Virginia (VA)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 74%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 77%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
- Overall Pass Rate
- 63%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 74%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Virginia (VA) | Maryland (MD) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | 2-day exam: Day 1 (Virginia-specific essays) and Day 2 (200-question MBE), scored 60% essays / 40% MBE | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam. Maryland is transitioning to the NextGen UBE beginning July 2026, with a new passing score of 616 on a 500-750 scale. |
| UBE Status | Non-UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | State-specific scoring | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 74% | 63% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 77% | 74% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | Virginia Civil Procedure, Virginia Criminal Law and Procedure, Virginia Evidence, Domestic Relations, Wills, Trusts and Estates | None (UBE only) |
| Essay Topics |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Virginia Board of Bar Examiners | Maryland State Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Virginia requires a thorough character and fitness review including criminal background checks, credit checks, employment history verification, and academic record review. Applicants must demonstrate they possess the requisite character and fitness for law practice. | Maryland conducts a thorough character and fitness evaluation including background checks, financial history, and review of any criminal or disciplinary record. Applicants must pass the MPRE with a minimum score of 85. |
| Reciprocity | Virginia does not use the UBE and does not accept transferred bar scores. Virginia allows admission on motion for attorneys who have practiced full-time for 5 of the last 10 years in certain reciprocal jurisdictions. | Maryland accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher. Maryland also permits admission on motion for attorneys who have been admitted in another state and have practiced for at least 5 of the last 7 years. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 10-14 weeks full-time, with extra emphasis on Virginia-specific law and essay writing | 10-14 weeks full-time preparation recommended given the below-average pass rate |
Top Law Schools
Virginia
Key Facts & Study Tips
Virginia Key Facts
- Virginia does not use the UBE and administers its own state-specific essay exam
- The essay component is weighted at 60% of the total score, making Virginia more essay-heavy than most states
- A combined scaled score of 140 out of 200 is required to pass
- Virginia is transitioning to a state-specific version of the NextGen bar exam in July 2028
Virginia Study Tips
- Dedicate substantial study time to Virginia-specific essay subjects since essays are weighted at 60% of the total score
- Master Virginia Civil Procedure and Virginia Criminal Procedure as they differ significantly from federal rules
- Focus heavily on essay writing skills since the Virginia essay component carries more weight than the MBE
- Study Virginia Evidence rules carefully as Virginia has not adopted the Federal Rules of Evidence wholesale
- Practice with past Virginia bar exam essays available through the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners
- A total scaled score of 140 out of 200 is needed to pass, calculated as 60% essays plus 40% MBE
Maryland Key Facts
- Maryland's overall pass rate of approximately 63% is below the national average, making it one of the more challenging UBE jurisdictions in the Northeast.
- Maryland requires an MPRE score of 85, which is higher than the 80 required by most other states.
- Maryland is transitioning to the NextGen UBE beginning July 2026 with a passing score of 616.
- The University of Maryland Carey Law School is the top-ranked law school in the state, with strong bar passage outcomes.
Maryland Study Tips
- Maryland's overall pass rate of 63% is below the national average — take preparation seriously and follow a disciplined study schedule.
- Focus on MBE fundamentals since this component accounts for 50% of your total score.
- Practice writing timed MEE essays regularly — aim for at least three practice essays per week during your study period.
- If sitting for the exam in July 2026 or later, prepare for the NextGen UBE format with integrated question sets and a new scoring scale.
- Maryland requires an MPRE score of 85, which is higher than many states — schedule and prepare for the MPRE separately.
- Consider taking a commercial bar prep course, as Maryland's pass rate suggests the exam is genuinely challenging.