California doesn’t make it easy.
If you’re planning to be admitted to practice law in another state or relocate your legal career, the choice between a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) jurisdiction and California is a major one. While the UBE makes attorney mobility easier across most of the U.S., California remains a unique and challenging outlier.
Here’s what you need to know about the California Bar Exam and how it compares to the UBE as of June 2026.
What Is the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)?
A majority of U.S. jurisdictions now use the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and endorsed by the American Bar Association. As of 2026, more than 40 jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, adopted the UBE, allowing attorneys to transfer scores between participating states.
UBE Format (2026)
The UBE is administered over two days:
Day 1:
- 6 essay questions (Multistate Essay Examination – MEE) accounting for 30% of the score
- 2 performance tasks (Multistate Performance Test – MPT) accounting for 20% of the score
Day 2:
- 200-question multiple-choice exam (Multistate Bar Examination – MBE) accounting for 50% of the score
Why the UBE Matters
The biggest advantage of the UBE is portability. You can transfer a strong score to other UBE jurisdictions. This often allows for easier admission elsewhere, making it ideal if you want flexibility or plan to practice in multiple states.
California doesn’t accept UBE scores or offer admission by reciprocity. Nor can a California score be used to waive into other states.
California Bar Exam (2026): Format and Structure
Unlike most states, California hasn’t adopted the UBE. The State Bar of California administers its own exam with a strong emphasis on state-specific law.
California Bar Exam Format
The current two-day structure includes:
Day 1:
- 5 one-hour essays
- 1 performance test (90 minutes)
Day 2:
- 200-question MBE (uses the same national multiple-choice questions as the UBE but weights the score differently than UBE jurisdictions and uses customized, state-specific essays)
Subjects Tested
California essays cover:
- Core bar subjects (Contracts, Torts, Evidence, etc.)
- California-specific topics like Community Property and Remedies
- Professional Responsibility (heavily tested)
This state-specific focus is one of the biggest hurdles for out-of-state attorneys.
MPRE Requirement
All California Bar applicants must pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), also administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 2-hour exam
- Offered three times per year
Exceptions to California’s MBE requirement
- Experienced Lawyers
If you’re an experienced lawyer relocating to California, and have been admitted to practice and in good standing in another jurisdiction for at least four years immediately preceding your California exam application, you may qualify for the Attorney’s Exam, which excludes the MBE portion.
- Registered In-House Counsel
Attorneys who are admitted in another jurisdiction, reside in California, and work in-house in the state may register with the State Bar of California as Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC) without taking the bar exam. Note, however, that you cannot appear in court and annual compliance is required. Many companies won’t hire attorneys who are RIHC, requiring or strongly preferring candidates who are admitted to the California Bar.
Tips for Passing the California Bar Exam
The California Bar exam is widely considered one of the most difficult in the country due to state-specific law, rigorous essay grading, and historically lower pass rates.
- Start early: Applications are due months in advance and the full admission process (including moral character review) can take six months or longer
- Study hard: Working while preparing is extremely difficult
- Focus on California distinctions: This is where many applicants struggle
- Practice essays consistently: Writing skills are critical
Final Thoughts
While the UBE simplifies licensure across much of the country, California remains a distinct jurisdiction that requires careful planning and serious preparation.
If you’re seeking flexibility, the UBE offers clear advantages. But if you’re committed to practicing in California, understanding the exam’s structure and preparing accordingly is essential.
But stay tuned because, in January 2026, California State Bar leaders voted to recommend adopting the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination starting in July 2028. Will they ultimately choose to fall in line with the vast majority of states, or remain an outlier?
