Texas Bar Exam Information
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Get Detailed Information About The Texas Bar Exam Including Schedules, Grading, Reciprocity, Fees, Common Questions & More.
To become a lawyer in Texas, one must hold a degree from an accredited four-year university, make a passing score on the LSAT exam and complete an accredited law school program, and finally, complete the bar exam with a UBE total of 270 or greater.
Multistate Essay Exam (MEE)
The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) is developed by NCBE and consists of six 30-minute questions. It is administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year.
The purpose of the MEE is to test the examinee's ability to (1) identify legal issues raised by a hypothetical factual situation; (2) separate material which is relevant from that which is not; (3) present a reasoned analysis of the relevant issues in a clear, concise, and well-organized composition; and (4) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental legal principles relevant to the probable solution of the issues raised by the factual situation. The primary distinction between the MEE and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is that the MEE requires the examinee to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Areas of law that may be covered on the MEE include the following: Business Associations (Agency and Partnership; Corporations and Limited Liability Companies), Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts and Estates (Decedents' Estates; Trusts and Future Interests), and Uniform Commercial Code (Secured Transactions). Some questions may include issues in more than one area of law. The particular areas covered vary from exam to exam.
Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
The Multistate Performance Test (MPT) is developed by NCBE and consists of two 90-minute items. It is administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year.
The MPT is designed to test an examinee's ability to use fundamental lawyering skills in a realistic situation and complete a task that a beginning lawyer should be able to accomplish. The MPT is not a test of substantive knowledge. Rather, it is designed to evaluate certain fundamental skills lawyers are expected to demonstrate regardless of the area of law in which the skills arise.
Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)
The MBE, which is administered on Wednesday, is developed and graded by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
This portion of the examination is an objective 6-hour examination containing 200 multiple-choice questions, which is divided into two 3-hour sessions during which 100 questions are administered.
The MBE tests 7 subjects: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
Jurisdiction Specific Component = Yes
Applicants must complete an online course called the Texas Law Course.
Grading
NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE.
A passing scaled score of 270 is required in Texas.
- MBE: 50%
- MEE: 30%
- MPT: 20%
Required MPRE Score: 85
Results
Results for the February exam are typically released in early April.
Results for the July exam are typically released in early September.
Reciprocity
UBE Transfer
Texas accepts transferred UBE scores of 270 or better that is obtained more than two years but less than five years before the date of the applicaton. To qualify for admission the applicant needs to have been engaged in the active and substantial practice of law during two of the past three years.
Admission on Motion
Texas does allow for admission on motion.
How do I Contact the TX Bar?
Texas State Bar
P.O. Box 13486
Austin, TX 78711
Schedule
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a 2-day exam administered twice a year, with the MBE given on the last Wednesday of February and July and the MEE and MPT given on the Tuesday prior to that.
Day | AM | PM |
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Tue | 6 Essays on any subject (3 hours) | 2 Performance Test (3 hours) |
Wed | 100 MBE Questions (3 hours) | 100 MBE Questions (3 hours) |
Subjects Tested
MBE Subjects
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
Essay Subjects
- Business Associations
- Civil Procedure
- Conflict of Laws
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- Evidence
- Family Law
- Real Property
- Torts
- Trusts
- Wills (Decedents' Estates)
2023 Filing Deadlines & Fees
When is the Texas Bar Exam in 2023 & 2024?
February 21-22, 2023 | July 25-26, 2023 | February 27-28, 2024 | Jul 30-31, 2024 | |
Timely Filing: | September 1, 2022 | February 1, 2023 | TBD | TBD |
Final Filing: | December 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | TBD | TBD |
Feb 21-22, 2023
Timely Filing: Sep 1, 2022
Final Filing: Dec 2, 2022
Jul 25-26, 2023
Timely Filing: Feb 1, 2023
Final Filing: May 1, 2023
Feb 27-28, 2024
Timely Filing: TBD
Final Filing: TBD
Jul 30-31, 2024
Timely Filing: TBD
Final Filing: TBD
How Much Does the Texas Bar Exam Cost?
Exam Fee: | $150 |
Attorney Exam Fee: | $700 |
Laptop Computer Fee: | $50 |
Late Filing Fee: | $250 |
Final Filing Fee: | $450 |
BarMax UBE Course Structure & Features
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Comprehensive & Concise
BarMax UBE includes the 14 major exam topics, corresponding to the topics tested on the exam. We then divide each topic into 7-8 subtopics to make the study material easier to absorb.
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Superior Content
Each subtopic includes an in-depth outline, an audio lecture from a Harvard-educated law professor, and when appropriate, numerous flashcards and multiple-choice MBE questions from previous exams. You will also receive the outines in printed hardcopy format.
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Instant Access
When you enroll in BarMax UBE your study materials are available instantly so you can start immediately and study at your pace. Plus, there are no additional fees to access the full course after the exam.
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Essay Grading
You will also receive 10 free writing critiques (performance tests or essays). Additional critiques can be purchased a la carte. Our former bar graders ensure you receive accurate and effective criticism.
BarMax UBE Course Study Materials
50+ Hours of Lectures from Harvard Law School-educated law professors | |
Live Classes replays available on demand |
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1,950+ Real MBE Questions from previous bar exams |
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600+ Flashcards categorized by subject |
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130+ Real Practice Essays | |
75+ Real Perf Tests | |
10 Free Writing Critiques | |
Hardcopy Materials outlines + MBE questions |
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Digital Welcome Packet • Manageable study calendar sample • Past essays & MPTs |
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Instant Access | |
Lifetime Access Upgrade (+$600) unlimited access until you pass |
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Unparalleled Support phone, email, chat & message boards |
Civ Pro Lecture Sample
I used BarMax for the UBE and I got a 318, when passing is a 270. I loved BarMax for it’s flexibility and effectiveness.
Jeremiah Styles
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Common Questions About the UBE.
What is the Uniform Bar Exam?
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is effectively a national bar exam coordinated by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and is composed of three parts: (1) the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) , the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
The UBE is uniformly administered, graded, and scored by adopting jurisdictions and results in a portable score that can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions.
What does the Uniform Bar Exam application look like?
There is no Uniform Bar Exam application.
Applicants must register for the UBE by applying to a user jurisdiction. For example, a student taking the UBE in New York would apply to sit for the New York bar exam.
Applicants who have taken the UBE may transfer their UBE scores to seek admission in other UBE jurisdictions.
This map shows UBE jurisdictions in orange and lists the maximum age of transferred UBE scores for each jurisdiction:
Maximum Age of Transferred UBE Score* | Jurisdiction |
2 years | Missouri, North Dakota |
2 years/5 years | Iowa, Utah |
25 months | Alabama |
3 years | Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Virgin Islands, West Virginia, Wyoming |
3 years/5 years | Colorado, New Hampshire, Vermont |
37 months | Idaho |
40 months | Washington |
5 years | Alaska, Arizona, District of Columbia |
*The maximum age of transferred UBE scores in Maryland has not been determined.
Please note, however, that jurisdiction rules and policies can change, so we would strongly advise consulting the jurisdiction’s bar admission agency directly for the most current information.
What states accept the UBE?
These are the UBE jurisdictions:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan (February 2023)
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Virgin Islands
While technically not UBE jurisdictions, the following jurisdictions either administer or substantially administer the UBE:
- Hawaii
- Mississippi
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Are there states that are considering the UBE?
Every year more and more states are adopting the UBE.
In February 2021, the Texas bar exam will administer its first Uniform Bar Exam.
California and Florida are the largest legal markets still administering state-specific tests. While Florida has formally considered adopting the UBE, California seems to have no interest in doing so. The California bar exam, however, recently shorten from three days to two days, a step in the right direction.
What are the Uniform Bar Exam subjects?
Multistate Bar Exam Subjects:
- Civil Procedure (Civ Pro)
- Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (Crimes)
- Torts
- Real Property
- Contracts
- Constitutional Law (Con Law)
- Evidence
Multistate Essay Exam Subjects:
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Business Associations : Agency and partnership, and corporations and limited liability companies.
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Civil Procedure (Civ Pro) : Jurisdiction and venue, the law applied by federal courts, pretrial procedures, jury trials, motions, verdicts and judgments, and appealability and review.
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Conflicts of Law : These issues are embedded in other topic areas and do not appear as standalone questions. Issues include domicile, the jurisdiction of courts, choice of law, and recognition and enforcement of other states'judgments and foreign judgments.
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Constitutional Law (Con Law) : Nature of judicial review, separation of powers, relation of nation and states in a federal system, and individual rights.
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Contracts : Formation of contracts, defenses to enforceability, contract content and meaning, performance, breach and discharge, remedies, and third-party rights.
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Criminal Law and Procedure (Crimes) : Homicide, other crimes, inchoate crimes; parties, general principles, and constitutional protection of accused persons.
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Evidence : Presentation of evidence, relevancy and reasons for excluding relevant evidence, privileges and other policy exclusions, writings, recordings, and photographs, and hearsay and circumstances of its admissibility.
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Family Law : Getting married, being married, separation, divorce, dissolution, and annulment, child custody, rights of unmarried cohabitants, parent, child, and state, adoption, and alternatives to adoption.
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Real Property : Ownership of real property, rights in real property, real estate contracts, mortgages/security devices, and titles.
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Secured Transactions : Assume articles 1 and 9 of Uniform Commercial Code are adopted and in effect. General UCC principles, applicability, and definitions, validity of security agreements and rights of parties, rights of third parties, default.
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Torts : Intentional torts, negligence, strict liability and products liability, and other torts.
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Trusts and Decendents’ Estates : Intestate succession, wills, family protection, living wills and durable healthcare powers, and trusts and future interests.
What’s the best way to study for the UBE?
BarMax UBE offers comprehensive prep for the Uniform Bar Exam for only $1,895.
The course comes with instant and lifetime access as well as a pass guarantee.
In addition to on-demand audio lectures by legendary law professors, BarMax UBE offers condense black-letter law outlines, flashcards, and the largest banks of real MBE, MEE and MPT questions on the market.
BarMax UBE also includes a detailed course calendar to guide you as you prep.
And while BarMax is a remote learning process, this does not mean you will be alone. You will have access to chat, email and message boards for content-related questions as well as personalized writing revisions by former bar exam graders.
What are the Uniform Bar Exam dates?
The UBE is administered twice a year over two days, with the MBE portion given on the last Wednesday of February and July and the MEE and MPT given on the Tuesday prior to that.
How is the UBE scored?
The NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components.
The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by the NCBE.
The MBE is weighted 50%, the MEE 30%, and the MPT 20%.
UBE total scores are reported on a 400-point scale.
Jurisdictions set their own minimum passing scores for the UBE:
Minimum Passing UBE Score* | Jurisdiction |
260 | Alabama, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota |
266 | Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Virgin Islands |
270 | Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming |
272 | Idaho |
273 | Arizona |
274 | Oregon |
276 | Colorado, Maine |
280 | Alaska |
What’s the Uniform Bar Exam format?
The UBE consists of three sections: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
The format is as follows:
Tuesday AM: 6 30-minute Multistate Essay Questions
Tuesday PM: 2 90-minute Multistate Performance Tests
Wednesday AM: 100 MBE Questions (3 hours)
Wednesday PM: 100 MBE Questions (3 hours)
What’s the difference between the UBE and the MBE?
The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is a six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice examination developed by NCBE and administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the last Wednesday in February and the last Wednesday in July of each year.
The MBE is a component of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). Jurisdictions that administer the UBE weight the MBE component 50%.