NextGen: The Next Evolution of the Bar Exam
NextGen in the Bar Examiner Marilyn Wellington’s update on the NextGen bar exam is featured in the new issue of the Bar Examiner magazine, now…
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Preliminary Content Scope Outlines
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
NextGen Bar Exam Webcast September 30 – Now On-Demand
Legal educators are invited to an update on the development of the content scope and exam format of the NextGen bar exam at two live webcasts…
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.
