Alabama Bar Exam
Alabama Bar Exam Format
The Alabama bar exam is the legacy Uniform Bar Exam (“UBE”). It takes two days and consists of the Multistate Performance Test (“MPT”), the Multistate Essay Exam (“MEE”), and the Multistate Bar Exam (“MBE”). Alabama does not test Alabama-specific law on the exam; applicants must complete an online course on Alabama law as an admission requirement. Alabama plans to administer the NextGen UBE beginning July 2028 (legacy UBE through February 2028). Confirm current rules with the Admissions Office and NCBE.
MPT (Performance Test)
Alabama tests two (2) MPT performance tests.
MEE (Essays)
Alabama tests six (6) MEE essays. Possible subjects include Business Associations, Civil Procedure (Federal), Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts (including UCC Art. 2), Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Secured Transactions (UCC Art. 9), Torts, Trusts and Estates, and related commercial topics tested on the MEE.
MBE (Multiple Choice)
Alabama uses the standard MBE (Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law/Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts).
MBE Score Transfer
Alabama accepts an MBE score transferred from another jurisdiction if the scaled score is 140 or greater, the applicant was admitted in the jurisdiction where the score was earned, and the score is used within 36 months of that exam. A transferred MBE score cannot be used to earn a transferable UBE score.
UBE Score Transfer
Alabama accepts a portable UBE score of 260 or greater earned in a single administration. Admission must be finalized within 36 months of the exam date. See UBE Score Transfer Admission Requirements. Applicants must also satisfy the MPRE (75) and complete the online Alabama law course.
Alabama Bar Exam Testing Schedule
Day 1 (Tuesday)
Morning – 2 MPTs (3 hours)
Afternoon – 6 MEE essays (3 hours)
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Morning – MBE Part I (100 questions; 3 hours)
Afternoon – MBE Part II (100 questions; 3 hours)
Alabama Bar Exam Dates and Application
The Alabama bar exam is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. Filing deadlines, fees, and applications are on the Alabama State Bar Admissions site. Confirm the current exam calendar before filing.
Grading
Alabama Bar Exam Weight
| MPT | 20% |
| MEE | 30% |
| MBE | 50% |
Passing Score
The minimum passing UBE score is 260. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Pass Rates
Alabama pass rates are published under exam statistics.
Review and Appeal
Confirm current post-results review procedures with the Admissions Office / Rules Governing Admission.
Retaking the Alabama Bar Exam
Applicants who fail may carry forward an MBE or written (MPT + MEE) scaled score of 140 or greater to a later Alabama exam within 36 months, if they elect the carry-forward when applying. A carried-forward score cannot be used to earn a transferable UBE score. Applicants may also retake all sections.