Ready to tackle the most significant bar exam transformation since the UBE launch? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the NextGen Bar Exam and how to prepare for this game-changing test. We get that this change can seem stressful and scary. But don’t worry — we are here to help you through it.
What Exactly Is the NextGen Bar Exam?
The NextGen Bar Exam represents a fundamental shift in how we assess legal competency. Developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), this new exam launches in July 2026 and will completely replace the current UBE by July 2028.
Here’s the bottom line: This isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a complete overhaul designed to test practical lawyering skills rather than rote memorization.
Key Changes That Will Impact Your Preparation
Shorter Test, Smarter Focus
The exam shrinks from 12 hours to 9 hours over 1.5 days, but don’t celebrate yet—the content is more integrated and skills-focused than ever. So, will it still be a hard test? Probably. But, like most things with smart preparation and practice, you can figure out how to get yourself ready for exam day.
Reduced Subject Matter Coverage
Good news for overwhelmed students: The NCBE has published a streamlined content scope that eliminates several traditional subjects. So that means less memorization time for the NextGen bar exam. Yay!
What’s OUT:
- Conflict of Laws
- Secured Transactions
What’s IN:
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
- Business Associations
Special Subject Handling:
- Family Law: From July 2026 through February 2028, family law concepts will appear on every NextGen exam in a performance task and may also be included in integrated question sets. During this period, family law concepts will be tested with the provision of legal resources. Starting in July 2028, family law will be included in the foundational concepts and principles tested on the NextGen UBE and will be tested in the same manner as the other foundational concepts and principles.
- Trusts and Estates: From July 2026 through at least February 2028, trusts and estates concepts will appear on every NextGen exam in a performance task and may also be included in integrated question sets. During this period, trusts and estates concepts will be tested with the provision of legal resources.
Revolutionary Question Formats
Forget the traditional MBE/MEE/MPT structure. The NextGen features three integrated components:
- Multiple-Choice Questions (~40% of exam time)
- May include 4-6 answer choices
- Possibility of multiple correct answers (we are still waiting to see a lot of questions for this to really understand what they are looking for)
- Initially similar to current MBE questions for consistency
- Sample NextGen Multiple-Choice questions
- Integrated Question Sets (~25% of exam)
- Combines multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Based on common fact scenarios with legal resources provided
- Tests both substantive knowledge and practical skills
- Sample NextGen Integrated Question Sets
- Longer Writing Tasks (~33% of exam)
- Enhanced performance tasks similar to current MPT
- May include research components and multiple-choice elements
- Could feature subjects not requiring memorization (like Intellectual Property or Administrative Law)
- Sample NextGen Performance Tasks
Which States Are Adopting NextGen?
As of mid-2025, 44 jurisdictions have announced plans to adopt the NextGen exam. Ten jurisdictions will first administer the new exam in July 2026, thirteen in July 2027, three in February 2028, and eighteen in July 2028. Major developments include New York’s announcement to administer NextGen beginning July 2028.
For the most current jurisdiction count and adoption timeline, visit the NCBE website as additional jurisdictions may have announced since then.
Current Adoption Timeline:
- July 2026: Connecticut, Guam, Idaho, Maryland, Missouri, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Palau, Virgin Islands, Washington
- July 2027: Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming
- February 2028: Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois
- July 2028: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia
Key Timeline Points:
How long can states keep using the current test?
- July 2026: First administration in select jurisdictions
- February 2028: The last administration for which the current NCBE-developed bar exam components (MBE, MEE, MPT) will be administered
Important Note: Not all states will transition simultaneously. California and Nevada have said they will not use the NextGen bar exam.
What is California’s plan? Well since their last attempt at creating their own bar multiple choice was a dumpster fire (February 2025), we will have to wait and see.
Skills Being Tested: Beyond Memorization
The NextGen focuses on seven foundational lawyering skills:
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing and Drafting
- Issue Spotting and Analysis
- Investigation and Evaluation
- Client Counseling and Advising
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- Client Relationship Management
Strategy Tip: If you are still in law school, continue developing these skills now through clinics, externships, and practical courses—not just during bar prep. Besides, you need these skills to practice law. So, getting prepared for the bar exam may help you as you start practicing as a new lawyer (wouldn’t that be cool!).
How to Prepare for the NextGen Bar Exam While Still in Law School
Course Selection Strategy
Target courses covering the foundational subjects requiring memorization. Even if you’re not sure which jurisdiction you’ll practice in, these subjects appear on NextGen.
Priority Classes:
- Evidence (if not required) (really, we think this is a smart one to take no matter what)
- Business Associations/Corporations (this is a good real-life class to have anyway)
- Any practical skills courses (negotiation, client counseling, trial advocacy, clinics)
Skills Development Focus
Law schools are actively preparing for NextGen by adjusting curricula and expanding skills-based offerings. Take advantage of:
- Clinical programs
- Legal writing courses beyond the required sequence
- Simulation and skills-based electives
- Pro bono opportunities requiring client interaction
Pro Tip: Ask your academic support advisors specifically about NextGen preparation. Many schools are developing targeted programming, and I am sure your school will be communicating how they are going to help you prepare in the coming months. If you aren’t seeing content about this at your school — then go to Academic Support or your Bar Support office and ask!
Technology and Testing Changes
The NextGen will be fully computer-based, requiring:
- Strong typing skills for extended periods (if you are a terrible typist, start working on this)
- Comfort with digital document review (I mean, I love reading on paper, but it is time to get used to reviewing docs on a computer)
- Ability to navigate between multiple windows/applications (this is going to take some practice as most students find this frustrating)
Action Item: Start practicing extended computer-based reading and writing now. Your law school exams are great preparation.
Managing NextGen Anxiety: You’re Not Alone
Feeling overwhelmed about being part of the “guinea pig” legal generation? That’s completely normal. Here’s perspective:
Reality Check: Legal education experts emphasize that the NextGen exam tests skills law students already develop throughout law school.
Your Advantages:
- Less memorization burden (most people will like that)
- More realistic assessment of lawyering skills
- Shorter testing period (I mean, I would have loved 9 hours of testing)
- Skills-based approach matches modern legal practice
Score Portability: Navigate the Transition Carefully
The NCBE expects NextGen scores to be portable across adopting jurisdictions, similar to current UBE portability. However, the transition period creates complexity. Make sure you fully understand score portability if that is something you are counting on.
Strategic Considerations:
- Research your target jurisdiction’s adoption timeline
- Understand whether UBE scores will transfer to NextGen jurisdictions
Your Next Steps
- Stay Informed: Monitor the NCBE website for regular updates on adoption timelines and sample materials
- Plan Your Law School Courses: Prioritize the foundational subjects and skills-based electives
- Develop Practical Skills: Seek clinical, externship, and pro bono opportunities
- Build Technology Comfort: Practice extended computer-based writing and research
- Connect with Resources: Follow Bar Exam Toolbox for ongoing NextGen updates and strategies (and join our free mailing list) and make sure you are getting all updates from your law school (check and read your email regularly!).
The Bottom Line
The NextGen Bar Exam represents the legal profession’s recognition that modern lawyers need practical skills, not just memorization abilities. While change creates uncertainty, this transformation aligns legal education assessment with actual practice demands.
Remember: You’re not just preparing for a test—you’re developing skills that will serve your entire legal career.
Good luck! Reach out with any questions and we’d be happy to help.
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