📚 NCBE UBE scoring guide
UBE Bar Exam Score Calculator
Estimate a legacy UBE total on the 400-point scale, compare it to your jurisdiction minimum, and reverse-plan the MBE and written mix you need to cross the line.
This table mirrors the current NCBE minimum-score buckets. Always confirm the destination jurisdiction if you are planning a transfer or a late filing.
| Minimum score | Jurisdictions | Use case | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 260 | AL, MN, MO, NM, ND, OK, UT | Lowest current floor | Good transfer buffer |
| 264 | Indiana | Single-step above 260 | Rare, but useful to know |
| 266 | CT, DC, IL, IA, KS, KY, MD, MT, NJ, NY, SC, VI, WA | Mid bucket | Common for major markets |
| 268 | Michigan | Upper-mid bucket | One point below 270 |
| 270 | AK, AZ, AR, CO, ID, ME, MA, NE, NH, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VT, WV, WY | Most common pass line | Use this as the default planner |
| Part | Raw exam | Weight | Calculator use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBE | 200 questions | 50% | Enter the scaled MBE score |
| MEE | 6 essays | 30% | Scaled score or raw average estimate |
| MPT | 2 tasks | 20% | Scaled score or raw average estimate |
| Total | 400-point scale | 100% | Compare against your jurisdiction cutoff |
| Total score | Status | Gap idea | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 260-264 | Minimum pass | Small or no buffer | Borderline jurisdiction planning |
| 266-270 | Standard pass | Comfortable enough | Most UBE jurisdictions |
| 275-289 | Strong pass | Safer transfer margin | Score portability planning |
| 290+ | Elite pass | Large cushion | Competitive repeat-test planning |
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The Uniform Bar Examination, or UBE, is run by the NCBE and is made up of the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) tasks and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). You administer it the same everywhere, you score it the same and it gives a portable score that you can move to other UBE jurisdictions
UBE scores are reported on 400-point scales. The MBE weighs 50 percent, the MEE 30 percent and the MPT 20 percent. The NCBE scores the MBE part of the UBE, while the jurisdictions score the MEE and MPT.
What the Uniform Bar Exam is and how it is scored
You match the score of MEE and MPT to the MBE level, and the NCBE counts the whole UBE score. Theoretically the UBE has a maxiumum of 400 points.
Every UBE jurisdiction sets a minimum passing score. That passing score ranges from 260 until 270. Alabama, Missouri, Minnesota, New Mexico and North Dakota use the lowest at 260.
In New York you need at least 266 to pass. Michigan requires 268. Now 38 states are UBE jurisdictions.
The passing score of Iowa is 260 for the July 2026 and future UBE administrations. For exams before July 2026 it is 266. Because of rules and policy changes, you are advised to check directly with the bar admission agency of the jurisdiction.
The UBE happens over two days. The MBE you do on the last Wednesday of February and July, while the MEE and MPT happen the prior Tuesday. Scoring the MBE is relatively easy, because the test taker either chooses the right answer or knot.
You score the UBE on a curve, and the middle score stays very stable yearly.
A score of 330 is the top percentile, at the 99th percentile. The national average MBE score for July 2024 was 141.8. Candidates who take the UBE receive a portable score that you can move for admission in other UBE jurisdictions.
Every state decides if the UBE is the only admission test or part of it, and there are many ways to join the state bar.
The NCBE offered a passing score of 610 to 620 for the NextGen UBE. Many jurisdictions recently checked their points because of national debates about the trouble of the bar examination, the performance of candidates and the need for new lawyers. A law library guide shows resources for people studying for the bar examination, including a special Bar Success Collection.
