This article originally appeared in The Bar Examiner print edition, Winter 2025-2026 (Vol. 94, No. 4), pp. 45–46.
Since the first administration of the legacy Uniform Bar Examination in February 2011, score portability has been a staple of the UBE compact. In 2024, over 11,000 candidates transferred their UBE score to other jurisdictions, showcasing the importance of score portability in modern bar admissions.
Although many aspects of the bar exam are evolving with the debut of the NextGen UBE in July 2026, score portability will remain with the new exam. This FAQ will answer your questions on how score portability will work in 2026 when both the legacy UBE and NextGen UBE will be administered.
What is score portability?
Beginning with the legacy UBE’s first administration in 2011, score portability allows examinees to transfer their official score to seek admission in other UBE jurisdictions. Current UBE score portability is based not only on the use of the same discrete test components, which are uniformly administered and graded, but on an agreement by UBE jurisdictions to accept scores earned in other administering jurisdictions. For more information on UBE score portability, visit: ncbex.org/exams/ube/ube-score-portability.
What is the NextGen UBE?
Set to debut in July 2026, the NextGen UBE is a computer-based exam that will test a broad range of foundational lawyering skills, utilizing a focused set of clearly identified fundamental legal concepts and principles needed in today’s practice of law. The exam will feature three broad categories of question types: multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets, and longer performance tasks. To view sample questions and learn more about jurisdictions that have adopted the exam, visit the NCBE website at ncbex.org/exams/nextgen.
Will the NextGen UBE have score portability in 2026?
Yes! Starting in 2026, the NextGen UBE will produce portable scores for all jurisdictions that agree to accept such scores. For a current list of NextGen UBE jurisdictions and when they will begin accepting transferred scores, see this Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements chart: reports.ncbex.org/comp-guide/charts/chart-17/.
How will I transfer my NextGen UBE score?
As they do for the current legacy UBE, NCBE will administer NextGen UBE score transfers for examinees. Visit the NCBE score services page at ncbex.org/score-services for more information.
When will my jurisdiction start accepting transferred NextGen UBE scores?
NextGen UBE jurisdictions are in the process of announcing when they will start accepting scores. To learn when your jurisdiction will start accepting NextGen UBE scores, visit reports.ncbex.org/charts/chart-17/.
My jurisdiction has not yet adopted the NextGen UBE and won’t administer it in 2026. Can I transfer my legacy UBE score to a NextGen UBE jurisdiction?
Like the current UBE landscape, jurisdictions that administer the NextGen UBE will have the choice to accept NextGen and legacy UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions in the compact. For jurisdictions that choose to accept legacy UBE scores, NCBE has published and shared a recommended NextGen UBE passing score range, including a recommended mapping from legacy UBE scores, to aid each jurisdiction in determining whether a transferred score satisfies its own passing standard.
About the NextGen UBE
Set to debut in July 2026, the NextGen UBE will test a broad range of foundational legal doctrine and lawyering skills in the context of the current practice of law. The skills and concepts to be tested were developed through a nationwide legal practice analysis and reflect the most important knowledge and skills for newly licensed lawyers in both litigation and transactional practice. NCBE is committed to ensuring a systematic, transparent, and collaborative implementation process, informed by input from and participation by stakeholders, and guided by best practices and the professional standards for high-stakes testing. For more information, visit ncbex.org/exams/nextgen.
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