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All About the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)
What is the UBE?
The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is an assessment of competency to practice law that is coordinated by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and is composed of the Multistate Essay Examination, two Multistate Performance Test tasks, and the Multistate Bar Examination. Texas first administered the UBE in February 2021. More information on the UBE can be found at www.ncbex.org/exams/ube/.
How long is the UBE and what does the testing schedule look like?
The UBE is administered over two full days — usually the last Tuesday and Wednesday in February and July. The exam day schedule is as follows:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | |
| Morning Session | 2 MPTs (3 hours) | MBE 1-100 (3 hours) |
| Lunch Break | Approximately 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Approximately 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. |
| Afternoon Session | 6 Multistate essays (3 essays) | MBE 101-200 (3 hours) |
Please note that exam takers who have been granted testing accommodations may deviate from this general schedule.
How is the UBE scored and what score do I need to pass the UBE in Texas?
NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE, while individual jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE, and the NCBE calculates the total scores for the UBE. The components are weighted as follows:
MBE 50%
MEE 30%
MPT 20%
Out of a 400-point scale, the minimum passing score in Texas is 270. You may learn more here.
Do I need to complete any Texas-specific component in addition to a passing UBE score in order to be admitted to the Texas Bar?
Yes. Applicants for admission to the Bar must complete the Texas Law Component prescribed by the Board and approved by the Supreme Court. The Texas Law Component is satisfied by completing the Texas Law Course, a series of online video presentations on Texas law from experienced Texas attorneys. There is no cost for the course, but you’ll need to register as a user of TexasBarCLE before you can register for the Texas Law Component. Go to www.texasbarcle.com/TBLE, click “Register Now,” and follow the prompts.
Bar Exam Application and Deadlines
Applicants must adhere to all eligibility requirements and deadlines to take the Bar Exam.
During your 1L year, you should file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law after you have begun law study as a JD student and intend to apply for licensure in Texas. The deadline to submit this form is October 1 for Fall matriculants. For additional information, please visit https://ble.texas.gov/declaration-of-intention-to-study-law.
To view all rules, deadlines, and fees, please visit the following page: https://ble.texas.gov/bar-exam-application.
Accommodations on the Bar Exam
Accommodations are possible during the administration of the Bar Exam. It is your responsibility to initiate the accommodations process. Please note that accommodations granted in college or law school do not necessarily entitle you to accommodations on the Bar Exam. If you would like to request accommodations for the bar exam, you may submit a request to the Texas Board of Law Examiners along with supporting documentation during the appropriate filing period. You may access full information regarding the accommodations process here: https://ble.texas.gov/nta_instructions.
All about the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
What is the MPRE?
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), developed by NCBE, is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination administered three times a year. The purpose of the MPRE is to measure candidates’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. The test consists of fifty scored questions and ten field-test questions that are not scored. The field test questions are indistinguishable from the scored questions, so examinees should answer all the questions presented on the test.
What score do I need to meet the MPRE requirement in Texas?
To be licensed to practice law in Texas, you must achieve a scaled score of 85 or higher on the MPRE. You will need to ask the NCBE to send an official score report directly to the Board of Law Examiners Office.
When is the MPRE offered and how do I register?
You will find test dates, registration deadlines, and all pertinent information related to the MPRE on the following website: https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre.
Are accommodations offered for the MPRE?
Yes, accommodations can be offered, but the student must go through the request process. Candidates must apply for accommodations and receive their determination prior to registering and scheduling a test appointment. Accommodations CANNOT be added to an existing test appointment. Please thoroughly review the information about accommodations here: https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre/test-accommodations.
Bar Preparation at St. Mary’s Law
Your success on your first attempt at the bar exam is important to St. Mary’s University School of Law! We are committed to setting you up for success in passing this last hurdle before professional licensure. Below are some ways we are supporting students in their journey toward success on the bar exam:
Law School Coursework
The following classes are tested on the Uniform Bar Exam. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 after 29 credit hours (full-time program) will be required to take these classes before graduation. The school recommends all students take these courses.
Evidence 3 or 4 Hours
Business Associations 3 of 4 Hours
Sales (or Sales/Secured Transactions) Varies by Structure
The following classes are tested on the Uniform Bar Exam. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 after 29 credit hours (full-time program) will be required to take these classes before graduation. The school recommends all students take these courses.
- Sales: 2 hours
- Sales/Secured Transactions (combined course): 4 hours
Secured Transactions (or Sales/Secured) Varies by Structure
- Secured Transactions: 3 hours
- Sales/Secured Transactions (combined course): 4 hours
Wills & Estates (or Wills, Estates, & Trusts) Varies by Structure
- Wills and Estates: 2 or 3 Hours
- Wills, Estates, & Trusts (combined course): 3 or 4 hours
Trusts (or Wills, Estates, & Trusts) Varies by Structure
- Trusts: 2 Hours
- Wills, Estates, & Trusts (combined course): 3 or 4 hours
Constitutional Criminal Procedure 3 Hours
Family Law 2 or 3 Hours
Conflicts of Law 3 Hours
Mortgages 3 Hours
Bar Preparation for Credit 3 Hours
Bar Preparation for Credit
Bar Preparation for Credit is a 3 credit-hour course offered in-person or virtually in the Fall and Spring semesters designed to prepare students for the Bar Exam. The course will cover each component of the Texas bar exam, spending the most time on the most heavily weighted parts and offering the chance to practice each component. The course will also cover other skills that may affect test performance, including effective study techniques, time management, and self-assessment.
For students who matriculated Fall 2023 or later, you are required to take Bar Prep for Credit if your Cumulative GPA was below 3.0 after 29 credit hours (full-time program). Enrollment is open to all students who wish to enroll in the course.
RAISE THE BAR PROGRAM
Raise the Bar is a St. Mary’s sponsored supplement to your commercial program designed to give you critical guidance and one-on-one support as you prepare to tackle the bar exam. Raise the Bar is an innovative, data-driven program built around what St. Mary’s students need to pass the bar exam! We will help coach you on how best to leverage the resources of your commercial company to your success.
To help you prepare for the bar exam, we offer practice sessions online and also work with you one-on-one to provide individualized guidance. Ultimately, you choose what components of Raise the Bar work for your schedule and your preparation needs. We offer:
- Sessions focused on developing skills, and substantive knowledge and providing opportunities for practice
- Feedback on submissions requested by your Raise the Bar coach
- Simulated practice days (practice before you sit for the real thing)
- One-on-one coaching sessions
- Schedule creation, review, and guidance
- Strategic advice based on your progress
- Access to all of our resources online
- And much more!
Students must enroll and actively engage with the program in order to receive the most benefit.
HELIX BAR REVIEW
St. Mary’s Law has partnered with Helix Bar Review by AccessLex to bring its students the most efficient and effective bar preparation program available. Helix offers 10-, 12-, 16- and 20-week study programs to meet your individual needs. Through this partnership, students are able to enroll at a discounted price and take advantage of significant cost savings. Starting with the Class of 2027, students’ Helix commercial bar course is included in their tuition and fees.
Contact the Office of Bar Success
Department Email
barsuccess@stmarytx.edu
Professor Em Landon, Director of Bar Success
elandon@stmarytx.edu
Arturo Zapata, Coordinator of Student Success Programs
azapata2@stmarytx.edu