Law

Bar Exam Information

Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)

Bar exams are typically comprised of three possible components: a performance test, an essay test, and a multiple-choice test. These components may be produced by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) or regionally by the relevant jurisdiction. 

Many jurisdictions (including Ohio) have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) (or certain elements thereof), which is coordinated by NCBE and includes the components described in the table below. The UBE is uniformly administered, graded, and scored and results in a portable score that can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions. Jurisdictions that use the UBE may also require applicants to complete certain jurisdiction-specific components.

UBE Components

Components of the UBE.
Component Description
Performance Test

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

Two 90-minute, closed-universe assignments designed to test the skills expected of a new attorney.

20% of final UBE score.

Multiple-Choice Test

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

200 multiple-choice questions administered over the course of six hours.

50% of final UBE score.

Essay Exam

Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)

Six 30-minute multi-subject essay questions.

30% of final UBE score.

Each jurisdiction using the UBE sets its own minimum passing score required to pass the UBE in that jurisdiction. When looking to transfer their UBE score to another jurisdiction, candidates must satisfy the minimum passing score of the relevant jurisdiction. Here is a sample of minimum passing scores in certain jurisdictions. Minimum passing scores for all relevant jurisdictions can be found on the NCBE website.

Sample minimum passing scores by jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction UBE Minimum Passing Score
Ohio 270
Kentucky 266
Indiana 264
Illinois 266
New York 266

Cincinnati Law Courses that Correspond with Bar Tested Skills and Content

Every course offered at Cincinnati Law helps to prepare our students for the practice of law. While we encourage students to take advantage of the numerous course offerings available at Cincinnati Law, certain courses, such as the ones listed below, are more directly aligned to the skills and content tested on the UBE. 

Skills tested on the MPT and examples of corresponding Cincinnati Law courses.
Skills Tested Examples of Corresponding Cincinnati Law Courses
Legal analysis and drafting of
memoranda, letters, orders, and
other legal work product typically
assigned to new attorneys.
 
Lawyering I: Legal Research and Writing

Lawyering II: Advocacy

Introduction to Legal Drafting

Legal Ethics: Skills and Application 

Pretrial Litigation

Legal Analysis and Drafting: The Uniform Bar Exam
Content tested on the MBE and examples of corresponding Cincinnati Law courses. 
Content Tested Examples of Corresponding Cincinnati Law Courses
Civil Procedure Civil Procedure I and II
Constitutional Law Constitutional Law I and II
Federal Courts
Contracts Contracts
Sales
Criminal Law and Procedure Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure I and II
Evidence Evidence
Real Property Property
Real Estate Transactions
Torts Torts
Content tested on the MEE and examples of corresponding Cincinnati Law courses.
Content Tested Examples of Corresponding Cincinnati Law Courses
Business Associations Business Associations
Civil Procedure Civil Procedure I and II
Conflict of Law Conflict of Law
Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law I and II
Federal Courts

Contracts Contracts
Sales
Criminal Law and Procedure Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure I and II
Evidence Evidence
Family Law Family Law
Real Property Property
Real Estate Transactions
Secured Transactions Secured Transactions
Torts Torts
Trusts and Estates Wills and Estates

Commercial Bar Review Courses

Students preparing for the bar exam take a commercial bar review course to assist with their preparation. The College of Law does not endorse any vendor, but is able to share alumni experiences, data, and feedback.

Further Bar Exam and Bar Admission Resources

In addition to passing the bar exam itself, there are often many other requirements that candidates must satisfy prior to licensure (such as passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), completing relevant applications, and clearing any character and fitness standards and processes). These requirements vary by jurisdiction, and it is ultimately each candidate’s responsibility to understand and complete such requirements in a correct and timely manner.

For more information about the bar exam, bar admission, and related topics, refer to the NCBE website and the American Bar Association website. In particular, the NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements contains helpful information about bar exams and bar admission in Ohio and other jurisdictions.

For more information specific to bar admission in Ohio, refer to the Supreme Court of Ohio Office of Bar Admissions website, which includes information about requirements for admission, admission applications, important dates, and the Ohio bar exam (including sample essay questions and answers from past exams).

A Note on the NextGen Bar Exam

The NCBE is in the process of developing a redesigned bar exam (called “NextGen”), which will be administered in a limited number of jurisdictions starting in July 2026. According to the NCBE, “[T]he NextGen bar exam will test a broad range of foundational lawyering skills, utilizing a focused set of clearly identified fundamental legal concepts and principles needed in today’s practice of law.”

At this time, information about the NextGen bar exam remains limited. While Ohio has not yet announced its plans regarding the adoption of the NextGen bar exam, you can find up-to-date information about which jurisdictions have announced such plans on the relevant NCBE website. We will continue to monitor for updates and will make any necessary changes, as appropriate.