The bar exam usually lasts two to three days, with testing hours that can total up to 12 hours or more. How long the bar exam is can depend on the state, the format, and the specific subjects tested.
Some states offer one-day exams, but most have a two-day test or longer, which can be exhausting and stressful. Knowing what to expect can help you plan and prepare for exam day.
Key Takeaways
- The bar exam typically takes two to three days.
- Exam length can vary depending on your state.
- Understanding the timing helps you get ready.
Duration of the Bar Exam
The bar exam lasts for several hours each day, usually spanning two or three days in total. Your test experience will depend on your state’s format, the division of topics, and the way breaks are scheduled.
Total Test Length by State
Most states use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which is taken over two full days. On Day 1, you have six Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) essays and two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) tasks. Day 2 is the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) with 200 multiple-choice questions.
In states like California, the bar exam lasts for two days. Texas and Florida have similar two-day formats. Some states, such as Louisiana, may have a three-day exam. Timing by state is shown below:
| State | Days | Typical Daily Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York bar exam | 2 | ~6 | UBE |
| California bar exam | 2 | ~7 | State-specific |
| Texas bar exam | 2 | ~6 | UBE |
| Louisiana bar exam | 3 | ~5 | State-specific |
Exam Structure and Time Allocation
The bar exam is split into several parts. The MBE is a six-hour, 200-question test taken in two three-hour sessions. The MEE usually gives you three hours for six essays. The MPT portion gives you three hours for two performance tasks.
Each section has set time limits. For example, you have thirty minutes for each essay question on the MEE. On the MPT, you get ninety minutes per task. Time management is important because you cannot carry over time between sections.
Some states may have extra parts like state and constitutional law essays or practical tests, which add to the total test time. You should check your state’s rules for any unique sections or requirements.
Breaks and Scheduling
During testing days, you get scheduled breaks between sessions. A common break is a lunch break lasting about one hour. Short breaks of ten to fifteen minutes may be offered between morning and afternoon sessions.
You need to follow strict schedules. If you return late from breaks, you may not get extra time. Personal breaks (bathroom, stretch) can be taken, but the timer does not stop.
Each testing location may have slightly different rules for breaks, so review your test center’s instructions before exam day. Having a clear idea of when you can rest helps manage your energy during the long exam hours.
Factors Influencing Bar Exam Length
The total time you spend taking the bar exam depends on where you take it and the way it is given. Different states have different rules, and the structure of the test can also change how long you will be sitting for it.
Uniform Bar Exam vs. State Bar Exams
The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) lasts two days. It is used in many states. On Day 1, you take the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE). Day 2 features the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), which is a 200-question multiple-choice test.
State-specific exams may be shorter or longer. For example, California’s bar exam is two days but has a unique setup with five essays, a performance test, and the MBE. Florida’s exam takes two days and mixes state and MBE questions. Some states, like those in the jurisdiction of Louisiana, have three-day exams with both local law and general law sections. Because of these differences, it is important to check your jurisdiction’s exam schedule before planning how to study.
Testing Formats and Administration
Bar exams can be given in person or on a computer, and this choice can change the test experience. Most exams are still held at big testing centers. You will often have set times for each section, with short breaks between parts and a longer lunch break in the middle of each day.
Here’s an example of a typical bar exam day:
| Time | Component |
|---|---|
| 9:00-12:00 | MBE or Essays (morning) |
| 12:00-1:30 | Lunch Break |
| 1:30-4:30 | Essays, MBE, or MPT (afternoon) |
Remote exams, when available, sometimes require strict check-ins and live monitoring. The format and administration rules can also shape how much time you’ll spend testing and how tired you might feel by the end of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions about the Bar Exam’s timing, content, and requirements. Each answer is based on typical information from recent Bar Exams.
What is the duration of the Bar Exam over consecutive days?
Most Bar Exams take two days to finish. Some states require a third day for extra sections. Each day usually lasts six to seven hours. You get breaks for lunch and short rests.
How many questions does the Bar Exam typically comprise?
You will answer around 200 multiple-choice questions in the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) section. There are also essays and performance tests, which add more questions. The number of essay questions and performance tasks can vary by state.
What is the difficulty level of the Bar Exam?
The Bar Exam is considered a very challenging test. It covers many legal topics and takes hours to complete. Most people study for months in advance to prepare.
What is the average pass rate for the Bar Exam?
Pass rates for the Bar Exam are usually between 60% and 80% for first-time test-takers. The rate can be lower for repeat test-takers. Each state has its statistics for pass rates every year.
When in one’s legal education timeline is it typical to take the Bar Exam?
You usually take the Bar Exam after finishing law school. Most people sit for the exam soon after they graduate. You may sign up in your final year, but you must graduate before your final scores are released.
What are the prerequisites for sitting for the Bar Exam?
To sit for the Bar Exam, you must have a law degree from an accredited school. Some states also require extra paperwork, such as a character and fitness review. A few states allow foreign-trained lawyers to take the exam if they meet certain rules.