Bar Exam Pass Rate Comparison Tool
Find Your Easiest Bar Exam State
Select your preferred state to see its pass rate, key features, and how it compares to the hardest states.
Key Factors
How This Compares
When you're preparing for the bar exam, one question keeps popping up: What state has the easiest bar exam? It’s not just about luck or cramming harder-it’s about knowing where the odds are actually in your favor. If you’re planning to take the bar, your location matters more than you think. Some states have pass rates over 80%. Others hover around 50%. And it’s not random. There’s a pattern behind the numbers.
Why Some States Are Easier Than Others
The bar exam isn’t the same across the U.S. Each state sets its own rules, its own scoring, and its own cut score. That means a passing score in one state might be a failing score in another. The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is used in 41 states and territories, which makes comparisons easier. But even within the UBE, states can change how they weight the scores or add their own local law sections.
What really affects pass rates? Three things: the cut score, the test design, and the pool of test-takers. A lower cut score? That’s a big advantage. Fewer essay questions? Less pressure. More first-time takers from top law schools? That can inflate numbers. And yes, some states are just more lenient.
The Top 5 Easiest Bar Exams in 2025
Based on 2025 pass rate data from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), here are the five states with the highest overall pass rates for first-time takers:
- South Dakota - 87% pass rate
- Wisconsin - 84% pass rate
- Iowa - 83% pass rate
- Nebraska - 81% pass rate
- North Dakota - 80% pass rate
These aren’t outliers. They’ve consistently ranked at the top for the last five years. And they all share a few traits: low cut scores, minimal essay writing, and often, fewer applicants overall.
South Dakota: The Clear Winner
South Dakota doesn’t just have the highest pass rate-it has the lowest cut score in the country. To pass, you need a 266 out of 400. Compare that to California’s 1390 (on a 2000-point scale) or New York’s 266 (but with a much tougher grading curve). South Dakota also doesn’t require a separate ethics exam. No additional essays. Just the UBE. And because it’s a small state with only a few law schools, most test-takers are either recent grads from nearby schools or people relocating with strong credentials.
In 2025, out of 327 first-time test-takers, 284 passed. That’s not luck. That’s structure.
Wisconsin’s Unique Advantage
Wisconsin doesn’t even use the UBE. Instead, it has something called the Diploma Privilege. If you graduate from one of Wisconsin’s two ABA-accredited law schools-Marquette or the University of Wisconsin-you can become a lawyer without taking the bar exam at all. That’s right. No test. Just your diploma.
For those who don’t qualify for Diploma Privilege (like out-of-state grads), Wisconsin’s bar exam still has a very high pass rate: 84%. Why? Because the exam is shorter, less complex, and the state doesn’t test obscure local statutes. It focuses on core subjects you already studied in law school.
What About California? New York? Texas?
These are the states people talk about-but not for their ease.
- California - 53% pass rate. Highest cut score in the U.S. (1390). Includes a performance test and a separate ethics exam. Known for failing even top-10 law school grads.
- New York - 70% pass rate. Uses the UBE but applies a harsher curve. Many test-takers are international lawyers or non-traditional candidates, which lowers the average.
- Texas - 67% pass rate. Adds its own state law section on top of the UBE. More material to memorize. More room to fail.
If you’re aiming for one of these states, you’re not just studying law-you’re training for a marathon. The difficulty isn’t just in the content. It’s in the system.
What About Non-UBE States?
Not every state uses the UBE. Some still have their own exams. Here are two worth noting:
- Louisiana - Uses a civil law system (based on French law), not common law. The exam is completely different. Pass rate: 68%. Hard to compare, but not easier.
- Puerto Rico - Offers a Spanish-language bar exam. Pass rate: 78%. Less competition, fewer applicants, and a slightly more predictable format.
If you’re fluent in Spanish and considering practicing in Puerto Rico, it’s one of the most accessible routes-especially if you’re already in the U.S. system.
How to Use This Info
So what does this mean for you?
- If you’re flexible on where you practice, consider taking the bar in South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin-even if you don’t plan to live there long-term. You can get licensed, then apply for reciprocity later.
- If you’re an international lawyer, Wisconsin’s Diploma Privilege is a rare gift. No exam. Just your degree.
- If you’re retaking the bar, avoid California. The failure rate is too high. Try moving to a state with a lower cut score first.
Bar exam pass rates aren’t just numbers. They’re your roadmap. The system isn’t fair-but it’s predictable. And knowing where the barriers are lower gives you real power.
Myths About the Easiest Bar Exam
Let’s clear up some myths.
- Myth: "The easiest bar exam is the one with the most questions." Reality: More questions usually means more stress. South Dakota and Wisconsin have fewer essays and fewer tricky performance tests.
- Myth: "You have to live in the state to pass." Reality: You don’t. You just need to meet the eligibility requirements. Many people take the bar in a low-pass-rate state, get licensed, then move.
- Myth: "Easier means less respected." Reality: A license is a license. Once you’re admitted, you can practice in most states through reciprocity agreements. No one asks where you took the bar.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Luck
The bar exam is hard-but it’s not equally hard everywhere. Choosing where to take it is one of the smartest strategic moves you can make. If you’re serious about becoming a lawyer, don’t just study harder. Study smarter. Pick the state where the odds are stacked in your favor. South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa-they’re not magic. They’re just designed differently. And that difference? It’s everything.
Which state has the highest bar exam pass rate?
As of 2025, South Dakota has the highest bar exam pass rate for first-time takers at 87%. This is due to its low cut score (266), minimal exam format, and a smaller, more prepared pool of test-takers.
Can you take the bar exam in any state, even if you don’t live there?
Yes. You can take the bar exam in any state as long as you meet that state’s eligibility requirements-usually graduation from an ABA-approved law school. You don’t need to be a resident. Many people take the bar in a state with higher pass rates and then transfer their license later through reciprocity.
Is the UBE easier than state-specific bar exams?
The UBE itself is standardized, but how states use it varies. Some UBE states have lower cut scores (like South Dakota) and no extra requirements, making them easier. Others, like New York, apply a tougher grading curve. So the UBE isn’t inherently easier-it’s how each state applies it that matters.
Why does Wisconsin allow diploma privilege?
Wisconsin has a long-standing tradition of trusting its law schools. Graduates from Marquette or the University of Wisconsin Law School can be admitted to the bar without taking the exam, based on their academic performance. This policy dates back to 1933 and is unique in the U.S. It’s based on confidence in the rigor of their curriculum.
What’s the hardest bar exam in the U.S.?
California has the hardest bar exam in the U.S., with a 2025 pass rate of just 53%. It has the highest cut score (1390), a separate ethics exam, and a demanding performance test. Even top law school graduates often fail, making it the most challenging by both standards and statistics.