Overview
New York adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) in 2016, joining the majority of states with a standardized format. This means your New York score can be transferred to other UBE states, and you can take the UBE in another state and transfer it to New York (if you meet the score requirement).
However, New York also requires the New York Law Exam (NYLE) - a 50-question online test on New York-specific law that must be completed before admission.
Key Requirements for NY Admission
- UBE Score of 266 or higher
- Pass the New York Law Exam (NYLE)
- Complete the New York Law Course (NYLC)
- MPRE Score of 85 or higher
- Character & Fitness clearance
UBE Exam Format
Day 1: Written Components
- MEE (6 Essays): 30 minutes each
- MPT (2 Performance Tests): 90 minutes each
- Covers: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, Trusts & Estates
Day 2: MBE
- 200 Multiple Choice Questions
- 7 subjects: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts
- AM: 100 questions (3 hours) | PM: 100 questions (3 hours)
New York Law Exam (NYLE)
The NYLE is an open-book, online, multiple-choice exam testing knowledge of New York-specific law. It must be completed before you can be admitted to the New York bar.
NYLE Details
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 2 hours
- Passing Score: 30/50 (60%)
- Resources: Open book - you can use the NYLC materials
- Offered: Multiple times per year
- Cost: Free
Tip: Don't Overlook NYLE
While NYLE has a high pass rate, don't take it cold. Complete the NYLC course and take notes. The questions test specific NY law that differs from the general rules you studied for the UBE.
New York Bar Pass Rates
| Category | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall (All Takers) | 62% |
| First-Time (ABA Schools) | 78% |
| Foreign-Educated (First-Time) | 41% |
| Repeat Takers | 32% |
UBE Score Transfer
One major advantage of New York's UBE adoption is score portability. You can:
- Transfer your NY score: Use your NY UBE score to apply in other UBE states
- Transfer to NY: Take the UBE in another state and transfer if you score 266+
- Score validity: UBE scores are valid for 3 years for NY transfer
Where Your NY Score Transfers
With a 266, you can also practice in: DC, Colorado, Arizona, Massachusetts, Illinois, and most other UBE states. Some states require higher scores (270-280), so check before relying on transfer.
Important Dates & Fees
July 2026 Exam
FAQ
Can foreign law school graduates take the NY bar?
Yes, but requirements are strict. You typically need an LLM from an ABA-accredited school or must prove your foreign education is equivalent. NY is one of the more accessible states for foreign-educated attorneys.
What's the reciprocity for NY-admitted attorneys?
NY doesn't have reciprocity with other states. However, with your UBE score, you can apply for admission in other UBE states. Some states also offer admission on motion after 5+ years of practice.
When should I take the NYLE?
You can take it anytime, even before the bar exam. Many candidates take it after the bar while waiting for results. It's valid indefinitely, so there's no rush once you pass.