Taking and passing the bar exam marks the beginning of your journey to becoming an attorney in the United States. However, the bar is a long and much more complex process than most exams, so it is crucial to understand the ins and outs to prepare for the test accordingly. Below are several important details of the testing process that could help you prepare for your exam.
What is the Bar Exam?
To become a licensed lawyer, you must pass the bar exam. The exam is difficult and will test your knowledge and skills on various legal topics. Therefore, before taking the test, you should have a detailed understanding of specific subjects under U.S. jurisdiction, including but not limited to the following:
- Criminal law
- Conflict of law
- Constitutional law
- Family law
- Contracts
- Procedure
- Evidence
- Trusts
- Estates
- Property
- Torts
In the U.S., state government bodies distribute and monitor the bar exam during a two-day period (three in select states). However, the bar exam policies vary from state to state. Typically, most test takers will sit for the exam in the area where they intend to work to ensure that they are officially licensed in the correct state. Therefore, knowing where you want to work and checking the state’s policies and requirements is wise.
It is also essential to know that the bar exam is not the only step you must take to become officially licensed. In addition to taking the test, you must have graduated from a law school and been approved by the state’s board of bar examiners.
Before Taking the Bar
While the admission process varies depending on where you take the bar exam, typically, you must complete these two exams before qualifying:
- The MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam): The MPRE is a 60-question multiple-choice test. You must take and pass this test to be able to sit for the bar exam.
- The Character and Fitness Process: This exam proves that the test taker possesses good moral character, honesty, and professionalism.
Once you have passed these tests, you will likely be eligible to sit for the bar exam.
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)
While the bar exam varies based on a person’s location, the basic structure of the exam remains the same. Generally, the bar consists of several multiple-choice questions followed by two essay-based exams.
Established by the NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examiners), the UBE is the most widely accepted and common test across the country, adopted by most of the U.S. Generally, the UBE consists of three tests: the MBE (Multistate Bar Exam), the MEE (Multistate Essay Exam), and the MPT (Multistate Performance Test).
The MBE (Multistate Bar Exam)
The MBE is one component of the UBE and is worth 50% of the overall exam. It includes 200 multiple-choice questions typically covering topics like:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Civil procedure
- Constitutional law
- Evidence
- Torts
- Property
This test is administered in two 3-hour sessions, during which test takers must answer 100 questions in the morning session and 100 questions in the afternoon. Test takers must answer these questions in under 3 hours.
The MEE (Multistate Essay Exam)
The MEE is the second component of the UBE and is worth 30% of the overall exam. Test takers are typically most concerned with this portion of the bar exam.
The MEE is a written portion of the exam comprised of six 30-minute essays that test your ability to analyze, identify, and find solutions to legal issues in hypothetical situations. It covers the same subjects as the MBE but may also cover the following:
- Conflict of law
- Trusts
- Family law
- Civil procedure
- Business associations
THE MPT (Multistate Performance Test)
The MPT is the final component of the UBE and is worth 20% of the overall exam. Its purpose is to determine whether the test taker can effectively apply their skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. These skills may include:
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Communication
- Legal analysis and reasoning
- Solving ethical issues
Test takers must complete two MPTs, each consisting of two 90-minute questions.
When Will I Get My Results Back?
Considering the large number of people who take the bar every test period, it may take some time for the bar examiners to review your test. The time it takes to get your results back also depends on the state where you took the test. However, in most cases, your results will be available within 1-3 months. So take the time to relax and be proud of the work and effort you’ve put into the exam.
The bar exam is long and arduous, but the reward is well worth the work. Make sure to put in the time and effort to study, practice, and prepare if you are determined to take the exam—you’ll be well on your way if you follow those steps. For more information and guidance, contact us today.