Bar exam changes tracker
The bar exam is in its biggest transition in decades: the NextGen UBE launched in July 2026 in 10 jurisdictions, others follow through July 2028, and the legacy MBE, MEE and MPT end after February 2028. Nevada has replaced its traditional exam with a new multi-part licensing pathway, and some jurisdictions have changed passing scores and transfer rules.
Sources: NCBE; State Bar of Nevada; individual items as noted. Checked October 11, 2026.
| Change | When | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NextGen UBE launches in 10 jurisdictions | July 2026 | NCBE |
| Nevada retires its traditional exam; the Nevada Plan (FLE, LPE, supervised practice, MPRE) takes over | After July 2026; first LPE January 19, 2027 | State Bar of Nevada |
| Most jurisdictions accept NextGen transfer scores | From July 2026 | NCBE |
| New York and Florida won’t accept pre-July 2028 NextGen transfers | Through July 2028 | NCBE chart |
| Iowa lowers legacy UBE passing score from 266 to 260 | July 2026 | NCBE |
| Last legacy UBE in Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming (West Virginia: NCBE sources differ). Also: Wisconsin adopted the UBE in July 2026, keeping diploma privilege; Washington ran a September 2026 make-up after some July 2026 NextGen testing was cancelled | February 2027 | NCBE |
| Final legacy UBE (MBE, MEE, MPT) | February 2028 | NCBE |
| All NextGen jurisdictions administering | By July 2028 | NCBE |
| MPRE fee $185 | 2026-2027 | NCBE |
Official source & community discussion
NCBE: NextGen UBE (official) →
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