Inaugural NextGen Bar Exam Reached 72.7% Pass Rate
The July 2026 test saw 2,630 total examinees participate as the exam rollout continues toward a full 2028 implementation.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The inaugural NextGen Uniform Bar Exam, administered in July 2026, saw an overall pass rate of 72.7%. Out of 2,630 total examinees, first-time test-takers passed at a rate of 85.2% while repeat examinees achieved a 41% pass rate.
Why it matters
This exam transition represents a significant shift in legal licensing, with 52 of 56 U.S. jurisdictions having adopted the new computer-based testing format. The move aims to modernize the bar examination process as the legacy version approaches its 2028 sunset.
Official results from the July 2026 administration confirm a 72.7% pass rate for the 2,630 examinees who earned a score. The process remains under review following technical disruptions in Missouri and the full cancellation of the exam in Washington.
The players
Washington
This U.S. jurisdiction opted to scrap its July 2026 bar exam administration following critical technical issues.
Missouri
Test-takers in this state experienced significant, long-duration delays during the first day of the July 2026 exam administration.
The details
The NextGen UBE is conducted entirely on computers and provides scores ranging from 500 to 750. While the national rollout is ongoing, the administration faced logistical hurdles including significant testing delays for candidates in Missouri.
Timeline
The inaugural NextGen UBE administration took place in July 2026.
The legacy bar exam is scheduled to sunset by July 2028.
Legal Context
The transition to the NextGen UBE aligns with the planned July 2028 sunset of the legacy bar exam. This overhaul reflects a broader modernization effort currently adopted by 52 of 56 U.S. jurisdictions to standardize legal testing across state lines.
Future law school graduates should prepare for a digital-only testing environment as states continue to adopt the new standard. Candidates in jurisdictions impacted by technical failures may face shifting administrative requirements as authorities address the rollout disruptions.
The takeaway
The successful implementation of the NextGen UBE marks a new era in legal licensing that prioritizes digital assessment over traditional paper exams. Stakeholders should monitor state-specific adoption updates to stay informed on testing timelines and requirements.
What happens next
The transition to the NextGen UBE is scheduled for full implementation across all participating jurisdictions by July 2028, at which time the legacy bar exam will officially sunset.
Further reading
For more information on legal standards and licensing requirements, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABA Journal - Law News Now.
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