Building a competent, ethical, and diverse legal profession.
NCBE is developing the next generation of the bar exam, guided by the results of a comprehensive, empirical three-year study and consistent with testing industry professional standards. Implementation will be conducted in a collaborative manner, informed by input from and participation by stakeholders. This timeline provides a high-level overview of the process that will bring the new exam from concept to reality.
Building a competent, ethical, and diverse legal profession.
NCBE is developing the next generation of the bar exam, guided by the results of a comprehensive, empirical three-year study and consistent with testing industry professional standards. Implementation will be conducted in a collaborative manner, informed by input from and participation by stakeholders. This timeline provides a high-level overview of the process that will bring the new exam from concept to reality.
| Task # | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021–2026 | Ensure validity, reliability, and fairness in test development, delivery, and scoring |
| 2 | 2021–2026 | Conduct analyses to ensure fairness for diverse populations of candidates and accessibility for candidates with disabilities |
| 3 | 2021–2026 | Develop IT systems to support all exam-related processes |
| 4 | Q2 2021–Q1 2022 | Determine scope of knowledge and skills to be assessed and publish draft test content specifications |
| 5 | Q3 2021–Q2 2022 | Determine forum for in-person computer delivery |
| 6 | Q3 2021–Q2 2022 | Develop and evaluate prototypes of new item types and item sets |
| 7 | Q3 2021–Q1 2023 | Develop scoring and grading processes |
| 8 | Q1 2022–Q4 2023 | Conduct pilot testing of prototype items |
| 9 | Q2 2022–Q4 2023 | Publish sample items as pilot testing is completed |
| 10 | Q2 2023–Q4 2023 | Develop test administration policies and procedures |
| 11 | Q4 2023 | Publish test administration policies |
| 12 | Q4 2023–Q4 2026 | Publish study aids as available |
| 13 | Q1 2024–Q3 2024 | Field test prototype of exam |
| 14 | Q1 2024–Q1 2026 | Assist jurisdictions with rule amendments and other changes to transition to the new exam |
| 15 | Q3 2024–Q4 2024 | Prepare and publish final test content specifications that include final exam design |
| 16 | Q1 2025 | Standard setting exercise to assist jurisdictions in setting passing scores |
| 17 | 2026 | Target for administration of new exam |
Item Set. A collection of test questions (items) based on a single scenario or stimulus such that the items pertaining to that scenario are developed and presented as a unit. Item sets can be developed so that all items within a set are of the same format or of different formats.
Develop and evaluate prototypes. Process for reviewing, critiquing, and revising early drafts of new item formats before and after pilot testing. Process for reviewing, critiquing, and revising early drafts of new item formats and related test materials as warranted (e.g., scoring rubrics). The purpose is to determine whether the item format should proceed to next stage of development and pilot testing.
Pilot Testing. A small-scale administration of early drafts of new item formats under semi-realistic conditions to small groups of law students and/or recently licensed practicing lawyers.
Field Testing. A large-scale administration of finalized new items under realistic conditions to a large and representative sample of students or recently licensed lawyers for the purpose of determining the operational feasibility of the items and format and to obtain estimates of item performance statistics.
