A collage of images: such as checkmarks, gears, a computer keyboard, and a gauge, used in the 2022-2026 timeline to convey the implementation process of the next generation of the bar exam.
NextGen Bar Exam Preliminary Family Law Subject Matter Outline for Public Comment

October NextGen Prototype Exam

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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:

Content Scope

Exam Development Timeline

Research & Recommendations

Latest News

Upcoming Events

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Foundational Concepts & Principles

    • Civil Procedure
    • Contract Law
    • Evidence
    • Torts
    • Business Associations
    • Constitutional Law
    • Criminal Law
    • Real Property
    • Family Law*

*In October 2023, NCBE announced that Family Law would be added to the list of foundational concepts and principles starting with the July 2028 NextGen bar exam.

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

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

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.

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Testing Task Force Reports

Final Report of the Testing Task Force April 2021 Testing Task Force National Conference of Bar Examiners

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.
READ REPORT
Overview of Recommendations for the Next Generation of the Bar Examination

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.
READ REPORT
Phase 3 Report of the Testing Task Force Blueprint Committee and Test Design Committee Meetings November 2020

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.
READ REPORT
Testing Task Force Phase 2 Report 2019 Practice Analysis March 2020

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.
READ REPORT
Your Voice Stakeholder Thoughts About the Bar Exam

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.
READ REPORT

Upcoming Events