- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 81%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
- Overall Pass Rate
- 77%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 83%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Tennessee (TN) | Kentucky (KY) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE 50% + MEE 30% + MPT 20%) | UBE (MBE 50% + MEE 30% + MPT 20%) |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 270 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 72% | 77% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 81% | 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 | Tennessee Board of Law Examiners | Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions |
| Character & Fitness | Tennessee requires a character and fitness evaluation including criminal background checks, credit history review, employment verification, and disclosure of any prior disciplinary actions. The Board of Law Examiners oversees the review process. | Kentucky requires a thorough character and fitness review including criminal background checks, credit checks, and disclosure of any disciplinary actions. The Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions oversees the process. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE jurisdiction, Tennessee accepts transferred UBE scores of 270 or higher from other UBE states. Tennessee requires an MPRE score of 82 and is transitioning to the NextGen UBE beginning July 2027. | As a UBE jurisdiction, Kentucky accepts transferred UBE scores of 266 or higher from other UBE states. Transferred scores must have been earned within 25 months of application for admission. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation |
Top Law Schools
Tennessee
Key Facts & Study Tips
Tennessee Key Facts
- Tennessee adopted the UBE in 2014 with a minimum passing score of 270
- Tennessee requires an MPRE score of 82, one of the highest MPRE requirements in the country
- Tennessee is transitioning to the NextGen UBE beginning July 2027
- Vanderbilt and Belmont consistently achieve first-time passage rates above 90%
Tennessee Study Tips
- Target a UBE score of at least 280 to comfortably exceed Tennessee's 270 minimum
- Study the MPRE thoroughly as Tennessee requires a score of 82, which is higher than most states
- Focus on MBE preparation first since it accounts for half of your total UBE score
- Practice writing structured MEE essays with clear IRAC formatting under timed conditions
- Complete at least two full MPT practice tasks per week during the final month of preparation
- Take advantage of Vanderbilt and UT Knoxville bar prep resources if you attend a Tennessee school
Kentucky Key Facts
- Kentucky adopted the UBE in 2018 with a minimum passing score of 266
- The University of Kentucky College of Law is consistently ranked as one of the best value law schools nationally
- Kentucky requires an MPRE score of 75 or higher
Kentucky Study Tips
- Focus on achieving a combined UBE score of at least 275 to provide a comfortable buffer above 266
- Prioritize MBE preparation as it is the most heavily weighted component at 50%
- Practice at least two full MPT tasks per week during the final weeks of bar prep
- Study all seven MBE subjects thoroughly and complete a high volume of practice questions
- Use prior MEE questions to practice structured essay writing under timed conditions
- Take the MPRE early in your preparation schedule to clear that requirement