You clicked to get a straight answer. If all you care about is the test itself being the easiest, Wisconsin’s diploma privilege is the clear winner for grads of Wisconsin law schools because there’s no exam. If you must sit for an exam, jurisdictions with the lowest Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) cut score-260-are the lightest lift on paper (think Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota). But that’s only half the story. “Easiest” depends on where you plan to practice, score portability, and how strong the candidate pool is in each state. Chasing a soft cut score can backfire if it traps you in the wrong jurisdiction.

• TL;DR:
• Zero-exam path: Wisconsin’s diploma privilege (for UW-Madison and Marquette Law grads) is the closest thing to the “easiest” route.
• Lowest UBE cut score (lighter lift): 260 in Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota.
• Pass rates ≠ difficulty. They swing with candidate pools and repeat-taker mix, not just the exam.
• Pick based on where you’ll practice and UBE portability, not only the number on the scoreboard.
• Watch changes as NextGen Bar Exam rolls out from 2026; always verify current rules with your state bar and the NCBE.

Jobs you likely want to finish right now:

• Get a clear, honest “easiest state” answer without fluff.
• See which jurisdictions have the lowest cut scores and how that compares to pass rates.
• Understand UBE portability, state-specific add‑ons, and transfer rules.
• Choose a state to sit in that won’t box you in later.
• Build a quick plan to hit the score you need on your timeline and budget.

What “easiest bar exam” really means in 2025 (and the quick answer)

When people ask, “What state has the easiest bar exam?” they usually mean one of three things: the lowest passing score (cut score), the highest pass rate, or the lowest total effort to become licensed. Those are not the same thing.

Fast answer, three angles:

• Least effort overall: Wisconsin for in‑state law grads. Its Diploma Privilege (under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules, often cited as SCR 40.03) lets graduates of UW-Madison or Marquette Law who complete required coursework get admitted without taking a bar exam.
• Lightest UBE hurdle: Jurisdictions setting a 260 UBE cut score-Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota-require fewer points to pass compared to states at 266, 270, or higher. Fewer points means more cushion for mistakes.
• “Highest pass rates”: This metric misleads. A state can post high pass rates because many strong first‑time candidates sit there, not because the exam is easy. Pass rates jump around by year and pool.

Two key realities to hold onto:

• Portability beats raw “ease.” If you want options, a UBE state gives you a score you can transfer-provided you hit the target for the destination jurisdiction and meet its time limits and character‑and‑fitness requirements.
• “Easy” can be a trap. Sitting in a 260 state might help you pass, but if your career is in New York (266) or Texas (270), you’ll need a higher score anyway to transfer. Better to aim at the score you actually need.

Primary sources to trust for the specifics: the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) for UBE components and cut scores; your jurisdiction’s Board of Law Examiners for score policies, transfers, and local law components; Wisconsin Supreme Court rules for the Diploma Privilege; and California State Bar for its current cut score policy.

Cut scores, pass rates, and UBE portability: the data

Let’s decode the data you actually need to make a smart call.

Cut scores (how many points you need to pass):

• UBE scores typically range from 260 to 280 by jurisdiction.
• Common thresholds: 260 (lower), 266 (mid), 270+ (higher). Alaska sits at the high end (often cited at 280). California isn’t UBE; it uses its own scale (passing at 1390 since 2020’s change), which is widely viewed as demanding.

What the UBE includes:

• MBE (multiple choice) - 50% of total UBE score.
• MEE (essays) - 30%.
• MPT (performance tests) - 20%.

Pass rates (what they tell you and what they don’t):

• First‑time pass rates vary by year and jurisdiction-often around the 60-85% range per July sitting, but swings happen.
• High pass rate ≠ easy exam. Stronger applicant pools (e.g., more ABA‑accredited graduates, fewer repeat takers) inflate pass rates regardless of cut score.

Portability in practice:

• If you sit in a 260 state and score 268, you can often transfer to 266 states (like New York or D.C.) assuming you meet their other requirements and transfer windows.
• If you score 261, you’ll clear a 260 state but won’t qualify for a 266 or 270 jurisdiction by transfer.

Here’s a snapshot of how several jurisdictions line up in 2025 terms. Always verify current rules with the NCBE and your state’s Board of Law Examiners-numbers can and do change.

*Ranges are typical July first‑time outcomes and vary by year. Check the NCBE and your state for the latest session‑specific stats.

A quick rule of thumb for translating targets:

• 266 UBE ≈ average 133 on the MBE half (since MBE is 50% of the UBE). That’s not the whole story-your essays and MPT can offset-but it helps you set a study target.
• If you want options, target at least the highest cut score in the cluster of states you might need. For many people, that’s 270.

Credible places to confirm details: NCBE (exam design, MBE scaling, jurisdiction policies), your state Board of Law Examiners (cut scores, transfer windows, local requirements), Wisconsin Supreme Court rules (Diploma Privilege specifics), California State Bar (cut score and format), and New York Board of Law Examiners (NYLC/NYLE requirements).

How to choose where to sit: step‑by‑step, heuristics, and pitfalls

Here’s a simple plan that keeps options open while respecting your time and money.

1. Decide where you actually want to practice in the first 3-5 years. If you already know the state-say Texas-just aim for that state’s standard (270) and stop the search. If you’re unsure or want mobility, prioritise UBE states.

2. Pick a target score that unlocks your options. If your likely list includes New York (266) and Texas (270), set your study target at 270+. This protects portability. Sitting in a 260 state is fine-just plan training and practice to score above the transfer cut you need.

3. Check the fine print before you commit. Look at: transfer windows (how long your UBE score is valid for transfer), character & fitness timing, state‑specific add‑ons (NYLC/NYLE, Texas Law Component), and MPRE timing. These are all published by the state boards and NCBE.

4. Run a cost and logistics pass. Fees, travel, hotel, and time off matter. If money is tight, sitting where you live can be smarter than travelling to a 260 state, especially if you’re aiming at 266-270 anyway.

5. Lock a prep plan to your target score. If you’re aiming at 270, study like you need 275. Give yourself a 5-10 point cushion. Use your strongest section (MBE for many) to carry weaker ones, but don’t neglect the MPT-those are bankable points.

Decision heuristics you can use today:

• Have a Wisconsin JD? Use the Diploma Privilege unless you need immediate UBE portability (e.g., you’re moving out of state right away).
• Unsure where you’ll land? Sit in a convenient UBE state and aim for 270 so you can transfer broadly.
• Know you’ll stay in a 260 state long term? Then yes, the lower threshold helps-lean into it.
• Chasing a high pass‑rate state won’t help if it locks you out of your actual job market.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Optimising for “easy” at the expense of your career market. Passing is step one; getting licensed where the jobs are is the point.
• Under‑targeting. If you need 266, study for 270. If you need 270, study for 275. The exam is noisy; give yourself room.
• Ignoring state add‑ons. New York’s NYLC/NYLE is extra time. Texas has its law component. These are small, but missing them delays admission.
• Letting pass‑rate headlines spook you. Look at the jurisdiction’s cut score and your study plan instead.

Quick score‑planning tips:

• MBE is 50% of your UBE score. A steady improvement of 10 scaled points on the MBE can often swing your total by 5+ UBE points, thanks to the weighting. Build daily multiple‑choice reps.
• MPT is 20% and very learnable. Treat it like a points factory-do timed MPTs weekly.
• Essays (MEE) reward structure and issue‑spotting more than perfect prose. Memorise core rule frameworks, not case names.

Quick answers (FAQ) and next steps

FAQ

• Which state is “easiest” if I don’t have a Wisconsin JD? If you must take an exam, a 260 UBE jurisdiction (Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota) is the lowest threshold. But if you plan to work in a 266 or 270 state, aim for that higher score anyway.

• Can I sit in a 260 state and transfer to New York or D.C.? Yes, if your UBE score meets or exceeds their cut score (266) and you meet their transfer window and requirements. Sitting in a low‑cut state doesn’t lower the score you must have for the destination state.

• Is California the hardest? It’s among the toughest due to its independent format and high standard (passing 1390 on its scale). Many repeat takers sit in California, which pushes down pass rates.

• What about Alaska at 280? High cut score. If you need portability to most other states, you’ll already be covered if you can clear 280. But you don’t need to chase a 280 target unless Alaska is your goal.

• How do pass rates factor in? Treat pass rates as background noise. Focus on cut score, your prep quality, and your personal data (MBE practice scores, essay performance).

• What’s changing with the NextGen Bar Exam? The NCBE plans to roll out the NextGen exam beginning in 2026. Some jurisdictions will adopt it on different timelines. It will test integrated lawyering skills more directly. This does not change your 2025 sitting, but it can change 2026+ prep. Always confirm your cohort’s format with the NCBE and your state board.

• What if I’m a foreign‑trained lawyer? Some jurisdictions (e.g., New York) allow certain foreign‑trained candidates to sit with evaluation and additional coursework. Others are stricter. Check the state BOLE and NCBE guidance.

• Do I need the MPRE first? Most states require an MPRE passing score and character & fitness approval. Verify the timing so the MPRE doesn’t delay your admission.

• If I can use Wisconsin’s Diploma Privilege, should I still take a UBE? If you plan to practice in Wisconsin or can waive later through experience, the privilege saves time and money. If you need immediate portability to a UBE state, consider taking the UBE now while the material is fresh.

Next steps by scenario

• I want NYC or D.C. BigLaw, but I’m nervous about the bar. Sit in a convenient UBE state you can manage logistically. Train for 270 even though NY/DC is 266. After results, transfer your score and complete the NYLC/NYLE or DC requirements. Your job market stays intact.

• I’m set on Texas. Aim for 270. Consider sitting in Texas to avoid extra steps later (Texas Law Component). Build your plan around clearing 270 with a 5+ point cushion.

• I’ll live and work in Missouri long term. A 260 cut score helps. Sit in Missouri, but still train for 266-270 to protect against an off day and to keep future portability open.

• I’m a Wisconsin JD staying in‑state. Use the Diploma Privilege. Redirect the time and budget to early practice skills and building your CV.

• I might move in two years and don’t know where. Take the UBE now and push for at least 270. Keep your score valid and track transfer windows for states you might target.

Simple checklist before you register:

• Confirm your target jurisdiction(s) and the highest cut score you may need.
• Verify exam format, local law components, and transfer windows with the state board and the NCBE.
• Schedule the MPRE and Character & Fitness milestones.
• Budget for exam fees, course, and travel (if any).
• Pick a prep plan that gives you daily MBE reps, weekly essays, and weekly MPTs.
• Set two score goals: minimum (the cut) and stretch (cut + 5-10 points).

Key sources to consult today: NCBE (exam structure, UBE policies, jurisdiction cut scores), your state Board of Law Examiners (admission rules, deadlines, local components), Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules for Diploma Privilege, California State Bar (cut score and format), New York Board of Law Examiners (NYLC/NYLE details). These are the places that make or change the rules.

Bottom line on “easiest”: If you can use Wisconsin’s diploma privilege, that’s the least resistance. If you must take an exam, 260‑cut UBE states are the lightest threshold-but the smart move is to target the score your career actually needs and keep portability front and centre.