Written by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and set to debut in July 2026, the NextGen Bar Exam will test a broad range of foundational lawyering skills, utilizing a focused set of clearly identified fundamental legal concepts and principles needed in today's practice of law. Designed to balance the skills and knowledge needed in litigation and transactional legal practice, the exam will reflect many of the key changes that law schools are making today, building on the successes of clinical legal education programs, alternative dispute resolution programs, and legal writing and analysis programs.
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), founded in 1931, is a not-for-profit corporation that develops licensing tests for bar admission and provides character and fitness investigation services. NCBE also
Next Generation of the Bar Exam
The National Conference of Bar Examiners is in the process of implementing the Testing Task Force’s recommendations for the next generation of the bar exam, which were approved by NCBE’s Board of Trustees at the end of January 2021. The new bar exam will measure both knowledge and skills holistically through a mix of item formats. It will take four to five years to develop and implement. Learn More About the Bar Exam of the Future.
Other NCBE Exams
The NCBE provides multiple exams including:
Originally published November 1, 2023 by Christina Glon.
Last revised June 21, 2024 by Christina Glon.
