Massachusetts Bar Exam Information
Learn about the Massachusetts Bar Exam format, subjects tested, dates, and requirements.
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Dates, Cost & Location
| Exam Type: | 2-day exam |
|---|---|
| Dates: | July 29-30, 2025 |
| Exam Fee: | $815 |
| Technology Fee: | $75 |
| Admission in Motion: | $1,015 |
The Massachusetts Bar Exam is a 2-day Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The UBE is administered over two days, with the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) given on the last Wednesday of February and July, and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and Multistate Performance Test (MPT) given on the Tuesday prior. Day 1 consists of six 30-minute MEE (Multistate Essay Exam) questions and two 90-minute MPT (Multistate Performance Test) questions. Day 2 is the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice examination developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
What subjects will you be tested on?
Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts (including Article 2 [Sales] of the Uniform Commercial Code), Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts and Estates, and Article 9 (Secured Transactions) of the Uniform Commercial Code.
What’s the minimum score for MPRE?
A scaled score of 85 on the MPRE prior to bar application is required for admission. Need to sign up for MPRE? Learn about registration, testing policies, and more on our MPRE Registration Guide
How is the exam scored?
NCBE scores the MBE component of the UBE. Jurisdictions grade the MEE and MPT components. The MEE and MPT scores are scaled to the MBE and UBE total scores are calculated by NCBE. The MBE is weighted 50%, the MEE 30%, and the MPT 20%. MBE, essay, and MPT scores are combined to determine if the applicant has achieved the minimum scaled passing score of 270 points out of a possible 400 points.
When are the results released?
Results are released in early May for the February exam and in early November for the July exam.
Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?
Massachusetts does not accept MBE scores from other jurisdictions.
What about reciprocity across states?
In order to be eligible for admission without taking the Massachusetts Bar Exam, the applicant must have been engaged in the active practice of law for at least five of the last seven years immediately preceding the application.
What are the application deadlines and fees?
Please visit the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners website for details on application deadlines and fees, as well as for more information on other topics.
Contact information
Web: www.mass.gov/bbe
Tel: (617) 482-4466
