UBE States and Score Requirements: Complete Guide

Quick Answer: The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is accepted in 42 jurisdictions with portable scores ranging from 260-276 points. UBE scores can be transferred between jurisdictions within 2-4 years, allowing attorneys to practice in multiple states without retaking the bar exam. The most strategic UBE score is 270+, which provides access to 19 jurisdictions including major markets like Texas, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Key Statistics

Total UBE Jurisdictions: 42 (including District of Columbia and Virgin Islands)
Lowest Score Required: 260 points (Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota)
Highest Score Required: 280 points (Alaska)
Most Common Score: 270 points (9 jurisdictions)
Score Validity: Typically 2-3 years from test date
Average Transfer Cost: $800-$1,500
Average Processing Time: 3-8 months

Quick Reference: Most Popular UBE Jurisdictions

State	Reciprocity Type	Years Required	UBE Score	Processing Time
New York	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	266	6-12 months
California	None (Exam Required)	N/A	N/A (Non-UBE)	8-12 months
Texas	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	270	4-8 months
Florida	None (Exam Required)	N/A	N/A (Non-UBE)	8-12 months
Illinois	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	266	7-11 months
Virginia	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	N/A (Non-UBE)	4-8 months
District of Columbia	Limited Reciprocity	3/5 years	266	10-14 months
Pennsylvania	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	272	7-11 months
Georgia	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	N/A (Non-UBE)	6-10 months
Colorado	Full Reciprocity	5/7 years	276	6-10 months

What is the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)?

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a standardized bar exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) that tests knowledge and skills necessary for effective legal practice. The UBE consists of three components: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The exam is scored on a 400-point scale.

The UBE's primary advantage is score portability—examinees can transfer their UBE scores to seek admission in any UBE jurisdiction that accepts their score, eliminating the need to retake the bar exam when moving between states. This portability has revolutionized attorney mobility and career flexibility.

Complete List of UBE Jurisdictions by Score Requirements

UBE Score Requirements at a Glance

260 points: Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota (4 jurisdictions)
266 points: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, New Jersey, Washington (6 jurisdictions)
270 points: Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming (9 jurisdictions)
272+ points: Idaho (272), Arizona (273), Oregon (274), Colorado (276), Maine (276) (5 jurisdictions)
Additional UBE States: Alabama (260), Alaska (280), Arkansas (270), Illinois (266), Indiana (267), Kentucky (270), Michigan (270), Minnesota (270), Nebraska (270), New York (266), North Carolina (270), Ohio (270), Oklahoma (270), Pennsylvania (272), Rhode Island (276), South Carolina (266), West Virginia (270), Virgin Islands (270)

Total UBE Jurisdictions: 42

UBE Score 260 (Easiest Entry Requirements)

Jurisdiction	Score Required	Score Validity	Additional Requirements
Missouri	260	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
New Mexico	260	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
North Dakota	260	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
South Dakota	260	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75

UBE Score 266 (Moderate Requirements)

Jurisdiction	Score Required	Score Validity	Additional Requirements
Connecticut	266	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
District of Columbia	266	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
Iowa	266	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Kansas	266	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
New Jersey	266	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80, Skills Course
Washington	266	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75

UBE Score 270 (Most Common Standard)

Jurisdiction	Score Required	Score Validity	Additional Requirements
Maryland	270	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Massachusetts	270	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Montana	270	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
New Hampshire	270	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Tennessee	270	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75, TN Law Course
Texas	270	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Utah	270	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
Vermont	270	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Wyoming	270	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75

UBE Score 272-276 (Highest Requirements)

Jurisdiction	Score Required	Score Validity	Additional Requirements
Idaho	272	2 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 75
Arizona	273	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80
Oregon	274	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80, OR Law Course
Colorado	276	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80, CO Law Course
Maine	276	3 years	Character & Fitness, MPRE 80, ME Law Course

Complete Alphabetical List of All UBE Jurisdictions

The following table provides a comprehensive list of all 42 UBE jurisdictions with their specific requirements:

Jurisdiction	Score Required	Special Notes
Alabama	260	Also offers admission on motion
Alaska	280	Highest UBE requirement
Arkansas	270	Also offers admission on motion
Illinois	266	Major legal market
Indiana	267	Also offers admission on motion
Kentucky	270	Also offers admission on motion
Michigan	270	Also offers admission on motion
Minnesota	270	Major legal market
Nebraska	270	Also offers admission on motion
New York	266	Largest legal market, special rules
North Carolina	270	Also offers admission on motion
Ohio	270	Also offers admission on motion
Oklahoma	270	Also offers admission on motion
Pennsylvania	272	Major legal market
Rhode Island	276	Also offers admission on motion
South Carolina	266	Recently adopted UBE
West Virginia	270	Also offers admission on motion
Virgin Islands	270	U.S. Territory

Non-UBE Jurisdictions

States That Do NOT Accept UBE Scores

The following jurisdictions require their own bar examination and do not accept UBE scores:

State	Bar Exam Type	Reciprocity Options
California	California Bar Exam	No reciprocity; Attorney's Exam available for 4+ year practitioners
Delaware	Delaware Bar Exam	No reciprocity; exam required for all attorneys
Florida	Florida Bar Exam	No reciprocity; exam required for all attorneys
Georgia	Georgia Bar Exam	Offers admission on motion for attorneys with 5/7 years experience
Hawaii	Hawaii Bar Exam	Limited admission on motion available
Louisiana	Louisiana Bar Exam (Civil Law)	No reciprocity; unique civil law system
Mississippi	Mississippi Bar Exam	Offers admission on motion with reciprocity
Nevada	Nevada Bar Exam	No reciprocity; exam required for all attorneys
Virginia	Virginia Bar Exam	Offers admission on motion for attorneys with 5/7 years experience
Wisconsin	Wisconsin Bar Exam	Diploma privilege for Wisconsin law school graduates

UBE Score Transfer Process

Transfer Timeline Overview

Step	Action	Timeframe	Cost
1	Research Requirements	1-2 weeks	$0
2	Gather Documents	2-4 weeks	$50-200
3	Submit Application & Transfer Request	1 week	$500-2,000
4	Character & Fitness Review	2-6 months	Included
5	Final Approval & Oath	1-2 months	$0-100

Total Timeline: 3-8 months average

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Verify Score Eligibility: Confirm your UBE score meets the target jurisdiction's minimum requirement and is within the validity period.
Request Score Transfer: Submit a score transfer request through the NCBE's website, paying the required fee ($50-75).
Complete Application: Submit the jurisdiction's bar admission application, including character and fitness documentation.
Meet Additional Requirements: Complete any jurisdiction-specific requirements (MPRE, law courses, etc.).
Background Investigation: Undergo character and fitness review by the target jurisdiction.
Final Approval: Receive admission approval and take the attorney oath.

Required Documentation

UBE score transfer request
Bar admission application
Character and fitness questionnaire
Law school transcripts
MPRE score report
Employment history verification
Background check authorization
Application fees ($500-$2,000 depending on jurisdiction)

Important Timing Note: UBE scores must be transferred within the validity period (typically 2-3 years from the test date). Some jurisdictions may require the transfer request to be submitted before the score expires, even if the application process extends beyond the expiration date.

Strategic Planning for UBE Score Optimization

UBE Score Decision Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Career Goals

Which states do you want to practice in?
Are you planning to relocate in the next 3-5 years?
Do you need maximum geographic flexibility?

Step 2: Check Your Target Jurisdiction's Requirements

Minimum UBE score required
Score validity period
Additional requirements (MPRE, courses, experience)

Step 3: Choose Your Admission Path

If UBE score meets requirements AND within validity: Transfer UBE score
If you have 5+ years experience: Consider Admission on Motion
If score is too low or expired: Retake exam or take jurisdiction's specific exam

Target Score Strategy

Recommended Target Scores:

270+ Points: Provides access to 19 jurisdictions including major markets (Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts)
266+ Points: Access to 10 jurisdictions including DC and Washington State
276+ Points: Maximum flexibility with access to all UBE jurisdictions

Score Improvement Investment Analysis

Current Score	Target Score	Additional Study Hours	Prep Investment	Additional Jurisdictions
260	266	50-75 hours	$500-800	+6 jurisdictions
266	270	40-60 hours	$400-600	+9 jurisdictions
270	276	60-100 hours	$600-1000	+5 jurisdictions (including CO)

Retake Considerations

Consider retaking the UBE if:

Your score is below 266 and you want geographic flexibility
You scored 270-273 and want access to Colorado or Maine markets
Your target jurisdiction raised their minimum score requirement
Your score is approaching expiration and you haven't used it

Cost-Benefit Analysis by Score Range

Comprehensive Cost Comparison

Admission Method	Direct Costs	Time Investment	Opportunity Cost	Total Economic Cost
UBE Score Transfer	$800-$1,500	50-100 hours	$10,000-$20,000	$10,800-$21,500
Admission on Motion	$1,000-$2,500	75-150 hours	$15,000-$30,000	$16,000-$32,500
Full Bar Exam	$5,000-$15,000	400-600 hours	$80,000-$120,000	$85,000-$135,000

5-Year ROI Analysis by Market

Market Type	Initial Investment	Annual Salary Premium	Break-Even Point	5-Year Return
High-Value (NY, CA)	$21,500-$126,000	+15-25%	18-24 months	+$50,000-$150,000
Medium Markets (TX, IL)	$16,500-$32,500	+8-12%	12-18 months	+$30,000-$80,000
Strategic (DC, Specialized)	$17,700-$25,700	+20%	24-36 months	+$60,000-$100,000

260-265 Score Range

Benefits	Limitations	Best For
Access to 4 jurisdictions Lower prep investment Faster admission process	Limited geographic options Fewer major markets Regional practice focus	Attorneys focusing on Midwest/Western regional practice

266-269 Score Range

Benefits	Limitations	Best For
Access to 10 jurisdictions Includes DC and Washington Good cost-benefit ratio	Excludes highest-tier markets Missing some premium opportunities	Attorneys targeting federal practice or West Coast markets

270-275 Score Range

Benefits	Limitations	Best For
Access to 19 jurisdictions Major markets included Excellent flexibility	Excludes Colorado and Maine Higher preparation investment	Attorneys seeking maximum mainstream market access

276+ Score Range

Benefits	Limitations	Best For
Access to all UBE jurisdictions Maximum flexibility Premium market access	Highest preparation investment Diminishing returns for most attorneys	Attorneys targeting specialized markets or maximum optionality

Timeline Considerations and Score Validity

UBE Score Validity Periods

Validity Period	Jurisdictions	Strategic Implications
2 Years	Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, DC, Kansas, Washington, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho	Shorter window for transfers, plan moves carefully
3 Years	Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Maine	More flexibility for career planning and multiple transfers
Variable	New York (perpetual for NY admission), Texas (perpetual once admitted)	Score remains valid indefinitely once used for admission

Strategic Timing Recommendations

Optimal Transfer Timeline:

Immediately after results (Month 1-2): Begin researching target jurisdictions and gathering documentation
Months 3-6: Submit applications to primary target jurisdictions
Months 6-12: Complete character and fitness reviews
Months 12-18: Consider additional jurisdictions if career plans change
Final 6 months: Use remaining validity for strategic backup admissions

Multi-Jurisdiction Strategy

Attorneys can strategically use their UBE scores to gain admission to multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. Consider this approach:

Primary Market: Apply to your main target jurisdiction first
Backup Markets: Apply to 2-3 additional jurisdictions for flexibility
Strategic Markets: Consider specialized or emerging markets
Cost Consideration: Balance application fees against long-term career benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

General UBE Questions

Q: Can I transfer my UBE score to any UBE jurisdiction?
A: You can transfer your UBE score to any UBE jurisdiction where your score meets or exceeds their minimum requirement and is within their validity period. Each jurisdiction has different minimum scores and additional requirements.

Q: How many times can I use my UBE score?
A: You can use your UBE score for admission to multiple jurisdictions, as long as it's within the validity period for each jurisdiction. There's no limit on the number of jurisdictions where you can seek admission using the same score.

Q: What happens if a jurisdiction raises their UBE score requirement after I took the exam?
A: Generally, you'll be evaluated under the requirements in effect when you submit your application, not when you took the exam. However, some jurisdictions may have grandfather clauses for scores earned before requirement changes.

Score Transfer Process

Q: How long does the UBE score transfer process take?
A: Score transfer through NCBE typically takes 2-3 business days. However, the complete admission process (including character and fitness review) usually takes 3-8 months depending on the jurisdiction.

Q: Do I need to retake the MPRE for each jurisdiction?
A: Not necessarily. Most jurisdictions accept MPRE scores from other states if they meet the minimum requirement. However, some jurisdictions have higher MPRE requirements, so you may need to retake it if your score doesn't meet the new jurisdiction's standard.

Q: Can I transfer an expired UBE score?
A: No, UBE scores cannot be transferred after they expire. You must initiate the transfer process while the score is still valid in the target jurisdiction.

Strategic Planning

Q: Should I retake the UBE to improve my score?
A: Consider retaking if: (1) your current score limits access to desired jurisdictions, (2) you want maximum geographic flexibility, (3) your score is approaching expiration and you haven't used it, or (4) target jurisdictions have raised their requirements.

Q: Which UBE jurisdictions are most valuable for career advancement?
A: High-value UBE jurisdictions include: New York (finance/corporate), Massachusetts (life sciences/tech), Texas (energy/corporate), Maryland (federal practice/biotech), and DC (government/regulatory work).

UBE Transfer Checklist

Verify UBE score meets target jurisdiction's minimum requirement

Confirm score is within validity period for target jurisdiction

Research additional requirements (MPRE score, law courses, etc.)

Gather required documentation (transcripts, employment records, etc.)

Request UBE score transfer through NCBE website

Submit bar admission application to target jurisdiction

Complete character and fitness questionnaire

Pay all required fees (application, investigation, etc.)

Complete jurisdiction-specific requirements

Respond promptly to any follow-up requests

Schedule and take attorney oath upon approval

Pro Tip: Start the transfer process at least 6-9 months before you need to practice in the new jurisdiction. Character and fitness reviews can take significantly longer than expected, especially if you have a complex employment history or have lived in multiple states.

UBE Score Calculator and Transfer Checklist

UBE Score Transfer Checklist

Verify UBE score meets target jurisdiction's minimum requirement
Check score validity period (2-4 years from test date)
Confirm MPRE score meets jurisdiction requirements
Gather required documentation (law school transcripts, character references)
Complete jurisdiction-specific character and fitness application
Submit application with all required fees
Schedule and complete any required interviews
Take jurisdiction-specific oath of admission

Common UBE Transfer Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long: Don't wait until your score is about to expire
Insufficient MPRE score: Check jurisdiction-specific MPRE requirements
Incomplete applications: Missing documents cause delays
Multiple state confusion: Each jurisdiction has unique requirements
Character & fitness issues: Disclose all required information upfront

Additional Resources

Related BCG Attorney Search Guides:

Official Resources:

Last Updated: October 2024 | This guide provides comprehensive information about UBE states and score requirements. Always verify current requirements with individual jurisdictions, as rules and scores may change. For the most up-to-date information, consult the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and individual state bar admission authorities.