NCBE Reports First NextGen UBE Administration in July 2026

The Short Version

• The first NextGen Uniform Bar Examination was administered on July 28–29, 2026, marking a significant transition for legal education.
• A total of 2,640 examinees participated in the inaugural exam across 16 testing locations.
• These administrations occurred in 10 different jurisdictions, signaling broad adoption of the new format.
• A September make-up administration was also conducted in Washington for eligible candidates.

NEW YORK — The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) confirmed the inaugural administration of the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) on July 28–29, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of legal licensing. This first administration saw 2,640 examinees participate across 16 testing locations in 10 jurisdictions, as detailed in the November 2026 NCBE report.

NextGen UBE Debut and Examinee Participation

The July 2026 administration of the NextGen UBE represented a major shift in the bar examination landscape. With 2,640 candidates completing the exam, the NCBE began collecting initial data on the performance and logistics of the new format.

This initial cohort of examinees tested in 10 different jurisdictions, indicating a significant regional rollout for the NextGen UBE. The successful administration across multiple states highlights the cooperative effort required for such a large-scale change, according to the NCBE report.

Jurisdictional Adoption and Testing Locations

The widespread participation across 10 jurisdictions underscores a collective move by various state bar examination boards to adopt the new NextGen UBE. A total of 16 individual testing locations facilitated the examination, ensuring accessibility for candidates in the participating states.

This broad adoption reflects ongoing discussions and preparations among states regarding the implementation of the NextGen format. Many states have been reviewing the new structure, which emphasizes foundational lawyering skills and legal knowledge, as outlined in earlier NCBE guidance for the NextGen Bar Exam debut.

Make-Up Examination in Washington

Beyond the initial July dates, a make-up administration for the NextGen UBE was conducted in Washington during September. This additional testing opportunity aimed to accommodate examinees who may have faced unforeseen circumstances preventing their participation in the primary July session.

Such provisions are standard practice in bar examination administration, ensuring fairness and flexibility for candidates. The specific details of the Washington make-up exam, including the number of participants, will likely be analyzed in subsequent NCBE reports.

Evolution of Bar Examination Standards

The introduction of the NextGen UBE is the culmination of years of research and development by the NCBE to modernize the bar examination. The new format is designed to assess skills deemed critical for newly licensed attorneys, moving beyond rote memorization.

This shift from the traditional Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) components to a more integrated assessment approach has been widely discussed within legal education circles. The NCBE aims to ensure the exam remains relevant to current legal practice, adapting to changes in the profession.

NCBE's Ongoing Role in Licensing

As the NextGen UBE transitions into regular administration, the NCBE continues its role in supporting state bar admission authorities. The organization provides resources and data analysis to ensure consistency and fairness in the licensing process nationwide.

Their comprehensive news resources and reports offer insights into examination policies and performance. These publications are crucial for jurisdictions and candidates alike to understand the evolving standards of legal practice and examination requirements.

What the Reports Don't Say

• The initial pass rates or performance statistics for the July 2026 NextGen UBE are not yet available in this report.
• The specific jurisdictions that administered the NextGen UBE in July 2026 are not itemized.
• Further details regarding the September make-up administration in Washington, such as the number of examinees, remain undisclosed.

Sources

Compiled by the Bar Exam News Desk from the sources listed below. AI-assisted; checked against the sources at publication.

• [Official] November 2026 NCBE Report: First Administration of the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination: American Bar Association
• [Reference] NCBE News Resources: National Conference of Bar Examiners