Bar Exam States: Which States Have the Toughest Licensing Tests?

When you think about becoming a lawyer in the U.S., the bar exam, a licensing test all aspiring lawyers must pass to practice law in a specific state. Also known as lawyer licensing exam, it's not the same everywhere—each state sets its own rules, difficulty level, and pass rates. Some states are known for being brutal. Others? They’re more forgiving. But if you’re planning to take it, you need to know which bar exam states demand the most.

The California bar exam, one of the most challenging in the country, with a pass rate often below 40%. It’s not just the volume of material—it’s the essay format, the performance test, and the fact that they test subjects other states don’t. Then there’s Delaware, a small state with a notoriously high passing score requirement of 145 out of 200. Compare that to states like Alabama or Missouri, where you might pass with a 130. The New York bar exam, famous for its volume and complexity, includes both the MBE and state-specific essays. It’s not the hardest in terms of pass rate, but the sheer amount you need to memorize makes it a marathon.

What really separates these bar exam states isn’t just the score you need—it’s how they structure the test, what they expect you to know, and how much they punish mistakes. Some states give you a multiple-choice section only. Others throw in practical scenarios where you have to draft a motion or write a legal memo under time pressure. And while most states use the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), a few—like Louisiana—don’t even use it. They test civil law instead, based on Napoleon’s code. That’s a whole different playbook.

If you’re studying for the bar, knowing which state you’re taking it in changes everything. Your study plan, your resources, even your mindset—none of it should be generic. You can’t treat California like you would Minnesota. The bar exam states don’t just vary in difficulty—they vary in philosophy. Some want to gatekeep. Others want to make sure you can actually do the job. And if you’re aiming to practice in one of the toughest ones, you’re not just preparing for a test—you’re preparing for a professional rite of passage.

Below, you’ll find real insights from people who’ve walked this path—what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the traps that trip up even the smartest candidates.