Faculty Perspectives on NextGen, Exam Structure and Duration, and More
How might the changes that are coming with the NextGen bar exam help shape changes in legal education? In the latest issue of the Bar…
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Content Scope
About the NextGen Bar Exam
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. Find out more:
8 Foundational Concepts & Principles
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- Civil Procedure
- Contract Law
- Evidence
- Torts
- Business Associations
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Real Property
7 Foundational Skills
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- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Issue Spotting and Analysis
- Investigation and Evaluation
- Client Counseling and Advising
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- Client Relationship and Management
8 Foundational Concepts & Principles
-
- Civil Procedure
- Contract Law
- Evidence
- Torts
- Business Associations
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Real Property
7 Foundational Skills
-
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Issue Spotting and Analysis
- Investigation and Evaluation
- Client Counseling and Advising
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- Client Relationship and Management
Latest News
NCBE Publishes First Sample Questions for NextGen Bar Exam
NCBE has published the first sample questions for the NextGen bar exam. The questions provide examples of two new question types that will be featured…
Recommendations
In January 2021, the NCBE Board of Trustees approved the Testing Task Force’s recommendations to ensure that the next generation of the bar exam continues to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent entry-level legal practice in a changing profession. The process to implement the recommendations is expected to take 5 years. If you wish to subscribe to receive updates as development of the NextGen Bar Exam progresses, or simply have questions, please click either the “CONTACT US” or “SUBSCRIBE” button below.
Testing Task Force Reports
Final Report of Testing Task Force
This report represents the end of the TTF’s work—a substantial research project that produced scientifically supported recommendations for the content, timing, scoring, format, and delivery mode of the bar examination of the future.
Overview of Recommendations
Based on this extensive research, the Task Force arrived at high-level decisions about the content and the design for the next generation of the bar examination.
Phase 3 Report
Based on this extensive research, the Task Force arrived at high-level decisions about the content and the design for the next generation of the bar examination.
Phase 2 Report
Based on this extensive research, the Task Force arrived at high-level decisions about the content and the design for the next generation of the bar examination.
Phase 1 Report
Based on this extensive research, the Task Force arrived at high-level decisions about the content and the design for the next generation of the bar examination.
