Bar Exam Comparison
Washington vs. Oregon Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the Washington and Oregon bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 79%
- Passing Score
- UBE 260
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Oregon (OR)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 74%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 81%
- Passing Score
- UBE 274
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Washington (WA) | Oregon (OR) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) through February 2026. Starting July 2026, Washington adopts the NextGen UBE, a 1.5-day computer-based exam. Legacy UBE passing score: 260 (lowered from 266). NextGen UBE passing score: 610. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) through February 2026. Starting July 2026, Oregon adopts the NextGen UBE, a 1.5-day computer-based exam with integrated sessions. Legacy UBE passing score: 274. NextGen UBE passing score: 620 (after July 2026). |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 260 | UBE 274 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 72% | 74% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 79% | 81% |
| 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 | Washington Supreme Court and Washington State Bar Association | Oregon Supreme Court and Oregon State Board of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | The Washington State Bar Association administers character and fitness evaluations under the authority of the Washington Supreme Court. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness through a thorough background investigation. | The Oregon State Board of Bar Examiners conducts character and fitness evaluations under the authority of the Oregon Supreme Court. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness for the practice of law. |
| Reciprocity | Washington accepts UBE score transfers of 260 or higher within 40 months of the exam date. The score was lowered from 266 to 260 effective December 2025, and this reduction applies retroactively to exams from July 2020 forward. | Oregon accepts UBE score transfers of 274 or higher earned in or after July 2017, within 3 years of the exam date. Oregon is an early adopter of the NextGen UBE starting July 2026. |
| Pass Rate Trend | Stable | Stable |
| Study Timeline | 8-10 weeks full-time for UBE states with lower cut scores; additional prep for NextGen format | 10-12 weeks full-time for the UBE; additional preparation needed for NextGen format |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Washington Key Facts
- Washington lowered its UBE passing score from 266 to 260 in December 2025, retroactive to July 2020 exams.
- Washington is one of the first states to adopt the NextGen UBE, launching in July 2026.
- The NextGen UBE pass score is set at 610, equivalent to a legacy UBE score of 260.
- Washington's UBE score transfer window is 40 months, longer than the 3-year window in some other states.
Washington Study Tips
- Washington recently lowered its UBE passing score from 266 to 260, making it one of the most accessible UBE jurisdictions.
- Washington is an early adopter of the NextGen bar exam starting July 2026 -- verify which format applies to your exam date.
- UBE score transfers are valid for 40 months in Washington, which is longer than some other states.
- For the legacy UBE, focus heavily on MBE preparation as it accounts for 50% of your score.
- If scoring between 260-265 on a prior Washington exam (July 2020 onward), you may now be eligible for admission under the retroactive score reduction.
- Consider bar prep resources from the University of Washington or Seattle University law schools.
Oregon Key Facts
- Oregon is one of the first states to adopt the NextGen UBE, launching in July 2026.
- The legacy UBE cut score of 274 is among the higher requirements nationally.
- The NextGen UBE pass score is 615 for July 2026 and 620 for subsequent administrations.
- Oregon's UBE score transfer window is 3 years, shorter than many other UBE jurisdictions.
Oregon Study Tips
- Oregon has one of the higher UBE cut scores at 274 -- aim for a score well above the minimum to ensure passage.
- Oregon is an early adopter of the NextGen bar exam starting July 2026, so verify which format applies to your exam date.
- For the legacy UBE, focus heavily on MBE preparation as it accounts for 50% of your total score.
- Practice MEE essays and MPT performance tests under strict timed conditions.
- UBE scores from other jurisdictions transfer to Oregon if earned within 3 years and at 274 or above.
- If taking the NextGen UBE, familiarize yourself with the new integrated question format and computer-based testing.