 | Pennsylvania (PA) | New Jersey (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam with approximately 6 hours of testing each day, administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. | 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 270 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 77% | 70% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 83% | 79% |
| 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 | Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners | New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Pennsylvania requires a comprehensive character and fitness investigation conducted by the Board of Law Examiners, including background checks, financial review, and disclosure of criminal, academic, or professional misconduct. | 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 | Pennsylvania accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Pennsylvania also allows admission on motion for attorneys with qualifying practice experience in other jurisdictions, subject to character and fitness review. | 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 preparation recommended | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended |
Top Law Schools
Pennsylvania
Key Facts & Study Tips
Pennsylvania Key Facts
- Pennsylvania requires a UBE score of 270, tying it with Massachusetts and several other states for the highest minimum passing score.
- The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is ranked #4 nationally, making it one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
- Pennsylvania's July 2024 overall pass rate of 77% and first-time pass rate of 83% represent strong outcomes despite the high passing score.
- Pennsylvania has 9 ABA-accredited law schools spread across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offering diverse options for legal education.
Pennsylvania Study Tips
- Pennsylvania's 270 passing score is the highest tier among UBE states — build in a buffer and aim for 280+ on practice exams.
- With a July 2024 first-time pass rate of 83%, strong preparation should yield a passing result for most ABA graduates.
- Dedicate significant time to MBE practice — at least 1,500-2,000 questions with thorough review of incorrect answers.
- Practice writing concise, organized MEE responses — aim to identify the key issues quickly and allocate time accordingly.
- If you plan to practice in the Philadelphia area, consider the portability of your UBE score to New Jersey (266) and New York (266).
- Take at least 2-3 full-length simulated exams under realistic timed conditions before test day.
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.