Whether you've been preparing for months or simply wondering how many hours the bar exam is, we address all things bar length
The overall length of the bar exam can vary from state to state. In most jurisdictions, this test is taken over the course of two days. That may sound intimidating, but with plenty of preparation, you’ll be ready to take the test head-on and get your law license. In this detailed guide, we will answer all of your questions about the length of the bar exam, as well as provide some practical study tips.
Bar Length Video Resource Guide
In the video above, John (from the Test Prep Insight team) walks you through everything you need to know about the length of different states’ bar exams. Of course, you can always keep reading for more details.
How Many Hours Is the Bar Exam?
In most states, the bar exam is a 12-hour test that is broken down into two days of testing. On the first day, you will take the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
On the second day, you’ll take the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). The overall test has both essay and multiple-choice questions, which means it’s important to plan carefully so you have plenty of time for each type of question.
The two-day time frame is a general window that you can expect for nearly every state. However, there are exceptions. If you live in Louisiana, plan to dedicate 21 hours over three days of testing.
California previously had a 3-day testing timeframe. It has since moved to two days, and as of February 2025 overhauled its exam entirely, replacing the NCBE’s standardized test with a new format developed by Kaplan.
It is important to take note that some states have a jurisdiction-specific test in addition to the 2-day, 12-hour exam. Be sure to check your jurisdiction’s information to see if there are additional components required.
How Long is Each Section of the Bar Exam?
While the bar exam will take you at least 12 hours to complete, it is divided into three tests. The first day of testing is always on a Tuesday and consists of the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). On the second day, you’ll tackle the most demanding section, the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
Note: Starting July 2026, the NCBE’s NextGen bar exam will replace the current format in participating jurisdictions. The new exam reduces total testing time from 12 hours to 9 hours, administered over one and a half days rather than two full days. A phased rollout means different jurisdictions will transition at different times, with all expected to adopt the new format by 2028.
Day one totals six hours of testing (three for the MPT and three for the MEE). You’ll typically start with the MPT, although the order may vary by jurisdiction. For the MPT, you will complete two 90-minute assignments. For each one, you’ll receive a memorandum asking you to prepare a response to a specific situation using an area of law.
You will respond as if performing a standard lawyering task, such as sending a letter to a client or developing a counseling plan. You will have access to the needed information, such as files and a library, and you will be asked to give a thorough response in the allotted 90 minutes per assignment.
While splitting your time 50/50 – using the first 45 minutes for reading and research and the second 45 minutes for answering the question – is the recommended approach according to the American Bar Association, you can break your time up and use it however you see fit.
It is best to try to leave yourself a few minutes at the end of the testing period for a quick read-through and the possible editing of your responses.
When you return from your lunch break on the first day, you will be taking the MEE (although note that the order of sections may vary by jurisdiction). This test will take up the remaining three hours of your day. The Multistate Essay Exam has six essay questions for you to answer.
Your test administrator will pass out packets that contain all of the questions, so managing your time across questions is entirely up to you. You will need to complete each question within 30 minutes to stay on track.
It is recommended that, while preparing for the bar in the weeks leading up to the test, you practice with MEEs from past years. You can also browse past questions and answers for some ideas on how to respond to the essay prompts.
When day two comes around, it’s time to tackle the MBE. This is the big multiple-choice test that contains questions pertaining to many different aspects of law. This test has 200 questions overall, covering a wide range of subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, and civil procedure.
Since this massive test is multiple choice and is split into two 3-hour blocks, it’s somewhat more manageable. You will have 6 hours to complete the Multistate Bar Exam. It is broken down into two 3-hour blocks. Before lunch, you will complete the first 100 questions.
After you return from lunch, you’ll finish the rest of the test. You will notice that some of the questions on the MBE take longer than others, so it may be hard to keep track of your progress. As long as you find yourself completing 17 questions every 30 minutes, you should be on course to finishing on time.
How Many Breaks Do You Get During the Bar Exam?
During the test, there is only one official break, and that is your one-hour lunch break. However, that does not mean you are stuck at your seat the entire time. Getting up and stepping away from the testing area is allowed and will keep you from becoming too burnt out or stressed.
Standing up and stepping away from your seat is a great way to keep your stress levels as low as possible on such important days. You can take this time to stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, get a drink, and have a snack so you can keep your energy level up.
If you just can’t bring yourself to leave your seat, at least set your pencil down, close your eyes, and think of something that isn’t law-related. Maintaining mental calm and focus is crucial, and although it may not feel like you have two minutes to spare, taking a moment to simply breathe could save you valuable time on the back end through increased productivity.
As far as your lunch break goes, pay attention to the restaurants that are nearby. Make sure you have a few ideas in mind in case one of the establishments is busy or not open. Many people choose to pack a lunch and bring it with them. If you’re staying nearby, use the lunch break to get away from the testing environment entirely.
How Long Is the New York Bar Exam?
The New York Bar Exam, like most others in the United States, is a 12-hour test split up into two days of testing. On the first day, examinees will take their two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test questions in the morning and then complete the six Multistate Essay Exam Questions in the afternoon.
On day two, the Multistate Bar Exam is administered. It is a 200-question test containing all multiple-choice questions.
New York is one of the states that administers a state-specific test in addition to the 2-day, 12-hour bar exam. Candidates must first complete the New York Law Course (NYLC), which is an on demand, online course of approximately 15-17 hours of instruction relating specifically to state law.
After completing the NYLC, examinees must pass the New York Law Exam (NYLE), which is a 2-hour online test containing 50 multiple-choice questions covering material in the NYLC.
The length of the exam is obviously related directly to your specific jurisdiction’s requirements, but for almost all states, it is two days. You complete 12 hours of testing over two full days.
How long does it take to get bar exam results?
Most states release results within 8–12 weeks, though timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction
How long to study for bar exam?
It takes approximately 10 full weeks of studying to pass. Some students do it in less; others take longer. But most bar review courses are roughly 10 weeks long.
