Relocating But the Bar Exam Got You Down?

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.

Back when I was studying for the Ontario Bar Exam.

The Bar Exam in the U.S.

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.

Non-UBE or Hybrid Exams: Some states have their own exam or add local components such as state-specific essays or law exams.

Other Requirements: Almost every state also requires the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), character and fitness evaluations, and timely registration with the state bar authority.

Key Differences Between States

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.

State	Uses UBE?	Notable Features	Official Info
New York	Yes	Requires an additional New York Law Exam (NYLE)	New York Board of Law Examiners
California	No	Two-day, state-specific exam known for its difficulty	State Bar of California
Florida	No	State-specific essays and multiple-choice questions on Florida law	Florida Board of Bar Examiners
Texas	Yes	Adopted the UBE in 2021 with additional Texas Law Course requirements	Texas Board of Law Examiners
District of Columbia	Yes	UBE jurisdiction with strong score portability	D.C. Committee on Admissions
Louisiana	No	Three-day exam focused on the state’s civil law tradition	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.

Score portability: UBE scores can be transferred, but only for a limited time, typically three to five years.

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

1. Decide early where you want to practice. Your jurisdiction choice will shape your preparation and eligibility.

2. Check official requirements first. Use your state’s bar admissions site or the NCBE jurisdiction summaries instead of relying on secondary sources.

3. Consider mobility. If you want flexibility to practice in multiple states, a UBE jurisdiction may be the best option.

4. Plan for logistics. Application fees, prep courses, and character and fitness requirements take time and money.

5. Schedule the MPRE early. Many states require a passing MPRE score before bar admission.

TL;DR

The bar exam is challenging, but understanding the requirements can be even more complicated. Each state has its own rules, and what works in one jurisdiction may not apply in another.

Start with the official state bar or NCBE website (jurisdiction map and summary), plan your timeline carefully, and you’ll be in a much stronger position when exam season arrives.

Which jurisdiction are you considering, and what’s driving your choice? If you have questions navigating different jurisdictions, feel free to reach out to me for advice. mahta@whistlerpartners.com.