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We all know the bar exam is a major challenge, but which states have the hardest bar exams? Follow along for a list of the hardest bar exams by state.
Did you know the contents of the bar exam vary from state to state? Due to these variations, you may have heard that some tests are widely considered more difficult than others. But how does the bar exam vary from state to state? And which states have the hardest bar exam?
Here, we’ve compiled a complete list of states with the hardest bar exams, including what makes the exams slightly more challenging than others. We’ll also explore what the bar exam is like, the easiest bar exams by state, and more helpful information on each exam.
Let’s get started!
The bar exam is difficult. It's a two-day test with low pass rates, making it a big challenge for those aiming to become lawyers. While some other exams, like the CFA or CPA, might be tough, the bar exam is widely considered one of the hardest. Passing it requires serious studying and dedication.
Gaining experience as a legal apprentice gives you some basic knowledge, but passing the bar exam also requires focused study.
Here’s our list of the hardest bar exams by state. We’ve included information on each state exam, including the most recent July 2024 pass rate, length, and contents of the exam. Keep in mind that while you can consider the pass rate as an indicator of the difficulty of the exam, it is only one factor and can not accurately describe how difficult the exam is on its own.
First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 68%
Overall Bar Exam Pass rate: 54%
Passing Score: 1,390
Length of Exam: Two days
Law students across the US may be familiar with the famed “impossible” California bar exam. But why is the California bar exam so hard? For starters, the cut score (the score needed to pass the test) of the California bar is 1390 out of 2000, which is 40 points above the national average.
The California bar exam is given twice a year over two days and is made up of the following components:
The pass rate of California’s bar exam has slightly increased since the state announced it would be lowering the cut score from 1440 to 1390 and spreading the exam over two days rather than three, but it is still widely considered the most challenging in the country.
First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 79%
Overall Bar Exam Pass rate: 69%
Passing Score: 266
Length of Exam: Two days
New York has one of the most challenging bar exams in the US, known for its comprehensive scope and the inclusion of state-specific law. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MBE), essays, and a performance test.
The essay section covers both general legal principles and New York-specific laws, including topics like New York Civil Practice, New York Professional Responsibility, and New York's Penal Law.
The passing score required for the New York Bar is 266 out of 400, which equates to approximately 133 on the MBE’s 200-point scale. The exam is considered to be very demanding because of the extensive amount of material tested and the state's unique legal landscape!
First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 82%
Overall Bar Exam Pass rate: 73%
Passing Score: 266
Length of Exam: Two days
Although Washington’s bar exam has a high pass rate compared to many other states, it remains one of the more difficult exams to tackle due to its complex structure and comprehensive content. The test is spread across two days and consists of six Multistate Essay Exam questions (MEE), two Multistate Performance Test questions (MPT), and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
The Washington bar is considered especially difficult because of the immense volume of subject matter on the test.
First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 75%
Overall Bar Exam Pass rate: 66%
Passing Score: 650
Length of Exam: Three days
Not only is the Louisiana bar exam long, but the material is unlike any other. The bar exam in Louisiana is unique to the material taught in law schools throughout the state, so it’s a good idea to study in Louisiana if you want to practice there later on.
The cut score of the Louisiana bar is 650 out of a possible 900. The exam is in two parts that are spread across three days and contains many subjects that are unique to the state of Louisiana. There is no portability of scores in Louisiana due to the uniqueness of the material.
First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 73%
Overall Bar Exam Pass rate: 65%
Passing Score: 75
Length of Exam: Two and a half days
Although on the rise, Nevada’s bar exam pass rates have historically teetered toward those of California. The Nevada bar exam includes the nationwide MBE and MPT portions, as well as a state essay portion that has been reported by students to be particularly challenging.
Nevada’s bar exam cut score is 140 on a 200-point scale or a total scaled score of 75 or higher. The exam is spread across two and a half days, longer than most bar exams on our list.
Studying for the bar exam in challenging states like California or Nevada can feel overwhelming, but Uniform Bar Exam tutoring provides the tailored support you need to excel. With a focus on strategies for difficult components and efficient time management, expert tutors can help you build confidence and perform your best.
Here are some other states with particularly challenging bar exams in order of most difficult to least:
The above states each have challenging bar exams due to a number of factors. We have included the pass rate, although the pass rate is not the only factor we use to determine the difficulty of the bar. We calculate bar exam difficulty by length, subject matter, pass rate, and popular opinion.
Note: Pass rates have been rounded to the nearest percentage
Now that we’ve gone over the hardest bar exams by state let’s talk about the easiest. Keep in mind the bar exam is a high-level test and is not easy in any state. The following are simply considered to be less challenging than others in the US:
The above states each have comparatively easy bar exams. We have included the pass rate for each, but the pass rate is not the only factor we use to determine the difficulty of the bar. We calculate bar exam difficulty by length, subject matter, pass rate, and popular opinion.
Note: Pass rates have been rounded to the nearest percentage
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the hardest bar exams. If you’re having trouble studying for the bar, consider reaching out to an experienced admissions advisor for end-to-end support.
California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.
Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has an overall pass rate of 54%.
Each state has a different percentage of test-takers who pass the bar exam. Bar exam difficulty also varies from state to state. Averaged out across the US, about 79% of first-time test-takers pass the bar.
According to the American Bar Association, about 21% of recent law grads failed the bar exam on their first attempt.
However, the success rate of first-time test-takers largely depends on the law school they have attended and the state they are in. Pass rates can vary anywhere from 40% to 90%, depending on these factors.
If you have received accurate support and you are well-prepared for the bar, you should be able to pass the bar the first time. That said, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. If you’re looking for help preparing for the bar, consider contacting a specialized bar exam tutor.
Bar exam difficulty can have a lot of variation from state to state. Although some material is commonly found on each state bar exam, factors such as question length, total test time, cut scores, and pass rates vary depending on where you take your test.
What’s most important when deciding where to take the bar exam is to ensure that you are taking it in the state you intend to practice in. This is important for knowing the material on your exam, but even more for state licensure.
In some states (like Louisiana), attending law school in the state you intend to take the bar in can also be crucial to your success. Make sure to research the bar exam in your state before you take the test.
Good luck!
