Implementing the Next Generation of the Bar Exam, 2022–2026

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. The earliest stages of the implementation process, in 2021 and 2022, were focused on publishing and gathering feedback on the preliminary Content Scope Outlines and developing and evaluating prototypes of new item types and item sets.

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A visual representation of the timeline events for the implementation of the next generation bar exam, 2022 to 2026. For an alternative list view of the timeline items, refer to the Timeline Legend below the graphic. Please note that Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 refer to quarters of a year.

Implementing the Next Generation of the Bar Exam, 2022–2026

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. The earliest stages of the implementation process, in 2021 and 2022, were focused on publishing and gathering feedback on the preliminary Content Scope Outlines and developing and evaluating prototypes of new item types and item sets.

DOWNLOAD/PRINT
A visual representation of the timeline events for the implementation of the next generation bar exam, 2022 to 2026. For an alternative list view of the timeline items, refer to the Timeline Legend below the graphic. Please note that Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 refer to quarters of a year.

Timeline Legend

Index Time Frame Description
1 Q3 2022 – Q3 2023 Conduct pilot testing of draft items and item types
2 Q2 2023 – Q3 2023 Publish final Content Scope Outlines
3 Q2 2023 – Q1 2026 Upon request, assist jurisdictions with rule, statute, and policy changes
4 Q3 2023 – Q4 2026 Publish sample items and study aid materials as available
5 Q4 2023 – Q2 2024 Conduct field testing of operational items
6 Q1 2024 – Q3 2024 Publish final exam design and test content specifications
7 Q4 2024 – Q1 2025 Administer prototype exam
8 Q2 2025 Perform standard-setting exercise
9 Q3 2025 Release standard-setting recommendations to assist jurisdictions in setting passing scores
10 Q3 2026 First administration of new exam

Glossary of Terms

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.

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.

Prototype Exam. A large-scale administration of a full-length exam to a large and representative sample of students or recently licensed lawyers for the purpose of generating performance data to support the standard-setting process for jurisdictions.

Updated: 12/2022