I work with many candidates who are looking to relocate. Whether they’re moving from Canada to the U.S. or within the U.S. itself, bar exam requirements are always a key consideration. Here’s the catch: requirements differ significantly from state to state. What qualifies you in New York might not even get you to the application stage in Florida.
When I was considering writing the Colorado bar, I had to find all this information on my own. So I figured this post could save others that effort and help aspiring U.S. attorneys navigate bar exam requirements in different regions.
Below, you’ll find an overview of which states use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) and links to the official requirements for each jurisdiction.
Uniform Bar Exam (UBE): A standardized test used by many states that includes the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). UBE scores can often be transferred across UBE jurisdictions, though minimum passing scores vary.
Here’s a quick look at several major jurisdictions. Passing scores and policies change regularly, so always confirm details with the official site before applying.
New York
New York uses the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and also requires an additional New York Law Exam (NYLE), which tests knowledge of New York–specific laws and procedures. The bar exam in New York is administered by the New York Board of Law Examiners.
Official Info: New York Board of Law Examiners
California
California does not use the UBE. Instead, it administers its own two-day, state-specific bar exam, known for its rigor and difficulty. The test includes essays and performance tests focused on California law, and is overseen by the State Bar of California.
Official Info: State Bar of California
Florida
Florida has not adopted the UBE and maintains a state-specific bar exam. The exam includes essay questions and multiple-choice sections focused on Florida law. It is administered by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
Official Info: Florida Board of Bar Examiners
Texas
Texas adopted the UBE in 2021, making it one of the more recent jurisdictions to join. In addition to the UBE components, applicants must complete the Texas Law Course, covering Texas-specific legal principles. The Texas Board of Law Examiners oversees the process.
Official Info: Texas Board of Law Examiners
District of Columbia (D.C.)
The District of Columbia uses the UBE and is known for its strong score portability, allowing candidates to transfer scores to and from other UBE jurisdictions. The exam is administered by the D.C. Committee on Admissions.
Official Info: D.C. Committee on Admissions
Louisiana
Louisiana does not use the UBE and instead offers a three-day bar exam based on the state’s civil law tradition, which differs from the common law system used elsewhere in the U.S. The Louisiana Supreme Court Bar Admissions office oversees the exam.
Official Info: Louisiana Supreme Court Bar Admissions
For all jurisdictions, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) maintains a complete jurisdiction map and summary.
Special Considerations
Foreign-trained lawyers: States like New York, California, and Texas offer pathways to sit for the bar exam. Others are more restrictive. For example, in Florida, a foreign-trained lawyer must either (a) obtain an LL.M. from an ABA-approved school and have at least two years of practice in another U.S. jurisdiction, or (b) have at least five years of U.S. practice experience, among other requirements (see Rule 4-13.4).
Diploma privilege: Wisconsin allows graduates of its two in-state ABA-accredited law schools to be admitted without taking the bar exam.
NextGen Exam: Beginning in 2026, several jurisdictions will implement the NCBE’s “NextGen” exam, which focuses more on practical lawyering skills. New York, for example, will adopt it in July 2028.
Practical Tips for Candidates
Check official requirements first. Use your state’s bar admissions site or the NCBE jurisdiction summaries instead of relying on secondary sources.
Consider mobility. If you want flexibility to practice in multiple states, a UBE jurisdiction may be the best option.
Plan for logistics. Application fees, prep courses, and character and fitness requirements take time and money.
Schedule the MPRE early. Many states require a passing MPRE score before bar admission.