Multistate Bar Examination
The Multistate bar examination, or MBE, consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering a variety of subjects. Test takers are given six hours to complete the MBE. Unlike the LSAT, not all jurisdictions require prospective lawyers to take this examination as part of their bar exam. The MBE is administered and scored by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) twice a year; on the last Wednesday in February and the last Wednesday in July.
It’s important that applicants check with their jurisdiction to ensure this exam is part of their bar examinations. Each jurisdiction determines its own policy when determining which exams are administered annually to prospective lawyers. The NCBE’s website gives all information about the MBE, including links to all jurisdictions and study materials.
To find out more about study materials, jurisdictions and admissions, please click here:
http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mbe/
To find a complete list of all jurisdictions administering the MBE, see below.
MBE Test Subjects
There are six subjects, or topics that the MBE tests an applicant on. The following subjects are what prospective examinees should study for when preparing for the exam.
- Torts
- Constitutional Law
- Real Property
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Contracts
Description of the MBE
As mentioned before, there are 200 multiple-choice questions, given in a six hour period. The exam is divided into two blocks of three hours each, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each block consists of half of the total amount of questions (100 each). 190 of the questions are “live” questions, covering the topics listed above. There are 33 questions in the Contracts and Torts sections, and 31 questions in each of the other sections. The remaining 10 questions are blended into the live test items, but are not used for scoring.
This examination is set up to test your fundamental legal principles rather than local case or statutory law. Any questions can indicate the applicable statue, theory of liability, or comparable principle of law. Most of the questions require the test taker to analyze the legal relationships that arise from a fact situation or to take a position as an advocate. Some of the questions want suggestions about interpreting, drafting, or counseling that might lead to more structuring of transactions.
In January of 2009, the NCBE president indicated that the organization is considering adding a seventh topic (Civil Procedure) to the examination. Until then, many jurisdictions will probably continue to include a state-specific essay question, administered on a separate date from the MBE, as part of the examination.
Cost of the MBE
Depending on where you go to purchase MBE study materials, you could spend anywhere from $50-$500. When it comes to the cost of the MBE, each jurisdiction is different. Some charge $200, while other charge $250. Some charge fees for transferring scores to the appropriate recipients, while others do not. It’s really, really important that you contact your State’s bar to find out exact costs and fees necessary for taking the MBE.
Worldwide Jurisdictions Using MBE
The following list consists of all jurisdictions who administer the MBE as part of their bar examination.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- D.C.
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Is.
- Palau
- Virgin Islands
